Nice in Review
With its beautiful coastline, pebbly beaches, its Cours Saleya flower market, Matisse museum, Italianate facades, splendid dining and a Russian cathedral with tropical palm trees in the foreground, Nice is the princess of the French Riviera. The Russians weren't the first to give in to the allure of Nice. The ancient Romans also called the area home, and to this day visitors can see the ruins of a Roman arena and bathhouses at the museum in the Nice Cimiez neighbourhood (right next to the Matisse Museum). Inside, the archaeology museum houses an interesting mix of historic and archaeological exhibits on the area.
France’s fifth largest city and one of the all-time favourite holiday destinations on the Côte d’Azur, Nice is dripping with Mediterranean atmosphere. No longer the excusive territory of the aristocrats, the less jet set minded will enjoy the old town. The heart of the old town is a web of narrow streets heaving with inexpensive restaurants, charming markets, cafes, artists and local street vendors.
Westward, Nice takes on a very different look, featuring 18th- and 19th-century stucco villas, neo-classical hotels, a series of garden squares with fountains and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
The glorious waterfront mainly offers luxury accommodation, while more mid-ranged hostels and hotels can be found inland. The port is an excellent spot to watch the ferries lift off to Corsica and some of the hippest bars are located here.
Blessed with a mild, sunny climate, Nice still has that sophisticated touch and the seaside promenade stretching along the water attracts visitors all year round.
- From our editor V.White – United Kingdom