Nice
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Introduction
Nice (pronounced like "niece") has an exceptional location. Part of the French Riviera, Nice stretches along France's southeastern coast on the Mediterranean sea. Enjoying a fine Mediterranean climate and a developed tourist infrastructure, it is little surprise that Nice is one of the country's major destinations.
Nice as a area has been traded by many hands over the last 2000 years. Originally a Greek colony then a Roman city. Then later an Italian kingdom, only to be conquered by Spain and France. The different powers in the region fought for control over Nice until the 19th century. When finally France maintained permanent control, although during World War II the rally point for the Italians was reclaiming Nice. Since the war the the city has once again began a major tourist destination, which started in the 18th century.
Neighbourhoods
Sights and Activities
Public Squares
- Place Masséna is the principle public square in Nice. Until the covering of the Paillon River the Pont Neuf, which runs in the square, was the only practicable road between the old and new town. The square was further dived in 1824 into North and South sections, and with the casino being demolished in 1979 the square has a much more open feel now. The square is bordered by red ochre buildings of an Italian design. This square is the site of many public concerts, summer festivals and parades. The Place Masséna is a short walk from many major sights around town.
- Place Garibaldi was named after Giuseppe Garibaldi who was a hero of Italian unification and was born in Nice gives this public square a strong meaning and place in history. A large statue of Garibaldi stands at the centre of the square. Currently the square is under going renovations to make it easier for people to walk around.
- Place Rossetti being located in the heart of the old town this square is a must see. Buildings in red and yellow ochres line the square and there is a stunning fountain in the center. During the day many vendors set up shops and sell icecream while at night the square can get very lively.
- Cour Saleya was originally the area for the upper classes, this traditional town square has a very nice daily flower market. In the evening there are many great restaurants to enjoy and pubs to grab a drink at to meet some locals.
- Place du Palais is located on the steps to the justice building of Nice. There is also a large city clock located in the square and the youth have been known to drink on the steps of the justice building. Public events are quite common in the square also.
Beaches
Although some private beaches have imported sand, all of the public beaches are pebble beaches. The water is beatiful though and is amazing for swimming, making the walk on the pebbles well worth it. For better beaches check out the towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes or Cannes. Villefranche-sur-Mer can be reached by TAM 100 bus and is only 20 minutes away.
Museums
- Musee Chagall is a nice art museum.
- Musee Matisse is an art museum with a good collection.
- Musee Et Site Archeologiques De Cimiez is the site of the ancient city of Cimiez with good French exhibits on the everyday life of locals during Roman times.
- Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art houses a very nice collection of modern art in four connected towers.
- Musee Des Beaux Arts claim to fame is a good collections of works by Jules Cheret.
Churches
- Sainte Jeanne d'Arc dedicated to Joan of Arc this modern church was built between 1926 to 1933. Built with with reinforced concrete the church has an Art Deco design, which contrasts greatly with traditional church designs in Europe. The interior paintings are also equally non traditional with a mixture of Russian Cubism and Orthodox icons.
- Nice Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice) is a nice Roman Catholic cathedral in the city center of Nice.
- Russian Orthodox Cathedral (Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas) was built in 1859 this national monument of France claims this Russian Orthodox Cathedral is the oldest in western Europe.
Other Sights and Activities
- Colline du Chateau is a ruined castle overlooking the harbour at Baie Des Anges. Although most of the castle has been destroyed the climb to the top does give a nice view of Nice. The Colline du Chateau closes after dark and people will be forced down.
- Promenade des Anglais, go for a walk on this stunning coastal path built in the 18th century.
- Nice Observatory (Observatoire de Nice), check out this late 19th century observatory located on the summit of Mont Gros.
- Hiking - Go for nice hikes like the Cliff Walk, which starts about 15 minutes east of town and leeds towards Coco Beach although remember it is long hike back up to the road. Or check out some of the other costal and inland paths around the area.
- Monument Aux Morts
Events and Festivals
CARNIVAL OF NICE in February, the major winter event on the French Riviera during a fortnight.
Sport events like INTERNATIONAL HALF-MARATHON in April and IRON MAN (Triatlhon) in June, Promenade des Anglais.
NICE JAZZ FESTIVAL, an outdoor music festival in July, held in Amphitheatre and gardens of Cimiez.
Weather
A very mild climate
Thanks to the tempering effect of the Mediterranean and the barrier of the Alps, Nice enjoys an exceptional climate all year round. Protected from the wind by the surrounding hills, Nice has very mild winters, with an average temperature of 11 °C/52 °F, and radiant summers, cooled by the nearly ten kilometers of coastline.
Getting There
Transport links in and out of Nice are absolutely excellent and is the reason why so many people from other countries choose to live there.
By Plane
Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) is the main airport in Nice. The airport is about 7 km west of the city centre. It is the third most important airport in France handling almost 10 million passenger in 2006. Almost every major city in Europe has regular service to this airport, while almost every airport in the UK has service too. There are also flights to Marrakech, Casablanca, Dubai, Algiers, Malta, Tunis, Beirut and even to New York directly from NCE.
By Train
Probably the most efficient method of traveling in Europe. You can buy train tickets from almost any mainline station in Europe which will ultimately connect you to the TGV network. The TGV system stops slightly short of Nice but the local train gets you there in only 40 mins extra. http://www.tgv-europe.com/en/home/
For traveling around when you get to Nice, you will be using the excellent local TER train system. You can book online or check timetables at http://www.ter-sncf.com/Paca/index.asp
Remember to buy you local coast hopping tickets at the machines or at a window before boarding the train.
In summer season you can buy a Carte Isabelle for €12 which is valid for unlimited travel anywhere for one day. Great value if you are zipping around. More information here: http://www.ter-sncf.com/paca/tarifs/loisirs/tarif2.asp
By Car
Wonderful scenery and great weather makes this a great place to explore by car, especially if you like exploring the mountain areas as well as the coast. In summer though the traffic can be terrible so please try to avoid the most obvious times for tourist travel.
Begin your journeys either very early before 9am or during lunch 1-2pm and return not before 19.00. In this way you will almost have the Riviera to yourself as the vast majority of tourists do the same things at the same time. Try not to be on the roads between 9.30am and 11.30am and again from 16.00 to 19.00.
By Bus
You can connect to and from Nice on the Eurolines system.
When you are visiting the buses are the Riviera's secret weapon. It is only €1 to go anywhere on the whole Alpes Maritimes by bus. Just go the central bus station over the Paillon river and select any number of fabulous daytrips. How about Cannes for the day? Or a lazy afternoon on the beach in Monte Carlo? All yours for only €1.
To check routes and times visit www.lignedazur.com/
By Boat
If you have a yacht you can arrive at many of the Riviera's ports and marinas and be allowed a visitors berth, radio on CH12 as soon as you're in range.
You can arrive in Nice by ferry from Corsica, this is a favourite place to visit have traveled to Corsica from Italy. Tickets can be bought online for foot passengers or cars at the SNCM website
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This is version 16. Last edited at 14:28 on Oct 10, 08 by Tourisme (-24). 4 articles link to this page.
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