|
Nice is the largest resort on the Cote d'Azur, indeed, anywhere in France. It is also a popular arrival point for people visiting other places on the French Riviera.
The city, the 5th largest in France and dating back to the Romans, stands at the foot of a hill known as the chateau, because a castle used to stand on the hill.
Nice has something for everyone: a medieval old town and other grand architectural monuments; a wide selection of museums; lots of bars and restaurants of all standard and type; the fine Mediterranean climate; and of course easy access to beaches.
Museums
Asian arts museum
Designed by the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, in the heart of Parc Phœnix, in a subtle architecture of white marble, glass and steel, this museum offers classical works and contemporary creations. The tea pavilion evokes the aestheticism of the Zen ceremony.
Museum of art and history
In a splendid Belle Epoque setting, facing the Mediterrranean between the hotels Negresco and West End, the Villa Massena, which re-opened on 1st March, features contrasting landscapes both in intensity and character.
This modern museum, houses collections over 1800 sq m on 3 levels and in 23 rooms, and favours a chronological, historical and thematic approach.
The 15000 works of art of the museum, covering the most marking periods of the history of Nice from Bonaparte and the Napoleonic Empire (1793-1815) until the thirties, offer a rich and varied history of our city.
Museum of contempory and modern art
This original architecture (four grey marble towers linked by transparent walkways) and a major permanent collections tracing the history of the European and American avant-garde since the early sixties.
Fine arts museum
Permanent exhibition. In a beautiful private home built in 1876, vastes collections of paintings from the 17th (Italian in particular), 18th (Van Loo, Hubert Robert, Fragonard) and 19th (Romanticism, Realism, Orientalism, Symbolism and Impressionnism: Degas, Boudin, Dufy, Sisley, etc.) centuries.
Major works by Chéret, Ziem and Van Dongen as well as sculptures by Carpeaux and Rodin. Temporary exhibitions
Franciscan museum, church and monastery of Cimiez
An evocation of the life of Franciscan monks in Nice from the 13th to the 18th century, an illustration of the spiritual and social message of Saint Francis of Assisi through paintings, sculptures, engravings, illuminated manuscripts, frescoes, reconstructed chapel and monk’s cell, prayer-books on parchment...
Anatole Jakovsky international museum of modern art
Inaugurated on 5 March 1982 in the former residence of the perfumer François Coty, this Museum owed its existence to the large donation by Anatole and Renée Jakovsky: 600 paintings, drawings, engravings and sculptures retracing the history worldwide of Naive Art from the 18th century to the present.
Words by Bauchant, Bombois, Rimbert, Séraphine... Croatian, Haitian, Brazilian artists... completed by a rich State collection from the National Museum of Modern Art Centre Georges Pompidou.
Matisse museum
This completely renovated 17th-century Genoan-style villa in the heart of the olive grove in the Gardens of Cimiez houses the personal collection of the great Fauvist painter who lived in Nice from 1917 until his death in 1954.
Works from all periods of his life offer a comprehensive panorama: from the first paintings made in 1890 to the famous gouache cutouts, 236 drawings, 218 engravings and the complete presentation of the books illustrated by the artist. Temporary exhibitions
Marc Chagall national biblical message museum
Biblical scenes illustrated in 17 large paintings, sculptures, stained glass windows, mosaics and tapestries, 205 preparatory sketches, 39 gouaches (1930), 105 engravings (1956) and 215 lithographs.
Archaelogy museum of Nice Cimiez
Founded by Augustus in 14 BC, Cemenelum was, from the Ist to the 4th century, the capital of the Alpes Maritimae province. You can visit the amphitheatre, the public baths (3rd century AD), paved streets and the Palæochristian Episcopal Group (5th century AD).
The Museum, inaugurated in January 1989, offers collections ranging from the Bronze and Iron Age (1100 BC) to the Dark Ages: ceramics, glass, coins, jewellery, sculptures, tools...
Terra Matta human paleontology museum
Reconstruction of a prehistoric (Acheulean) occupation site, plaster casts, documents on the site of an elephant hunters’ camp in Nice 400,000 years ago.
Palais Lascaris
Genoan-style Baroque palace built starting in 1648 by the Lascaris-Ventimiglia family.
Very fine façade with balconies on consoles and pilasters decorated with capitals and garlands of flowers. A pharmacy (1738) is on display on the ground floor. A monumental staircase leads to the staterooms (17th and 18th century decoration and furniture).
Prieure du vieux logis
A late mediaeval interior reconstructed in a 16th-century home with collections of 14th, 15th and 16th-century objects.
