Nice, France
History
Established by the Greeks approximately 350 BC and later fortified by the Romans, Nice’s rich history is matched only by its cultural diversity. Over centuries, it was ruled alternately by Italy and France, which greatly influenced its architecture, cuisine, and culture. While Nice finally became fully French in 1860, Italian influence is still discernible today. The city’s historical center, Vieux Nice, also known as Old Nice, is a dense network of narrow alleys filled with historical treasures.
Landmarks
1. Promenade des Anglais: Named after the English aristocracy who patronized it in the 18th century, this palm-lined promenade by the seafront is the city’s main artery and an ideal place for a leisurely stroll.
2. Cours Saleya Market: This traditional daily marketplace in the heart of Old Nice offers fresh produce, fragrant flowers, and local products. On Mondays, a popular antique market takes place here.
3. Castle Hill: Offering panoramic views over the city and the Bay of Angels, Castle Hill, or Parc de la Colline du Château, features ruins of an old fortified castle, serene gardens, and a waterfall.
4. Nice Cathedral: An important example of Baroque architecture, Nice Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice) is a must-visit for its impressive interior and beautiful artworks.
5. Musée Matisse: This museum, nestled in the Cimiez neighborhood, is dedicated to the works of Henri Matisse, a former Nice resident. It showcases Matisse’s evolution in creativity and color usage throughout his career.
6. Vieux Nice (Old Nice): Home to narrow, winding streets, quaint shops, and traditional French cafés, Vieux Nice encapsulates the city’s rich past.
7. Russian Orthodox Cathedral: A symbol of pre-revolutionary Russia, this cathedral has beautiful architecture and is considered one of the most important Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia.
8. Place Masséna: The main square of the city boasts a fascinating mix of modern sculptures, vibrant buildings, and offers an engaging space for events.
9. Musée Marc Chagall: An enchanting museum dedicated to the works of Marc Chagall, with a special focus on his biblical paintings.
10. Port Lympia: Nice’s lively port area, filled with colorful buildings and luxury yachts. It’s an ideal place for picturesque photos.
Restaurants
1. La Petite Maison: Renowned for Niçoise cuisine, it is a classic choice for sampling local flavors with a refined touch.
2. Restaurant JAN: Michelin star awarded, Restaurant Jan offers South African cuisine with a French twist in an elegantly intimate setting.
3. L’Aromate: Chef Mickaël Gracieux serves creative French cuisine that combines traditional flavors with modern presentation, another Michelin recipient.
4. Flaveur: A family-run Michelin-star restaurant known for its innovative and flavorful dishes using high quality, local ingredients.
5. Olive &: Artichaut: Famous for its locally sourced ingredients, this restaurant provides traditional Niçoise food with a modern twist.
6. Le Bistrot d’Antoine: This popular eatery in Old Nice offers a warm atmosphere, a wide selection of wines, and classic French dishes.
7. Le Safari: An iconic restaurant on the Cours Saleya, offering renowned seafood dishes and traditional Provençal cuisine.
8. Le Sejour Café: A cozy, family-run restaurant, known for its tasty, innovative cuisine and excellent service.
9. Café de Turin: This historic restaurant specializes in seafood, especially oysters, taking a place on many foodie’s bucket list.
10. Acchiardo: Famous for its traditional, homemade Niçoise food served in a homely ambiance.
Bars
1. Shapko Bar: an energetic bar with live music, primarily jazz, located in the heart of Old Nice.
2. Le Relais: A perfect spot overlooking the promenade, its terrace offers refreshing cocktails with a stunning view of the sea.
3. Les Distilleries Idéales: Located in Old Nice, this traditional pub-style bar is famous for its warm atmosphere and wide beer selection.
4. Le Mékano Bar: A vibrant bar with colorful decoration, great for enjoying drinks and DJ-led music till late at night.
5. Movida: Movida is famous for its large selection of creative cocktails and its friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
6. Master Home: A well-loved bar among locals, it is known for offering a vast range of cocktails and a vivacious atmosphere.
7. L’Effervescence Champagne Bar: As the name suggests, it is an ideal place for champagne lovers, with an impressive selection of champagnes in a cozy setting.
8. Snug and Cellar: This Irish pub is known for its lively ambiance, weekly quiz nights, and authentic Irish beers.
9. Ghost Pub: A favorite among locals and tourists alike, it has a wide beer menu and charming interior with stained glass panels.
10. Bar des Oiseaux: Tucked away in Old Nice, this theatrical themed bar organizes live music events and serves great cocktails.
Entertainment
1. Opéra de Nice: Hosting a variety of performances all year round, including operas, ballets and concerts, Opéra de Nice is undoubtedly a cultural cornerstone of the city.
2. Theatre National de Nice: Led by famous director Irina Brook, it offers innovative theatre performances and contemporary productions.
3. Palais Nikaia: A grand venue for live music performances, from rock concerts to classical recitals.
4. St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral: Not only a place of worship, the cathedral also hosts classical music concerts often.
5. Nice Jazz Festival: This annual jazz festival pulls in big names and is a hit with locals and tourists alike.
6. Observatoire de Nice: Take advantage of the clear skies by stargazing through the astronomical telescope at the observatory.
7. Salon des Antiquaires: Antique lovers will appreciate this annual antique market with professionals from all over France.
8. Casino Ruhl: A grand casino with a variety of gaming tables, slot machines, and live entertainment shows.
9. Cinémathèque de Nice: A popular spot for film enthusiasts featuring classics, foreign films and alternative cinema.
10. Le Hussard Discothèque: One of Nice’s hottest nightclubs, offering a cozy atmosphere and DJ music till the early hours.
Living in Nice
1. Vieux Nice: Living in Old Nice means being in the heart of the city surrounded by historical buildings, narrow alleys, and bustling markets. Here, everything you need – from bakeries to cafés – is within walking distance.
2. Mont Boron: This prestigious neighborhood offers peace, tranquillity, and breathtaking views of the sea and the city. It’s perfect for those seeking luxury living.
3. Cimiez: Known for its Roman ruins, famous museums, and the ancient Cimiez Monastery, this residential area boasts grand, belle-epoque buildings and sprawling parks.
4. Nice Port (Port Lympia): Living in Nice Port means a maritime lifestyle with stunning yachts and boats as your daily view, coupled with colorful 18th-century houses and a vibrant local community.
5. Le Carré d’Or: Literally ‘The Golden Square’, this high-end district is within walking distance to luxurious shops, the beach, and the lively city center, making it a convenient and attractive location to settle in.
Conclusion
With its vibrant culture, sunny weather, scenic landscapes, and exquisite cuisine, Nice is a truly enchanting destination. Dive into the history, interact with friendly locals, savor the Mediterranean lifestyle, enjoy the diverse entertainment options, and indulge in world-class gastronomy. Whether you love history, are a fervent foodie, a party-goer, a music enthusiast or just adore relaxing near the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea, Nice is a city that will arouse all your senses. Come bask in the ‘Nissa La Bella’ – and experience the allure of this Riviera city!