France is Nice There's more to France than Paris

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Words: Bénédicte Gerbot

When we imagine France, most people usually think of Paris. The romanticism of Paris, the culture of Paris, the magic of Paris… Obviously I don’t want to denigrate Paris! But, if you decide to travel in France; 600km south of Paris is a place of paradise that you may fall in love with. Nice is the fourth most populous city in France.

“The village’s spirit, the architecture, the Mediterranean climate, and the endless beach have all made Nice a top destination for a European getaway”

The Promenade des Anglais

The Negresco Hotel on the Promenade des Anglais is one of the most famous hotels in France and was named a National Historic Monument in 1974.

Like most cities by the sea, Nice extends languorously along the coast with the Promenade des Anglais; which is about 15km. This place is mythical and is the most famous of Nice. Its name comes from its old building constructed by the English. Today, the Promenade des Anglais connects the port (east) at the airport (west).

Along this place, many palaces were built; the most famous being the Negresco and the Royal. Moreover, it’s the perfect place for hoggers, rollerbladers, boarders or bikers. The bravest could explore the long pebble beach while the wisest will remain on the benches to gossip. You’ll understand that the ‘Prom’ is a quiet, beautiful and special paradise.

The old Nice

If one were to cite a melting pot in Nice, it would surely be the old Nice! This is why the place is a tangled maze of lanes where it is very easy to get lost. Every morning, flower sellers come with their trucks and set up stalls selling millions of flowers on the sidewalk. Most often, these sellers are here for many years and they are the nature whisperers! The ‘Marché aux Fleurs’ is along the Cours Saleya, which is the largest street of the old Nice. Here, you can find all the local products of the region in a village atmosphere: fruits, vegetables, soaps, meats, cheeses and of course, flowers.

The Port

The port of Nice (also called Port Lympia) is like a window opening to the Mediterranean Sea, with many boats coming and going from Spain, Greece, Italy and Africa. The most luxurious yachts rub shoulders with old trawler fishermen. Gradually this neighbourhood, which was very industrial, is transformed into a holiday home for many rich tourists. Moreover, the port is also the place for departures and arrivals of boats going to Corsica. Several companies offer very cheap connections to the island. Few hours by boat and you’ll leave for another paradise.

The port of Nice is a picturesque district, cherished by he local people.

The Coast

All countries of the world have a special road, a beautiful journey to discover and experience. In the States, it is Route 66. In South Africa, it is the Garden Route and in France it is the Great Cornice. From Cannes to Monaco, and even to Italy, the landscape you will pass seems to be straight out of a movie. 100km is all you need to admire the wonders of nature. Take the time to discover this wonderful road. Make a few stops in different small villages. Talk to the old cheese producers in Beaulieu Sur Mer, enjoy a fresh fish in Villefranche Sur Mer, and try to get rich at Monaco’s casino!

Events

As part of the tourism attraction, the city of Nice organises many events per year. The most important event ( and also the oldest) is undoubtedly the Carnival, which has been going since 1873. It always takes place in February and attracts many visitors, mostly Italians. There are also many sports events like the marathon, the Paris-Nice bike race and the Iron Man triathlon. Finally, Nice is one of the biggest places for music events in France. Indeed, the Palais Nikaia can accommodate 7,000 people and plenty of stars have performed in thsi place; like Madonna, U2, Ben Harper…

So next time you’re thinking of going to Paris, think again and experience the niceness of Nice. You won’t be disappointed. There’s always something to do. Whatever your age, your desires, your dreams; you’ll love it here. Victor Hugo said, Sometimes, a city becomes a person’. And Nice is becoming my best friend, my love, my first, my last, my everything 🙂

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