Ah, Nice! Is it French or, is it Italian or, is it both? (150 years ago, Nice was an Italian city.) With an unusual mix of large city amenities, old/new-world charm, perpetual sunshine and a central location on the French Riviera, Nice has much to offer. Whether you’re flocking there to take in its rocky beach or savoring its wonderful cuisine, Nice is a city that’s bound to lure you there again and again!
We first visited Nice many, many years ago when my son was much younger and I remember him being amazed at all of the rocks on the beach. Having been used to sandy beaches in either the Caribbean or the southern part of the US, he could not believe that people were actually supposed to play or lounge on this beach. I have to say I knew that my “little boy” was growing up when I observed that he was looking at more than the rocks!
Hmmm, What Was My Little Boy Looking At?
His Eyes Were REALLY BIG!
So what’s to love about Nice?
I LOVE the scenery!
Imagine looking at a bright blue sea with snowcapped mountains in the background and a broad seaside walkway (the Promenade des Anglais) lined with Belle Époque palaces and you have the magnificent scenery of Nice. It’s just gorgeous–and different than most beachy towns because it’s hilly rather than flat, SUNNY 300 days a year–“did I say that before”—and filled with both modern and old European architecture.
On the edge of the beach!
Buildings Galore in the Heart of Nice!
Lots of places to walk around!
I LOVE, LOVE the Le Negresco Hotel!
This is Nice’s most iconic Hotel. Facing the Mediterranean Sea, it has hosted everyone from the Beatles to Michael Jackson to Salvador Dali. Oh, and of course, ME! Ok, so I’m a hotel snob and part of what has made Nice so fabulous for me is this hotel.
I believe the owner is an elderly, quirky, art connoisseur and she has decorated the public areas with a wonderful collection of private art. As a result, it’s like a hotel with a museum aspect and people frequent the hotel just to see the art.
Day or Night, Le Negresco is FABULOUS!
The Lobby is Impressive!
It Ain’t Over Til The Fat Lady Sings!
This Greets You At The Hotel!
Lots of Quirky Art, all over the place!
I LOVE walking around the old town, the food, the markets and stores!
OK, so I’m a foodie and a shopaholic. Nice satisfies both of these addictions. My favorite olive oil, Alziari, (sold also in Williams-Sonoma for a lot more money) comes from a shop in the old town of Nice. My favorite sun-dried tomatoes come from a vendor in the colorful market at Cours Saleya–open every day except Monday. I purchased one of my favorite scarves on Avenue Jean Medecin–the “Oxford Street of Nice”. (if you’ve been to London, you’ll know what I mean about Oxford Street—London’s MAJOR shopping street– but if you haven’t, stick with me and I’ll take you there someday.)
Foodie that I am, I salivate when at the market in Nice! Enjoy the
savory pictures below.
Potatoes, anyone?
Just in case you wanted some flowers…..
Yum, paella!
Saucisson…..
I love the proximity of Nice to other great places along the French Riviera.
Monte Carlo, with its famed casino and royal family, is about an hour away. In the opposite direction, Cannes, famous for its film festival, is about 40 minutes away. St Paul de Vence and Eze, known to be precariously perched with gorgeous hillside views, are within 30 minutes. Lastly, Grasse, the perfume capitol of the world, is within an easy drive.
Gambling, anyone? The Monte Carlo Casino lets you take your chances!
Looking over the Monte Carlo harbor is breathtaking!
You, too, can park your yacht!
Yes, NICE really is nice! Like me, I’m sure that if you visit there you’ll want to go back time and time again. There’s a lot to love and let me know if I can help you see just how “nice” NICE is.