Tourism in Nice
The Baie des Anges, or Angel Bay in English (in Nice dialect Baia dei Àngels) was so named by fishermen a long time ago. Indeed, off the shores of Nice one could find a species of inoffensive sharks whose fins looked like wings. Thus, along the future Promenade des Anglais, fishermen from Nice would catch these “sea angels” in their nets.
This esplanade, now totally pedestrian, spreads from the opera to the foot of the Colline du Château, passing through the Palais de la Préfecture (once the Palais des Ducs de Savoie) and the Chapelle de la Miséricorde, a masterpiece of baroque art. The Cours Saleya is in some way the heart of the old town, with its numerous terraces, its flower market with fruit and vegetables sold in the mornings, its antique dealers on Mondays, and craftsmen on summer evenings.
A must when visiting Nice, “lou camin dei Anglés”, the Promenade des Anglais (English Promenade) was built in the second half of the 18th Century so that the many rich English people who stayed the winter in Nice could enjoy the splendid panorama of the Baie des Anges. Today, the 5 kilometre-long path by the beaches is the delight of all dreamers, whether they are out for a stroll, biking, or having fun on roller-skates. “La Prom” as it is called here, is the privileged meeting place for all hikers and joggers.
The picturesque, authentic old town, fortified by Vauban, is protected from the Mediterranean Sea by ramparts where the Picasso Museum may be found. It is located near the prestigious Cap d’Antibes that separates it from the famous Juan les Pins sea resort, a Mecca for jazz during the summer. On a sunny day, turn around to take in a view that goes from the blue horizon of the coast up to the snow-covered summits of the Mercantour Mountains, at an altitude of 3,000m.
Synonymous with pleasure and fun, the Ruhl Casino opens its doors to bewitch you with its magical floor shows. It entices you with its refined cooking, and its slot machines or its gaming tables will make your heart race. Luxury is within your reach, take advantage of it!
It is the most famous square in Nice, and certainly the most majestic. Its façades, all in shades of red, yellow, and ochre, date from the beginning of the 19th Century when Nice was still a part of Italy. Its white arcades and its frames reflect the neo-classical style of Italian artists of the era. It is here in the centre of Place Masséna, surrounded by the Albert 1er and Masséna gardens, that the spectacular King’s float sits enthroned during Carnival time.
An extraordinary eagle’s nest overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Èze, at an altitude of more than 600 m, is one of the most beautiful villages in Provence. The view goes from Italy to the Estérel foothills, and includes the famous Cap Ferrat and Cap d’Antibes. Come visit the winding maze of streets and discover authentic products made by local craftsmen, or sit down in one of the many restaurants to enjoy regional specialities
For a successful visit of the Côte d’Azur, you must go and see the village of Saint-Paul. You will feel like you are an incognito celebrity visiting the Mecca of world tourism. Art galleries, craft workshops, and typical restaurants will mark your initiatory journey in the heart of this architectural treasure. From the ramparts, you can look out over the Mediterranean or towards the foothills of the Pre-Alps, and the famous “Baous”.
Today it is France’s 2nd most important cruiser harbour, whose construction began in 1750 and lasted nearly 150 years! At Limpia a flat area was created behind a strong dike, where two basins, an arsenal, docks, and warehouses were then built. However, it was only in 1897 that the bigger basin was finished. The harbour, connected to the railroad by the tramway in 1909, developed its ancient oil trade. Nowadays the Nice harbour shelters yachts, pleasure boats, and ferryboats to Corsica.
Located in the centre of the magnificent view spreading from the Albert 1er Garden to the Palais des Expositions, encompassing the Théâtre National and the Acropolis Convention Centre, the MAMAC Museum is the temple of modern and contemporary art in Nice. Roof gardens planted with Mediterranean species cover the Louis Nucéra Library and slope gently down to the imposing “Tête au Carré” created by Sacha Sosno.
On 14 April 1929, 16 racing car drivers competed on the circuit of the second smallest European country after the Vatican, in a 100-lap race through Monaco, with the approbation of Prince Louis II. Today the international fame of the Grand Prix adds to Monaco’s magnificence. The racing circuit now consists of 78 laps and is 3.367km long, making it one of the most awaited moments of the Formula One World Championship.
The first building was constructed in 1949 on Croisette Boulevard where the Film Festival was to be held. However, its growing prestige forced the city of Cannes to build a new building on the site of the Casino Municipal, designed by the architects Bennett and Druet. The new Palais des Festivals was opened in 1982. It now has 18 ultra-sophisticated auditoriums for events such as MIDEM (the international music market) or the Festival de la Publicité.