It’s not for nothing that Nice is on the Unesco’s World Heritage List as the ‘Riviera Winter Resort Town’. With spectacular palaces, lush landscaped gardens, awe-inspiring structures that are steeped in history and legends, it is easily one of the must-visit cities for not just history and architecture lovers but also for art connoisseurs, foodies, adventure and sport lovers, not to mention those who just want to absorb the sights, sounds and scents of this a city while relaxing in the lap of luxury.
Nice being a tourist magnet is not a new phenomenon. History has it that aristocrats and heads of states of Northern Europe used to make a beeline for this fabulous city even way back in the 18th century to enjoy and revel in the milder– and clearly more glamorous– winters.
Two and a half centuries of experience in welcoming cosmopolitan visitors have been fine-tuned and Nice now offers visitors a plethora of fascinating experiences and delightful memories to return home with.
Thanks to smart planning and thoughtful and far-reaching policies, Nice Côte d’Azur has managed to perfectly preserve the heritage and culture of the past while also ensuring that one foot is firmly placed in the future– so today’s tourists can enjoy all that the city has to offer while experiencing modern five-star conveniences and luxuries.
The entire city, thanks to controlled urban planning, offers a perfect example of how green spaces– some 300 hectares of parks and gardens– can be combined with pretty promenades such as the famous Promenade des Anglais, which double as areas to socialize and to relax. Nature is everywhere in Nice and there are many possibilities to discover the city in the ‘slow tourism’ movement.
Take one of the 9 ‘discovery loops’ which reveal all the facets of Nice Côte d’Azur, from the coastal path to the heights of Mont Boron. Let’s start with a walk for history and culture lovers. Nice, which is known as the City of Art and History, has 74 buildings labelled historical monuments.
A few must visits include Nice-Cimiez, located on the ruins of the ancient Roman city; Terra Amata, museum of prehistory, where the first organized hearth discovered in Europe is reconstructed; the Grotte du Lazaret which is an important site for the Stone Age period.
Looking for art? You can examine up close works by such renowned artists as Matisse, César, Mossa and more. Check out the Chagall Museum by Hermant, the MAMAC (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art), the Villa Arson and the Museum of Asian Arts by Kenzo Tange.
Then there’s the Allianz Riviera stadium by Wilmotte, too, that you can explore.
Love exploring the world of taste? For the record, Nice cuisine is listed as part of France’s intangible cultural heritage. Don’t forget to taste dishes such as pistou soup, stuffed vegetables, or the socca fresh from the wood-fired oven. Nice has 6 Michelin-starred restaurants that reflect the high profile of local gastronomy and its quality.
Nice, the fifth largest city in France, boasts a rare combination of having the sea and mountains and one shade that Nice is synonymous with is blue. It is here that the Alps meets the sea. From spectacular cliffs to the picture postcard beauty of the blue sea, visitors can revel in delightful sights that are sure to leave lasting memories.
Nice has plenty of opportunities for the sport lover. From skiing and trekking to walking trails and more, the adventure lover will be spoilt for choices.
Shopping in Côte d’Azur particularly during the festive season is a delight what with twinkling lights, Christmas decorations and winter sales which mean you can get your favourite items at bargain prices.
No trip to Côte d’Azur is complete without a visit to some of the absolutely delightful tourist attractions along the coast such as Rothschild Villa Ephrussi in Saint-Jean-Cap Ferrat, the botanical garden in Eze, or Villa Kérylos in Beaulieu. Explore the awe-inspiring monuments, take a walk along coastal footpaths, or relax on beaches with waters lapping at your toes; admire natural scenic wonders even as you relish authentic local cuisine and experience the Mediterranean art of living.
Along the coast you can also discover lovely towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cap d’Ail, Beaulieu, Vence, Cagnes-sur-Mer, and many more.
Nice is a major city in the field of sustainable development and is known as the European city of health.
When it comes to festivities, this city takes the cake. With Christmas and new year’s coming up, the city will be decked up in lights and ready to offer a treat to visitors.
The Nice Carnival is one event you cannot afford to miss. On in February, it is one of festive spirit and unbridled humour of floats and fanciful costumes.
Where to stay? Nice has over 175 hotels with around 11,000 rooms. The city has a wide variety of accommodation ranging from youth hostels to 5-star luxury hotels.
Now what are you waiting for? Check out explorenicecotedazur for more details.
