One of the biggest sporting events – the summer Olympics began on 26-July in France and continues to enthrall the world. Apart from the Paris region which is playing host to most of the events, several other cities like Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Versailles have also hosted the Olympics events. Nice which is the capital of the alluring French Riviera is also one of the cities hosting a few football games for the sporting extravaganza. A city known for its beautiful beaches, engaging museums, Baroque-style buildings, exquisite art and architecture as well as an eclectic old town, Nice is situated just under 450 miles from the capital city of Paris. Often touted as a symbol of the Mediterranean way of life, Nice perched on the southeastern coast of France is a city that is charming in more ways than one. Read on to find out more.
Alluring Coastline
Arguably the most attractive aspect of France’s fifth largest city is its beaches. Spending time watching the palm fringed azure waters wash the pebbles as they rhythmically advance and retreat can be quite a meditative experience. The 7 km Promenade des Anglais (also known as English Walk) which runs parallel to the pebble beach in Nice is a great place to spend early mornings as well as evenings. Take a stroll, relax on one of the benches, grab a drink at one of the cafes or cycle along the path; the options are aplenty. It is believed that this paved walkway got its name from wealthy Englishmen who frequented this place in the 1800s.
The walkway at Promenade des Anglais is free to visit and is open at all times which makes it a great idea to soak in the beauty of this coastal city. This avenue also houses some of the city’s high-end hotels and just off the promenade is Jardin Albert 1er, which is a 19th century park replete with lovely pathways, ponds and fountains. There are several other public beaches with blue flag certified water that makes it safe for swimming and relaxing; a great way indeed to spend your summer.
Old Town Magic
Also called Vieille Ville this area is best explored on foot. Filled with narrow lanes, cobbled pathways, quaint boutiques and alfresco cafes, it is a popular area with tourists and locals alike. Take a minute to admire the vibrant building facades, pastel hued shuttered windows and balconies with flower boxes teeming with colorful blooms. The bustling Cours Saleya is an area not to be missed while in the old town. It is a colorful market that retails flowers, vegetables, other fresh produce and even hosts a flea market once a week. The old town is also the ideal place to sample some local fare. Take time to try out dishes like socca (a savory pancake made from chickpea flour), salade Niçoise (salad with vegetables, tuna, eggs and olives) and some delectable French bakes and pastries. Vieux Nice as the old town is also called is home to several historical buildings which are architectural gems. These include the Cathedral of St. Reparata (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate), Chapelle de la Miséricorde and the 17th-century Palais Lascaris apart from the spectacular Palais de Justice.
Engaging Places Galore
Place Massena located between Jardin Albert 1er and the Old Town is one of the most popular squares in Nice with its majestic buildings mostly built in the neoclassical architecture. The Fontaine du Soleil with the statue of Apollo in the center is hard to miss. It is also the city’s main shopping area and a venue for its main events like the Nice carnival and Christmas market. While moving around this avenue, the statues of seven kneeling men perched on pedestals is eye catching. These resin statues are the work of Spanish artist Jaume Plensa and is believed to represent the seven continents.
Promenade du Paillon is again a favorite with visitors and locals with its parks, playgrounds and sculptures. Climb up to Castle Hill to enjoy some stunning views of the city and the sea. The Nice Cathedral is again a masterpiece of baroque architecture with its interiors being splendidly decked up with mosaics, paintings and relics.
If you are a fan of museums, Nice does not disappoint. While the Matisse Museum is a treasure house of one of the largest collections of Henri Matisse’s works, the famous Marc Chagall National Museum houses a massive collection of paintings, sculptures, stained glass and mosaics. The Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC) is again a must visit for anyone interested in fine art and paintings.
Beyond Nice
If you have the time to explore sights beyond Nice, the French Riviera offers a plethora of eclectic attractions. The beach town of Cannes, known for its palatial hotels, up market boutiques and ultra glamorous film festival, forms for an interesting day trip. Other attractions include Eze village which is an interesting medieval village with oodles of old-world charm as well as the town of Grasse which is also known as the perfume capital of the world.
