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Nice, Provence Alpes Côte d'Azure

Nice, the most Italian of the cities on the French Riviera, proudly asserts its Mediterranean ancestry. This rich little city, which enjoys a high standard of living, certainly knows how to attract tourists. Nice not only has a legendary seaside (quite romantic at the end of the afternoon, it must be said), but also a historic centre (Old Nice) where it is pleasant to go for a stroll in the small Medieval-style streets made lively by the festive spirit of the students who also frequent this neighbourhood.

Considered to be the French Florida because of the high number of elderly people who choose to live here and benefit from the sunny climate, Nice actually has lively and youthful aspects - especially in its Medieval historic centre. Located far from the sea, although you can still smell it on windy days, Old Nice is a maze of cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and small artisan and designer shops. The wealth of the city is also illustrated in its wide range of restaurants, some of which are especially luxurious.

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pros

•  Old Nice and its little streets
•  The colours of the Mediterranean
•  The proximity to Italy

cons

•  The prices
•  The traffic on the 6-lane Promenade des Anglais

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Weather Nice - choosing the best time to go

Visit Nice

• To see

  A wander around Old Nice< /i> is not to be missed. Among the narrow cobblestone streets you'll discover small craft shops in a picturesque atmosphere, not to mention the many religious monuments also worth looking at, including the Chapel of Mercy, on Cours Saleya, which dates from 1740 and was built in honour of the Brotherhood of the Black Penitents. Further towards the centre, at the curve of a small, narrow street, sits the current Courthouse, which as of the 17th century was the seat of the Governors and Princes of Savoy passing through the city. Take a tour of Old Nice to admire its churches and monuments.
  
  One of the things in Old Nice that would really be a shame to miss is without a doubt the Cours Saleya market. Every morning (except for Monday, which is reserved for antique dealers), this ancient esplanade comes alive with the fruit and vegetables market and its famous flower market. Finally, at the corner of 'Rue de la Poissonnerie' and the Cours Saleya, look up to admire the House of Adam and Eve with bas-reliefs dating from 1584. It is, in fact, one of the last of the old painted houses, once numerous in the old city.

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  To do

  Nice, which is the biggest city on the French Riviera, asserts its highly cultural status through its municipal museums, which have offered free entry since 1st July 2008.
  The Departmental Museum of Asian arts, designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, is home to Classical and contemporary works. Free entrance, tel: 00 33 (0)4 92 29 37 00.
  Along the 'Promenade des Anglais', you can find the Museum of Art and History, within Massena Palace. This Belle Époque-style building contains collections that recount the history of the city from the time of Bonaparte (1793-1815) up to the 1930s.
  The Matisse Museum, which is also housed in a historic building (boasting 17th century Genovese architecture, to be more precise) at the heart of the Cimiez Gardens, offers a collection of works by the painter who lived in Nice from 1917 until his death in 1954.
  
  To enjoy a view of the Promenade des Anglais in its entirety, you can climb up to the Bellanda Tower (free access by the stairs, but with a fee to use the elevator), which dominates the coast. Today there are no more than a few stones left of this tower, built in 1830 on Castle Hill. Once you arrive at the top, you will discover a flower-filled park and its artificial waterfall, as well as an extraordinary view of the sea and the red roofs of the old town.
  
  Less cultural but very entertaining is the unavoidable visit to a casino.

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  To think about

  From Nice it is just a few miles to Italy. A regional train links Nice and the major towns and cities of the French Riviera to Ventimiglia. Of course, it does seem to stop every two minutes but it offers rather nice panoramas of this part of the French coast.

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• To avoid

  In Nice, one-way streets reign supreme; add to that the many pedestrian or limited circulation zones in the historical centre and you'll understand that it is best to forget the car and use your legs to get around instead. Plus, it doesn't take very long to get from one place to another. However, don't forget to pay for parking to avoid being fined: the police on the French Riviera are particularly zealous.

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  To try

  You must try niçoise salad, a mixture of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, egg and tuna. It really should be enjoyed on the sunny terrace of a brasserie and preferably while wearing sunglasses, if you really want to fit in...

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  To bring back

  Lavender, herbs from Provence, and a few typical embroideries. Be careful of fakes though, so as not to find yourself with something "made in china".

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Hotels reviews by the Easyexperts

Riviera hotels to make you go ooh la la!

The French Riviera; its name alone conjures up images of riches, glamour and celebrities frolicking in the sunshine à la Brigitte Bardot. But you don't have to be a superstar to enjoy this alluring region in the south of France: there are tranquil villages, buzzing seaside resorts and everything in between, ...

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Nice in pictures

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Citadines Centre Apart Hotel Marseille

 

Score 10/10

Marie-Jacqueline Ballagh 30/04/2012 : "Part of a world-wide chain of serviced apartments, this comfortable,centrally located hotel is ideal for both business purposes and leisure."

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Richiardi

 

Score 9/10

Marie-Jacqueline Ballagh 28/11/2011 : "Pleasant,reasonably priced hotel,ideally situated right on the sea front.Some of the rooms have balconies overlooking the port. "

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Villa Estelle

 

Score 9/10

Marie-Jacqueline Ballagh 18/07/2011 : "This tastefully renovated guest-house is a former 14th century inn situated in a medieval village - the Irish hosts offer a warm welcome. "

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Hotel reviews Provence Alpes Côte d'Azure

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