Nice, a city with Mediterranean charm, is dotted with emblematic squares that are not only places to stroll or meet people, but also attractive residential areas. Each of these squares offers a unique living environment, combining heritage, amenities and local atmosphere. Here’s an overview of Nice’s main squares and their appeal as places to live.

Place Masséna: the vibrant heart of the city. A prestigious, central setting

Place Masséna is undoubtedly Nice’s most emblematic square. Located right in the center of town, it boasts a black-and-white cobbled floor, luminous statues by Jaume Plensa, and magnificent facades with Italian-inspired arcades. Surrounded by gardens and linked to the Promenade du Paillon, it is a focal point for locals and visitors alike. During festivities such as the Nice Carnival or Christmas, it is transformed into a magical place.

Residential benefits:

  • Immediate proximity to shops, restaurants and public transport (tram and bus).
  • A prestigious setting that attracts lovers of upmarket properties.

Place Garibaldi: a tribute to the hero of Italian unification – Historic elegance

Located at the entrance to Vieux-Nice, Place Garibaldi is a veritable historical gem, renowned for its neoclassical architecture and sophisticated atmosphere. With its ochre-fronted buildings and elegant arcades, it offers a chic yet relaxed atmosphere. In the center, the statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi keeps watch over this space, which regularly hosts markets and lively terraces. The square is also an ideal starting point for exploring Vieux-Nice or getting to the port.

Living around this square means enjoying a historic setting while being close to the port and the green corridor.

Residential advantages :

  • A strategic location between the town center and Vieux-Nice.
  • Numerous restaurants and cafés within walking distance.
  • A lively and refined environment.

Place Rossetti: charm in the heart of Vieux-Nice

Small but full of charm, Place Rossetti is one of the most picturesque squares in Nice. Lined with restaurants, cafés and ice-cream parlors, it’s a popular place to enjoy a traditional ice cream or sample local specialties. At the center of the square, the majestic cathedral of Sainte-Réparate, with its baroque architecture, dominates the area and offers an idyllic setting for a pleasant break.

Small and cozy, Piazza Rossetti is ideal for those looking for an authentic setting. The old buildings surrounding the square often offer character flats with exposed beams and balconies overlooking the square.

Residential benefits :

  • Total immersion in the atmosphere of Vieux-Nice.
  • Close to shops, local markets and tourist attractions.

Place Saint-François: a Provençal touch – the authenticity of Nice

Less well-known but just as charming, Place Saint-François offers a typically Nice atmosphere with its small morning fish market. Once the site of a Franciscan convent, this square exudes tranquility, far from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas.

More discreet than the others, Place Saint-François is known for its daily fish market. It attracts those looking for an authentic atmosphere and neighborhood life.

Residential advantages :

  • An authentic and picturesque setting.
  • Housing that is often more affordable than in other areas.

Place du Palais de Justice: Between history and modernity, entertainment and culture

This square, close to the famous Cours Saleya, is home to Nice’s Palais de Justice, an imposing building that reflects the city’s judicial history. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes livelier thanks to the many bars and cafés in the area, attracting crowds of locals and tourists alike. It’s a place where ancient and modern meet in harmony.

Located in the heart of Vieux-Nice, this square attracts those who enjoy a lively city life. The surrounding buildings are home to flats prized for their central location.

Residential benefits :

  • Quick access to bars, cafés and art galleries.
  • A lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings.

Place de la Libération (or Place Charles-de-Gaulle): a friendly, local meeting place

Also known as the Place Charles-de-Gaulle, this square is at the heart of a residential area that is popular for its local market and its proximity to public transport. With its wide open spaces and location slightly set back from the historic center, it is a friendly meeting place where you can enjoy local produce.

Residential benefits :

  • A friendly, family-friendly neighborhood atmosphere.
  • Property prices generally more affordable than in the historic center.

Conclusion: a choice for every lifestyle

Nice‘s squares offer a variety of residential experiences, from the luxury of Place Masséna to the authenticity of Place Saint-François. Whether you’re looking for prestige, dynamism or tranquility, each of these squares caters for different needs, making Nice a great place to live for everyone. Before choosing, it’s essential to consider your lifestyle and priorities to find the place that’s right for you.

Nice’s squares are more than just places to pass through: they tell the city’s story, reflect its dynamism and bring its inhabitants and visitors together.

No visit to Nice would be complete without a visit to one of these places.