Nice is located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of Provence Cote d’Azur, on the Mediterranean coast. It is the 2nd city of the region Provence-Cote d’Azur in terms of demography.
Access
Nice has its own international airport (the 3rd largest in France) and is easy to reach from all the major airports in the UK.
History
Nice was founded by the Greek in 350 BC (approximately) who gave to this city the name of Nikaia, in honours to their goddess of victory (Nike). Then the city became an important trading port. During the 13th and 14th century, the city was under the Counts of Provence, and in 1388, it was retaken by the Counts of Savoy.
From the 14th century to WWII, Nice was successively an Italian city and a French city, so the city has known many wars and destruction and still has a special feeling towards Italy. Today, Nice is a world famous city attracting millions of people every year.
The port of Nice is very famous and typical from the ones you can find in the South of France. The most famous place in the city is the “Promenade des anglais” which is a walkway along the “Bay des Anges”. The promenade was called “Promenade des Anglais” because of the numerous British people who came in Nice since the 18th century. They loved so much to ride on the beachside that some of them had the idea to build a promenade along the beachside to improve the conditions of this delicious ride. