Nice
Daydream for a moment. Dream of a sparkling sapphire sea that stretches from Monaco to Cannes. Dream of the warm waves that lap against the shore, of the intense sun against your tanned shoulders, as you watch the beautiful people swish by on the stylish Promenade des Anglais.
The Cote d’Azur oozes sensual sun-drenched style, and Nice is the exquisite epicenter of this part of the French Riviera. The longtime haunt of artists and jetsetters, Nice produces a barrage of beauty. Colorful towels and big beach umbrellas dot the pale sand right up to the edge of the clear, blue water. Handsome men and graceful women wander amongst the bistros and boutiques, or stare out at the vista of the city from Le Chateau. At the Promenade des Anglais, where hundreds of blue wooden chairs face the sea, you sit and daydream.
Nice is popular all year long, but summer is when most people visit. Spring and fall are pleasant alternative times to visit, as the weather is still warm.
- Pictures |
- Things to do |
- Nightlife |
- Dining |
- Shopping |
- Travel tips
Nice Pictures
Things to do in Nice
History can be found in the streets and at the museums of Nice. Nice’s Italian-influenced old town is filled with a winding maze of ancient streets. Neighborhood squares, chapels, cafes, and open-air markets, retain the atmosphere of times past. The Musee Archeologique has artifacts found around the Mediterranean from the Iron and Bronze ages to more modern times. Le Chateau has the best panoramic view of Nice, and a bit of history: it was once the location of a fortress.
Chagall, Matisse, and Picasso were inspired by the brilliant light and color of the Riveria. Many of their works are on display at museums devoted exclusively to them. There are also the Musee Cheret des Beaux Arts, Musee des Arts et Traditions Populaires, and the Musee d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain to see, plus many others.
Nightlife in Nice
Start your evening with a stroll through the Latin-flavored old town, and then party the night away at the many dance clubs, bars and casinos in the area. Nice’s nightlife is expensive, stylish and wild.
At Nice’s Opera House, concerts, ballets, and recitals are performed most of the year. The Theatre of Nice at the National Dramatic Center has performances that range from Moliere and Tennesee Williams to more modern pieces.
Dining in Nice
Socca, a pancake made from chickpea flour is a specialty of Nice, as are the Chinese leaves pie, ratatouille, estocaficada (fish stew with garlic and olives), the pan-bagnat (tuna, egg, and anchovies in a salad-stuffed sandwich) and poulpe à la nicoise (octopus in tomato sauce). Anise-flavored pastis is a popular drink.
Shopping in Nice
Shopaholics can be found on the rue Massena and l’avenue Jean Medecin in Nice. There is a wide range of shops, boutiques and department stores. At the shopping arcades there are French chain stores like the Galeries Lafayette, Prisunic and Nice Etoile. Nice’s many open air markets also draw shoppers: the Marche Saleya aux fruits et aux legumes, Marche aux fleurs Saleya, Marche à la brocante, Marche d’art et d’artisanat are just some of the daily and weekly offerings.
Nice Travel Tips
- Make a point to visit the Cours Saleya Flower Market.
- Looking for somewhere cool during the day and hot at night? Check out the Nice Port–great views and ferry take-offs by day, and the hippest nightclubs by night.
- Nice is located in such a place that inter-country travel is simple–book your cheap student flights for a few days extra, and see what the rest of France has to offer!
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