Settlements in this area may well go back to around 40,000 years ago but it is only 6 C BC that we find tribes of Celto-Ligurians established here at the level of the castle hill. A little later merchants from Marseilles came to olive, of course followed directly by the Romans, who favored the Cimiez district. In 1388, aided by the Grimaldi family, the House of Savoy incorporated Provence in its domain and retained it till 1860 when, after the agreements between France and the House of Savoy and following a plebiscite, Nice was returned to France. 

The core of the city, huddling the foot of the castle hill, is a lively and utterly Mediterranean town with its own character. The landscaped slopes of the castle with their umbrella pines make a wonderful refuge for a glorious view of the city and the "Bay of the Angels" where all great hotels are located. To the north is Cimiez where the Roman settlement was located, all around the beautiful hills of the lower Provence and Cote d’Azur.

The permanent collections at the Massena Museum of Art and History focus on the history of Nice, and the Earldom from the 11th to 19th century. The exhibits include religious and sacred art including paintings, sculpture, and silver and goldsmiths trade, and these are regional, as well as from Spain, Germany, and Italy. Also here are authentic arms and armours from the throughout Europe from the 15th to 19th centuries; Spanish, Italian, and French ceramics from the 16th to 19th century; Empirical items, including some from the Napoleonic times; and documents from the Revolution, Empire, and Restoration periods. Guided tours are available.

The Matisse Museum is housed in a 17th century Italian villa that has distinctive red walls. The collection of works housed inside include those lent from the State, his heirs, and Matisse himself, who was a resident of Nice from 1917 to 1954. Everything from his student works to those he did in his later years are displayed here. The museum is located in the heart of an olive grove that is close to the Hotel Regina, where Matisse resided during his time in Nice.