Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Archaeological Museum (Musée Archéologique)
This museum displays various objects from the Romans' occupation of this region. It's con-
venient—just below the Matisse Museum—but has little of interest to anyone but ancient
Rome aficionados. You also get access to the Roman bath ruins...which are, sadly, over-
grown with weeds.
Cost and Hours:
Free, very limited information in English, Wed-Mon 10:00-18:00,
closed Tue, near Matisse Museum at 160 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, tel. 04 93 81 59 57,
Masséna Museum (Musée Masséna)
LikeNice'smainsquare,thismuseumwasnamedinhonorofJean-AndréMasséna,ahighly
regarded commander during France's Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. The beachfront
mansion is worth a gander for its lavish decor and lovely gardens alone (pick up your free
ticket at the boutique just outside; no English information available).
Cost and Hours:
Free, Wed-Mon 10:00-18:00, closed Tue, last entrance 30 minutes be-
fore closing, 35 Promenade des Anglais, tel. 04 93 91 19 10,
www.massena-nice.org
.
Visiting the Museum:
There are three levels. The elaborate reception rooms on the
groundfloorhostoccasionalexhibitsandgivethebestfeelingforaristocraticNiceattheturn
ofthe 19th century (find Masséna'sportrait to the right after entering). The first floor up,of-
fering a folk-museum-like look at Nice through the years, deserves most of your time. Mov-
ingcounterclockwisearoundthefloor,you'llfindNapoleonicparaphernalia,Josephine'sim-
pressive cape and tiara, and Napoleon's vest (I'd look good in it). Next, antique posters pro-
motevacationsinNice—lookforthemodelandphotosofthelong-goneLaJetéePromenade
and its casino, Nice's first. You'll see paintings of Russian nobility who appreciated Nice's
climate,imagesofthecitybeforeitsriverwascoveredoverbyPlaceMasséna,andpaintings
honoring Italian patriot and Nice favorite Giuseppe Garibaldi. The top-floor painting gallery
is devoted to the Riviera before World War II, with scenes of rural Villefranche-sur-Mer and
other bucolic spots showing how the area looked before the tourist boom.
Promenade des Anglais, Cours Saleya, and Rue Masséna are all worth an evening walk.
Nice's bars play host to a happening late-night scene, filled with jazz, rock, and trolling
singles. Most activity focuses on Vieux Nice. Rue de la Préfecture and Place du Palais
are ground zero for bar life, though Place Rossetti and Rue Droite are also good targets.
Distilleries Ideales
is a good place to start or end your evening, with a lively international
crowd and a fun interior (where Rues de la Poissonnerie and Barillerie meet, happy hour
18:00-20:00).
Wayne's Bar
is a happening spot for the younger, English-speaking back-
