Place Masséna

Overview

Place Masséna is Nice's grand central square, connecting the Old Town to the modern city. Its red ochre buildings with arcades, the Fontaine du Soleil, and seven resin figures on poles (Jaume Plensa's 'Conversation à Nice') create a memorable composition.

Highlights

• Plensa sculptures: Seven illuminated figures on tall poles representing the seven continents.
• Fontaine du Soleil: An Apollo statue surrounded by zodiac figures.
• Gateway: The square connects the Promenade, Old Town, and the shopping streets.

History

Laid out in the 1840s and named after Niçois-born Napoleonic marshal André Masséna, the square was redesigned as a pedestrian space in 2007 with the addition of the Plensa sculptures.

Visitor Tips

• Night: The Plensa figures glow with changing colours after dark.
• Tram hub: Tram Line 1 stops directly at the square.
• Duration: 10–15 minutes.