Place Massena

Place Massena which includes a statue or sculpture
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
Nice’s main square offers opportunities for shopping, delightful cafés dotted around the edge and some of the best people-watching in the city.

Place Massena is the main square in Nice. The large plaza lies between the Old and New Towns, and is lined with shops and restaurants. It sits at a crossroads of several main boulevards, including the grand Avenue Jean Médecin. Locals flock here on their way to school and work. Stop for a coffee at one of the cafés dotted around the edge of the square and take in the action. The tramway runs through the center of the plaza, but otherwise it’s pedestrian only.

The old buildings surrounding the square have all been painted red with blue shutters, which are typical of the area. Large stone archways lead to shops and restaurants, including Galeries Lafayette. Shop for perfume and designer clothing at France’s celebrated department store.

A fountain in one corner of the square depicts several stories in Greek mythology, with a 22-foot (7-meter) statue of Apollo at the center. Sit on the edge of the fountain for another prime people-watching spot, or join the tourists having their photos taken in front of the statues.

A modern art installation by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa is most eye-catching at night, when the seven statues are lit up in bright colors. Tall poles along the tramline hold up statues of kneeling men, who represent the seven continents. The fountain and buildings surrounding the plaza are also lit up at night.

Events take place here year round. In December, an annual Christmas Market is held, and the square is filled with tents, a Christmas tree and a Ferris Wheel. Come for the Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, when there’s a military parade and fireworks.

It’s a short stroll from the square to the Promenade des Anglais, and 10 minutes walk or two stops on the tram to the main train station. Wander down any one of the nearby streets for boutique and designer shopping.

Plan a trip to see Place Massena

Hotel De Paris Sanremo
Nehô Suites Cannes Croisette
Best Western Plus Hotel Elixir Grasse
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Place Massena

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
93
" "5 - Excellent 41.333333333333336%
4 - Good
111
" "4 - Good 49.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
21
" "3 - Okay 9.333333333333334%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
5 Nov 2019

Great for kids

3/5 - Okay

Ify
27 Feb 2019

We went there on a tuesday and unfortunately it was closed. Nice surrounding though

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Feb 2019

The Carnaval De Nice takes place in the Place Masséna and has an amazing atmosphere. If you’re in Nice around February / March time be sure to check out this celebration!

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Hôtel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo
Hôtel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo
3 out of 5
19 Bis Boulevard Victor Hugo, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Hôtel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo
Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
3 out of 5
4 avenue Max Gallo, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
Hotel Beau Rivage
Hotel Beau Rivage
4 out of 5
24 Rue Saint Francois De Paule, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Hotel Beau Rivage
Le Meridien Nice
Le Meridien Nice
4 out of 5
1 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Le Meridien Nice
Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel - A Leading Hotel of the World
Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel - A Leading Hotel of the World
5 out of 5
12 Avenue de Verdun, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel - A Leading Hotel of the World
Hotel West End Nice Promenade
Hotel West End Nice Promenade
4 out of 5
31 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Hotel West End Nice Promenade
Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée
Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée
5 out of 5
13-15 Promenade Des Anglais, Boite Postale 1655 Cedex 1, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée
Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame
Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame
4 out of 5
28 Avenue Notre Dame, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame
Hôtel Aston La Scala
Hôtel Aston La Scala
4 out of 5
12 Avenue Felix Faure, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Hôtel Aston La Scala
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.