ABOUT THE CITY OF NICE IN THE COTE D'AZUR:This city on the French Riviera [Cote d’Azur] was founded by Greeks around 350 BC and changed hands many times before finally becoming part of France in 1860. Once the preserve of the rich and sometimes infamous, Nice has proven an enormous draw to incomers of many nationalities as well as a multitude of holidaymakers, making it a cosmopolitan place.
Despite some reminders of its long pre-tourist history, Nice is not a destination heritage lovers place top of their list, though the lively old town above the harbour is a picturesque maze of jumbled streets and alleys with many interesting houses. Other notable features include the Baroque Chapelle de la Misericorde, the 17th century Cathedral with its unusual bell tower and the quirky Italianate Liscaris Palace.
No, the true raison d’etre of Nice is so simple – to offer people the pleasurable chance to experience a spicy Mediterranean resort. The city does have a wonderful touch of sophistication, though, with grand hotels, classic 19th century villas, garden squares with fountains, the famous Promenade des Anglais running along the horseshoe of the Baie des Anges, terraced cafes and classy restaurants. But it definitely isn’t exclusive as it once was.
For those with cultural leanings, Nice has plentiful offerings. The Musee Chagall has stained glass by the famous artist. There is a Matisse Museum and the Musee des Beaux-Arts, with the original plaster cast of Rodin’s The Kiss. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art near the bus station is housed in a suitably dramatic set of four connected towers. Then it’s back to the seafront!
LOCATION OF NICE:In the southeast corner of France on the Mediterranean Cote d'Azur; capital of Alpes-Maritimes region. 585 miles southeast of Paris, 19 miles west of the Italian border, 20 miles east of Cannes and 4.5 miles east of Nice international airport.
SERVING AIRPORTS:Nice Code d'Azur [NCE]
Flight time from the UK: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
BEACHES IN NICE:The beach is a steeply shelving, 3-mile crescent of large, smooth white pebbles with some patches of imported sand at the most exclusive concessions with their cabins, showers, bars, restaurants and comfortable furnishings. Public sections have little more than first-aid stations and life guards.
SHOPPING IN NICE:Department stores, luxury boutiques, antiques, souvenir shops galore; art and antique galleries, flea-market, flower market and antiques market.
EATING OUT IN NICE:The old town has an interesting choice of atmospheric restaurants with many small establishments offering local specialities such as Soupe au Pistou (leeks, carrots, celery, potatoes, courgettes and kidney beans with a sauce of basil, garlic and cheese); Porquetta (stuffed suckling pig); Ratatouille; Stockfish (dried cod rehydrated and fried with onions, tomatoes, white wine, anchovies and olives. Variety is added by the ethnic restaurants, snack bars and fast food outlets.
Wide variety from fish specialists around the port, small bistros in the old town, steak bars and brasseries in Place Massena to top-bracket cuisine in the palace hotels. Salade Nicoise and Provencal cuisine are common. Sandwich kiosks and fast food, too.
DON'T MISS IN NICE:- The view from the ruined castle overlooking the harbour
– it’s a stiff climb, but worth the effort.
- A busy daily market
- on Cours Saleya selling fresh produce and a great selection of flowers [antiques on Mondays].
- The Cathedral of St Nicholas
– an impressive Russian orthodox church built in 1859, now a French national monument.
- The hilltop quarter of Cimiez
- that is definitely the classiest area in Nice.
Local speciality pissaladiere – a savoury tart with onions, anchovies and olives.
- An ice cream or 70
- [that’s how many there are] from the famous Glacier Fenocchio opposite the Cathedral.
YOU SHOULD KNOW:That huge yellow villa on the top of Mount Alban belongs to singer Elton John.
Disclaimer:
By its very nature much of the information in our destination guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they are relying with the relevant authorities. Corona Holidays [UK] Limited cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
