Legends and hidden stories of Nice
Category : Entertainment / Tourism Ideas
Want to discover Nice in a different way? Behind its colorful facades, lively squares and Mediterranean charm, the French Riviera’s capital hides fascinating stories. Here are 5 local legends and unusual tales to share during your next stay in Nice.
1. Castle Hill and the heroine Catherine Ségurane
Rising above the port and Old Town, Castle Hill is home to one of Nice’s most famous stories. In 1543, during the siege of Nice, Catherine Ségurane – a humble washerwoman – is said to have stood on the city walls, brandishing her laundry beater to rally the locals and drive the enemy away. Legend or reality? Either way, her courage shaped history, and she remains a true Niçoise heroine.
Tip from the Hôtel Brice Garden team: Climb up to Castle Hill for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Baie des Anges, the port, and the colorful rooftops of Old Nice.
2. The Noon Cannon: a true Niçoise tradition
Every day at exactly noon, a loud bang echoes across the city. This custom dates back to the 19th century, when Sir Thomas Coventry-More reportedly asked to fire a cannon to remind his wife it was lunchtime. The people of Nice loved the idea so much that it became a local tradition. Today, the cannon has been replaced by a pyrotechnic blast, but the midday boom still marks daily life in Nice—a cheerful ritual awaited by both locals and visitors.
3. The Boat of Angels and Saint Reparata
According to tradition, the patron saint of Nice, Saint Reparata, arrived on the city’s shores in a small boat guided by angels. From this legend was born the name of the famous Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels).
Today, Place Rossetti is home to the majestic Sainte-Réparate Cathedral, a baroque masterpiece you simply can’t miss. Every early October, the Old Town comes alive with processions and illuminations during the festivities in her honor, bringing a warm village atmosphere to the heart of Nice.
4. The founding of Nice by Hercules
Among Nice’s unusual stories, one legend takes us back to Greek mythology. While official history credits the foundation of the city to Nikaia and the Greeks, a popular tale claims that Hercules himself created Cimiez Hill after one of his heroic expeditions. From this land, the city of Nice is said to have emerged.
5. Rauba Capéu & the Virgin of the Underwater Depths
At the end of the Promenade des Anglais, the famous Rauba Capéu viewpoint is one of the best spots to admire the Mediterranean. In the local Niçois dialect, its name literally means “hat snatcher,” a playful reference to the strong gusts of wind that can blow away a passerby’s hat.
But this picture-perfect viewpoint also hides a lesser-known Niçoise legend: it is said that a statue of the Virgin Mary lies beneath the waves, watching over divers and sailors and protecting them from the dangers of the sea. A mysterious tale that adds an unusual twist to one of Nice’s most iconic panoramas.
Séjournez à l’Hôtel Brice Garden Nice, au cœur du Carré d’Or
Located in the Carré d’Or, the chic and lively district of downtown Nice, Hôtel Brice Garden 4★ is the perfect starting point to explore these legends and all the treasures of the French Riviera.
- Just a few minutes’ walk from the Promenade des Anglais, Old Town, train station, and museums
- A private garden, a true oasis of freshness in the heart of the city
- Spacious and comfortable rooms for a restful night after your visits
- A delicious breakfast with fresh, locally sourced products to start the day right
- A passionate team ready to share their best tips and local secrets so you can experience Nice like a true local
Book your stay in Nice now at the best price guaranteed on the official Hôtel Brice Garden website.