Villa Arson
Splendid 18th-century villa, perfectly surrounded by contemporary architecture of concrete and pebbles. This privileged site covers 20,000 m_ of terraces and gardens housing the National Superior Art School and a Contemporary Art Centre and residence for artists.
Theatre de la photographie et de l'image
The "Théâtre de la Photographie et de l'Image" in the heart of Nice in the building which formerly housed the "Théâtre de l'Artistique", has maintained its charm and elegance of the Belle Epoque period.
Its mission is to collect photographs of Nice and its region by researching ancient documents but also sending photographers to "report" on the city's human, urban, historic and industrial heritage.
Museum d'histoire naturelle
This was the first museum in Nice as from 1863, the initiative of J.B. Barla. Today there are close to a million specimens, from the Mediterranean, Africa or South America.
The Natural History Museum aims to promote these treasures of our heritage and increase public awareness of environment protection.
Monuments and churches
In the Old Nice
Whilst wandering through the old town, take a look at the "ogival arches" above some of the shops, dating back to medieval times.
They have been carefully restored, especially in the Rue du Pont Vieux and Rue de la Préfecture. You can also see many examples of stone lintels on the facades of private houses.
Le Palais de justice
Law courts built in neo-classical style at the end of the last century. The courthouse annex occupies Caserne Rusca, former barracks accross the square. A pleasant pedestrian area separates the two buildings.
Le Palais de le Préfecture
Formerly the "Palais Royal", built at the begininng of the 17th century to accomodate the Governors and Princes of Savoy when they came to stay in Nice.
After Nice was reunified with the rest of France in 1860, the building became the headquarters of the "Préfecture des Alpes-Maritimes".
Since the inauguration of the new administrative centre to the west of Nice, it has been home to the President of the General Council and the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes. At n° 18 rue de la Préfecture, there is a very fine house dating back to the 16th century.
L'Opéra
Today's Opera House was built on the site of the former municipal theatre, destroyed by fire in 1881. Inuagurated in 1885, it is a typical example of Second Empire architecture.
Le Cours Saleya
Every morning (except Mondays which are reserved for the antiques market) you will find the fruit and vegetable market and, throughout the day, the famous flower market. The numerous restaurants and boutiques add an extra touch of liveliness.
Hôtel de ville
Built in 1730, this building was successively used as a diocesan seminary, hospital and barracks. Since 1860, it has played host to the City Hall.
La Mairie annexe
In this building, dating back to 1730, there is a very fine interior staircase decorated with elegant plasterstone. The city of Nice since acquired the building which is used by various municipal services.
La Chapelle de la Miséricorde
The first stone was laid in 1740, and the chapel was given over to the brotherhood of Black Penitents. Magnificent architecture, both inside and out, in baroque style with a golden colour and a preference for curved lines.
|
La Maison d'Adam et Eve
L'ancien sénat et la Chapelle des pénitents rouges. In 1614, the "Sénat" was the equivalent of today's Appeal Courts. Religious services took place in the adjoining Chapelle du Saint Suaire which belonged to the red penitents, and where the senators reserved galleries for their own private use.
Les Ponchettes
Situated between the Cours Saleya and the sea, this row of buildings features two vaulted 19th century rooms which have been converted into art galleries.
Église Saint-Martin Saint-Augustin
One of the first parish churches, containing a very moving "Pietà" attributed to Louis Bréa (15th century)
La Place Saint-François
The north-eastern corner of this squre dates back to the 16th century. In the last century it was the terminus for "courrieras"
L'ancien Hôtel de ville
Formerly the city-hall, this communal palace was built in the 16th century and now accomodates the employment exchange.
La Place Garibaldi
Elegant 18th century square which was the first extension of the old town towards the new.
La Place Rossetti
In front of the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, in the heart of old Nice, this square is one of the liveliest parts of town with its restaurant terraces and ice-cream parlours.
La Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate
Built in the 17th century in honour of the young martyr Saint Réparate, patron saint of Nice. The bell-tower dates back to the 18th century. Note the elegance of the gateway and, inside, the high-altar and marble choir stall balustrade.
L'Église du Gesù Saint–Jacques Le Majeur
Built in the 17th century by the Fathers of the "Compagnie de Jésus", this church is a remarkable example of baroque decoration.
La Colline du château
Only a few sections of wall remain of the ancient castle: but from this flower-filled park up on the hill, there is a unique view of Nice and the surrounding area, an artificial waterfall, and the ruins of the former cathedral dating back to the 11th century.
La Tour Bellanda
Built in 1830 with its back to the castle hill, the Bellanda Tower is home to Nice's Naval Museum.
