|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Curling along the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels), Nice is the capital of the French Riviera. It is the fifth largest city in France and welcomes over three million visitors a year. With five miles of smooth pebble beaches, wooded hills, and nearby mountains, Nice was one of the first destinations for tourism. Founded in the 5th century by Greeks of Marseille, Nice was first called Nikaia, meaning city of victory. In the following centuries, Nice was shaped by the waves of cultures occupying its coast, including Romans, Savoies, and Northern Italians. The English arrived in the 18th century bringing food, construction, and religion. In the mid-19th century, the Italians, in exchange for financial and military support, sold Nice to France. When the French rail system extended from Marseilles to Nice, tourism boomed. Russian and English aristocrats filled the city, looking to get away from the harsh winters of their hometowns. Today the tourist population is more diverse and the city offers something for everyone's budget. Place Masséna, Nice's most famous square, is the center of the city. There you will find the stunning Fountaine du Soleil, the Rue de France pedestrian shopping street, and the Albert I garden. Vieux Nice, also known as Vieille Ville or Old Town, is teeming with flower markets, cafés, and shops along its narrow winding streets. Sitting above the city, Cimiez is home to the Matisse Museum, Franciscan Museum and Monastery, and Architecture museum. Of course, visiting the museums, parks, shops, and cafés is nice, but nothing beats walking along the Promenade des Anglais and taking in the brilliant blue water of the Côte d'Azur. Many visitors come to Nice in the summer months of July and August. If you dislike heavy crowds and hot weather, fall is a much calmer and cooler time. Early in February Nice celebrates Carnival. The principle Mardi Gras event in the French Riviera, parades of flowers and processions of paper mâché puppets march down the streets, music blares from every corner, and fireworks light the sky. Be sure to bring your own confetti so that you can partake in the celebration. |