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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 06 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Located in the pink mansion built by the perfume baron Francois Coty, this art museum is one of Nice’s secret delights, filled with paintings in the ‘Naive’ style, dating from the 18th century up to the present.

‘Naive’ art is defined as ‘simple, unaffected and unsophisticated’ and usually specifically refers to art made by artists who have had no formal training in an art school or academy.

There are over 600 works from 27 countries – colourful, nature and rural-inspired scenes from the likes of Henri Rousseau (a renowned French Post-Impressionist artist discovered by Picasso), Douanier Rousseau, Grandma Moses, Rimpart and Bauchant.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £5
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The museum is in the Fabron residential district, the other end of the bay from Nice’s Old Town and major sights. It’s around a 15-minute drive or taxi, or an hour’s walk along the waterfront. Allow around two hours for your visit.

When to do it

The museum is open all year round, Wednesday to Monday. Closed Tuesdays.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hyatt Regency Palais de la Mediterranee

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[2.7 miles]

Big, full-service hotel with a flashy image, set in a historic casino on Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais seafront.

Official star rating:

Hotel Villa Victoria

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[2.7 miles]

This attractive, friendly and affordable 4-star boutique hotel stands out for its lovely garden. It’s handily located just outside the pedestrianised area of Old Nice, close to Nice’s main sights, and a short walk to its beach.

Official star rating:

Deck Hotel

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[2.9 miles]

This fun, colourful and affordable design hotel channels this area’s beach clubs, just off Nice’s Promenade des Anglais.

Official star rating:

Palais Saleya

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[3.5 miles]

Contemporary suites and apartments set in an attractive 18th-century building, in a superb location in Old Nice. A great base for a few days in Nice.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

French Riviera

Cote d'Azur, France

Money, glamour and bombshell looks: this beach-trimmed stretch of French coast offers decadent hotels, lounging in beach clubs, fine restaurants and world-class art.

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Nice

Cote d'Azur, France

The buzzing, art-filled, foodie capital of the French Riviera, with a charming, Italian-influenced historic centre. The ideal base for a first-time visit to the Cote d’Azur, and home to the world-renowned Nice Carnival.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Massena Museum of Art & History

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[2.3 miles]

One of France’s most splendid Belle Epoque villas, donated to the city of Nice by the aristocratic Massena family, is now home to a compelling collection of art, furniture and artifacts that track Nice’s rich history.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12

Nice Carnival

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[3.4 miles]

Parades, costumes, flower ‘battles’, lights, and sun: Nice holds one of the world’s best carnivals – second only to Rio.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 2 weeks

View looking down from above to the busy market of Cours Saleya in the centre of Nice City
Experience

Cours Saleya Food and Flower Market

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[3.5 miles]

Nice’s food and flower market, held along the pedestrianised Cours Saleya esplanade, is packed with all the vibrant, sensuous colours, flavours and scents of the south: lavender, marzipan, sugared almonds, spices, herbal teas, takeaway socca and pissaladiere snacks. Held Tuesday to Sunday, around 6.30am to 1.30pm.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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External facade of the beautiful ornate orange and cream vill building
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Nice Museum of Fine Arts

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[1.6 miles]

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Tucked between chi-chi St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Nice, the charming Medieval village of Villefranche-sur-Mer is the relaxed, boho antidote to the moneybags Riviera. A kilometre of coarse, gently shelving golden sand and crystalline waters, it’s all free and open to the public.

Best for ages: Any | Free

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Villa Kerylos

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[8.3 miles]

Built in 1908 in an ancient-Greek-style, this villa in a ravishing seaside garden setting features replica 2nd-century AD interiors typical of the island of Delos. The project of two scholars obsessed with the period.

Best for ages: 18+ | £8

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Paloma Beach

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cote d'Azur, France[8.8 miles]

Sheltered from the wind, this shingle beach in a beautiful, wooded cove is a laid-back favourite of both locals and celebrities. Views across to the Alps are sublime. It’s part public, but best to splurge on a lounger at the delightful Paloma Beach Club – a local institution with an excellent restaurant.

Best for ages: Any | Free

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