Visiting Nice Is So Nice! Welcome To France

Nice, an exotic city in France is the largest and most visited destinations on the Cote d’Azur. Therefore, we say Nice is so Nice to visit, when on a French holiday.

The airport at Nice is also a popular arrival point for people visiting other places on the French Riviera.

There is good reason for the popularity of the city as Nice has something for everyone. Pleasing weather, far-spread exotic beach, a medieval old town housing grand architectural magnificence, a wide selection of museums, alluring bars and restaurants for people of all the tastes, are all that Nice offers to the holiday makers coming from all across the globe.

It becomes difficult to choose among the places of interest in this city, for the passionate voyagers who plan to make it a travel destination for a lesser time.

It has a lot to offer to its guests.

Exploring Nice

Despite its size Nice is an easy city to explore, with most places of interest focused around the central area.

The Beach and the Promenade des Anglais

This is the identification of Nice or one can say the best known symbol of Nice. The Promenade des Anglais, a broad and very popular seafront walk, several kilometres long which heads west from the city centre. Towards the old town this esplanade becomes the Quai des Etats Unis. Beach lovers can spend cool evenings strolling around and living the romance that the city has to offer. The promenade is also used and enjoyed by joggers, cyclists (there is an allocated cycle path), while many people just enjoy the view and the sunshine.

 

Ponchettes and Cours Saleya Market

When one is done with relishing the sea, they can take a walk towards the inside of the city, towards Cours Saleya Market. Lined with a fleet of traditional fishing cottages, this market is one of the most famous markets in France. These old cottages called Ponchettes, have been preserved as a symbol of “Old Nice”. No modern constructions have replaced them, although, some of them have been renovated to hold cafes and art galleries for the visitors. The market is known for its flowers. One can buy some fragrant blooms to make the day even more vibrant. Other places around Cours Saleya that are not be missed are, Saint Francois de Paule Church, and 19^th Century Nice Opera House

 

The Old Town – Real Flavour of Nice

Old town is behind the Cours Saleya market. It is an extensive area of tall old buildings, many painted in faded pastel colours, and open squares that also contain important historical monuments in Nice and hoard of shops and cafes. Among the most notable monuments: the Palais de Justice (on the Place du Palais), is a grand colonnaded 19th century mansion; the domed cathedral of Sainte-Reparate is in the heart of the old town; the Saint Nicolas Orthodox cathedral; several other interesting churches (Saint-Jacques, Penitents-Noirs Chapel, Saint Augustin). Also not to be missed is the impressive decorated interior – especially the ceilings – of the 17th century Palais Lascaris, towards the north of the old town on Rue Droite.

 

Climbing Up the Hill to the East of Nice

From the old town, one can follow the steps in Rue du Chateau (off Rue Droite) to leave the city centre. At the top of the street one passes through the entrance to the ‘castle grounds’ to reach the widespread park area on the hill. There is a good opportunity to relax in the park while taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city down. The main reason people visit the park is that it offers amazing viewpoints across the city and along the coast. There are two separate viewpoints, one towards the east and the other towards the west. The view across the rooftops of old Nice and along the Promenade des Anglais is one of the highlights of the park.

After enjoying the park and views one can visit the Nice cemetery on the hill. Less visited than the main park area, the cemetery is a very tranquil place and has many impressive sepulchres and monuments to admire

 

Art Museums for Artistic Surveyors

Van Gogh was the first renowned artist to move to the south of France. He started the trend and other famous artists who followed in his footsteps are Picasso and Matisse. These artists loved this part of France. The scenery with the stark blues, yellows and greens (sea/sky, sunshine, nature) is more attractive than anywhere else in France. This is the reason Nice houses some art museums of prominence. Many art lovers prefer this city for a short stay, to discover the real art spread in these museums.

 

The Matisse Museum:

Holds many styles of Matisse’ artwork covering a large period of his working life.

 

The Chagall Museum houses a very good collection by artist Marc Chagall which is the largest in one place to be found anywhere in the world. A series of 17 paintings representing scenes from the Old Testament is the highlight of this museum.

 

The Museum of Contemporary Art focused more on the 1960’s and the pop artists such as Andy Warhol and Yves Klein.

 

Nice Museum of Fine Art Stepping back in time to the 18th-early 20th centuries, there is also an impressive collection taking up to the late-impressionist painters

When on a holiday to France, the country that represents some finest art  of the world, it is a must to experience the authentic artistic splendours of man and nature, in the beautiful city of Nice.