In the City Center
Anglican Church
The Anglican church has been a part of the history of Nice since 1820, when the cemetery first opened. The church itself was built in 1860, at the time Nice became French, in the 19th-century Neogothic style. The interior is particularly lovely (open all day, every day of the week).
La Place Masséna
The heart of the city ! On the northern side, elagant buildings in a rich red colour, to the East, a perspective towards Tuscany style hillsides.
Le Jardin Albert 1er
Built over two seperate periods towards the end of the last century when the riveir Paillon was covered over, these public gardens now extend beyond Place Masséna. A vast area for lesiurely walks and relaxation, with a bandstand and concert arena. On the central lawn an immense and audacious sculpture cannot go unnoticed : "l’Arc" by Bernar Venet.
La Promenade des Anglais
To which Nice owes its fame and glory ! This superb sea-front boulevard, always decked with flowers, follows the curve of the "Baie des Anges" and was originally a path just two metres wide !
It was an Englishman, the Reverend Lewis Way, who had it built at his own expense in 1820. The locals immediately named it the "Chemin des Anglais".
In its final form, two lanes of traffic separated by flower-beds and palm-trees, the "Prom" was inaugurated in 1931 by the Duke of Connaught (son of Queen Victoria)
La Croix de marbre
Erected in 1568 to celebrate the meeting between Pope Paul III, Charles V and François I. Opposite the Cross, the "Return from Egypt" column commemorates visits by Pope Pie VII.
Basilique Notre-Dame
1864-68. The largest church in Nice is the oldest of the modern religious structures erected in the heart of the new town after the Comté de Nice became part of France (architecture : C. Lenormand).
The side aisles extend along the nave to form a deambulatory with radical chapels. Late 19th century stained-glass windows by C. Champigneulle.
Around the port
La Place Ile de beauté
Opening on to the port, this square features a row of neo-classical houses on either side of the harbour church.
Notre–Dame du port
A place of veneration for sea-farers who leave Nice with the blessing of Notre-Dame du Port : a statue of the Virgin Mary stands obver the porch.
Le Monument aux morts
A colossal edifice commemorating the 4000 inhabitants of Nice who died during the Great War. On the flank of the castle hill it is adorned by Alfred Janniot's high-reliefs.
Parks and gardens
Le Jardin François 1er
Nice's oldest garden comprises, together with the Esplande du Paillon, Square Leclerc and Promenade du Paillon, an oasis of greenery stretching over 2km from the seafront towards the hills.
L'Esplanade du Paillon
Fountains mingle with the play of light in this restful and flowery esplanade between the Old Town and the centre. A magnificent perspective : a forum, a central lake of 1,500 sq m and a gently undulating area to the east comprise the main features.
Le Parc du Château
One can play at getting lost for pleasure in this maze of greenery, where, in summer, one particularly appreciates the coolness of the fountain and shrubs.
Le Castel des deux rois
An amusement park for both young and old : little train, mini-golf, giant chess-board, wooden huts ...It is also a treasure-trove of discoveries for lovers of botany.
Le Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez
Peace and harmony reign in the Monastery Gardens. In the spring, the ancient pergolas are covered with climbing roses and masses of flowers perfume the air.
Le Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez
The backdrop for many of Nice's traditional fêtes. It's a pleasant experience to hear the fifes and drums in the middle of this lovely olive-grove.
Parc forestier du Mont Boron
With 142 acres planted with Aleppo pines in 1866, 11km of marketed pathways, its rare species of flowers (wild orchids, lentiscus, miniature carnations...), the forest park of Mont Boron is a favourite haunt of joggers, botany fans and casual strollers, who come to admire the magnificent view of St. Jean Cap Ferrat to the east and the Baie des Anges to the west.
Le Parc Chambrun
Situated in the residential area of St. Maurice to the north of Nice, surrounded by streets whose names recall great 19th century poets, the Parc Chambrun is greatly appreciated for its tranquility and its "temple of love", a small masterpiece of romantic architecture.
Le Jardin Bontanique
Classic collections of Mediterranean flora (genista, cistes, etc) and a conservatory.
Parc Floral Phoenix
To the west of Nice, the city's floral park is entirely devoted to nature and the close ties man must maintain with it. It has the world's largest glass-house and offers fabulous opportunities for discovery (7 hectares) for young and old.
The only remaining example of painted houses that once brightened up the old town. Bas-reliefs executed in cameo tones in 1584 adorn the facade.
L'Église Saint–Giaume
Widely known as the Church of Sainte Rita, patron saint of hopeless causes, it was rebuilt in the 17th century and dedicated to Saint-Jacques ("Saint Giaume" in niçois dialect).
|
