About Nice
The pearl of the Côte d'Azur and one of the most beautiful parts of France. By being on the shores of the Mediterranean and heralding sunny days, Nice offers a combination of spectacular natural scenery and a rich cultural heritage. A stroll through the picturesque streets in the old town of Vieux Nice will take you into the intricate alleyways full of Provençal atmosphere, where the smell of fresh pastries mixes with the scent of the sea. Enjoy relaxing on the sunny beaches along the Promenade des Anglais or explore fascinating historical sites such as the beautiful Sainte-Réparate Cathedral.
- AirportNice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
- Distance1 055 km
- Estimated flight time1:50
Explore Nice
A long promenade shaded by palm trees. The sea on one side and luxury hotels on the other. The Promenade des Anglais, some 5 kilometres long, is sometimes called the Champs Elysées of the Mediterranean. It is a unique place and everyone visiting this city must be a part of it, at least for a while. The most famous buildings here are the 19th-century Opéra de Nice and the Negresco Hotel. Although the vicious terrorist attack in 2016 left its mark on the amazing atmosphere of the promenade, the local people have not bowed down to evil.
How to spend time in Nice
Promenade several kilometres long and the old town
Although the Promenade des Anglais has become the symbol of the city, the centre is around the Cours Saleya marketplace. It is here, in the old town (Vieille Ville), in the tangle of romantic narrow little streets, below the Montee du Chateau (Castle Hill), that you can take in the real atmosphere of ancient Nice. It is also worth a visit to the Baroque Nice Cathedral, dating back to the 17th century. However, there are older sights in the northern part of the city – excavations from the time of ancient Rome. The spa and Temple of Apollo.
Crowds of tourists in Nice also flock to the Chagall Museum. The French Riviera became the Belarusian painter’s second home. Chagall himself discussed the design of the Museum several times with the architects. It features a permanent collection of biblical art and a separate Jewish exhibition.
This city on the Cote d'Azur will appeal not only to connoisseurs of ancient art and architecture, but also to nature-lovers. In 1990 one of the largest greenhouses in the world was opened here. The Phoenix Park is in the shape of a pyramid and visitors can tour through seven different tropical climates.
Beyond the boundaries of Nice
It would be a mistake to visit Nice and not venture outside the city. Nice is just one small piece in the mosaic that makes up the Cote d'Azur. The name Cote d´Azur first appeared in the eponymous book by Stephen Liegeard from 1888.
The Riviera runs from the town of Menton as far as Cassis, near Marseille. To the north it is protected by the peaks of the Alps, soaring to a height of some three-thousand metres, and by the crystal-clear sea to the south. One place to visit is the famous Cannes. Most people associated it with the International Film Festival and world-famous stars. The main prize is the Golden Palm. Films are screened in the palace next to the harbour. Unique, monumental architecture. But it has a magic to it.
Cannes
Cannes – once a small fishing village – was brought to life by the British Lord Brougham, who came here in 1834. He was originally heading to Nice, but a cholera epidemic at that time meant he never got there. However, he liked Cannes so much that he built a villa there. And the cream of foreign society gradually joined him.
A mere 15 minutes by boat from Cannes is the picturesque little island of Sainte-Marguerite. However, its history is far from picturesque. The dark fortress became notorious as a prison – one of its inmates was a mysterious man with a mask.
And what about mediaeval Antibes, with the original residence of the Grimaldi family? That dates back to the 12th century and is now home to the Pablo Picasso Museum with its famous Cubist goat.
Monaco
Head for the other side of Nice – to the east. To Monaco. To the land of the rich and famous. Thanks to its harbour, world‑famous casino and, most importantly, its status as a tax haven. It is ruled by the Grimaldi family. The current ruler – Prince Albert II – is the head of state to this nation of some 30 thousand inhabitants. The capital of Monaco is Monaco‑Ville. Originally a fortified principality. The locals call it him “Le Rocher”, i.e. “The Rock”. Sights include the Prince's Palace, originally from the 13th century, and the Saint Nicholas Cathedral. This is where the American Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier tied the knot. Now – many years later – they are buried here. It is also worth going around the Oceanographic Museum. The oceanologist Jacques Yves Cousteau worked here in the research centre.
History
ice was founded by the Greeks back in the 4th century BC. Back then it was called Nikaia. It was later occupied by the Romans and over the years its name changed to Nizza. The city did not come under French rule until 1866. Since then it has appeared on maps as Nice.
Simply put: Bon appétit
Cuisine on the Cote d'Azur reflects all the scents and flavours of the local coast and sea. Tomatoes, aubergine, fish, olive oil, lemon, garlic and oysters. The French Riviera is the original home of vegetable ratatouille, chickpea pancakes and grilled sardines. Want a recommendation for a restaurant? The choice is so amazing that a thick guidebook would hardly cover it. And don’t miss a meal out in the open air. All we can say is: Bon appétit.
