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The French Riviera - Travel and Tourism in and around Nice |
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Nice, with the principality of Monaco and Italy just a stone'sthrow away to one side, and the ancient port of Antibes and therest of the Riviera (with miles and miles of tourist-pullingbeaches) as far as St Tropez on the other, is a popular touristdestination and also a thriving city with a fascinating historyand an abundance of culture.
For many, visiting Nice outside the summer months is moreenjoyable. It is less crowded, less expensive, but there isstill more than enough to see and do. Nice is jam-packed full ofmuseums, galleries, concert venues, theatres and a myriad ofthings to see and do.
To spend just a few days in this little corner of paradise, itsoon becomes obvious why many artists and writers made it theirhome - from Renoir in the 19th century through to Matisse, Dufy,and Chagall in more recent times. Many artists lived here forlengthy periods, finding inspiration in the city's variedseaside and mountain landscapes. Claude Monet was also a regularvisitor.
But Nice is an ancient city with a history dating back almost400,000 years. You can uncover some of this ancient history atthe Terra Amata Museum. Later on, the Greeks established atrading post here which they called "Nikaia", meaning "victory".Later still came the Romans who established the town known asCemenelum, the seat of government for the region.
From the Middle Ages right up until the 18th century, the areacomprising Nice became a part of and then separated from manygeographic entities and underwent many political upheavals. Itwas not until 1706 that Nice became a part of France. Howeverjust 7 years later, it was handed over to Victor Amedee, King ofSicily, and didn't return to French ownership again until 1860.
There are many ways to see Nice and public transport is reliableand inexpensive. There is also a new tramway currently underconstruction and due for opening in 2007. But for those withtime available, a walking tour is by far the best option. Strollalong the Promenade des Anglais and step back in time to theVictorian era along the palm tree-lined shore with some of thefinest hotels, cafes and restaurants on the Riviera.
Many of the hotels along this famous five-mile stretch combinemodern comfort with the splendor of the Belle Epoque. Typicaland perhaps the most splendid is the exquisite Hotel Negresco,which quite nonchalantly houses four centuries of French art -worthy of a museum - for all to see. Go and take a look. Don'tbe daunted by the doormen and hall porters dressed intraditional 18th century French attire. They will welcome youcourteously with a smile as you enter the splendid lobbydecorated in Louis XVI style.
Opposite the Hotel Negresco - being careful as you traverse thesometimes crazy palm-lined dual carriageway - you'll find abeautiful, though rocky, stretch of beach. This extends as faras the eye can see and beyond. But fortunately the stones aresmooth, making walking on the pebbles less painful than it mightseem.
From the Promenade des Anglais, you can then make your way alongthe coast to the port. Here you'll find the beautiful church ofNotre Dame du Port, standing guard over the harbor, blessingseafarers as they leave the city. The port is always highlyactive and welcomes cruise liners from around the world.
The old town, known as Vieux Nice, delights visitors with itspicturesque narrow streets and eclectic mixture of architecturalstyles. Several parts date back to medieval times.
One of the most interesting buildings in Vieux Nice is the Operahouse. Built in 1885, it is a fine example of Second Empirearchitecture.
A few steps away is the Cours Saleya, a little like Paris' LeftBank, with a myriad outdoor cafes welcoming locals and touristsalike. Don't forget to try the local specialty dishes - they arenumerous and all delicious. The nearby flower market, which onMondays becomes an antiques flea market, sweeps up passers byinto a symphony of sounds, scents and colors. Here you can alsoinvestigate other staples of Nice cuisine, such as figs, goatcheese, olives and even candied fruit. Don't forget to try thelocal favorite known as "socca", a savory pancake made fromchickpea flour. It's inexpensive, great with a beer, and beats ahot dog any day!
Dining in Nice ranges from the casual to the most elegant, withthe city possessing some of France's most renowned restaurants.
Seeing Nice by night, with the lights from the palatial hotelsalong the coast reflecting off the moonlit Mediterranean, is analmost surreal experience - a fantasy of light, sounds andsavors. The city's nightlife is also legendary, including cafesopen to the small hours and nightclubs, discotheques and casinos- including the famous Casino Ruhl and the newly re-opened andsophisticatedly decadent Palais de la Mediterranee.
There is much more to see in and around Nice. But we hope thatthis is just enough to whet your appetite. Given a month, youwould only just be able to touch the surface of this jewel ofthe French Riviera.
About the author:
You can learn more about hotels in NiceFrance and find Bianca Tavares' guide to Florida property at Florida RealEstate .
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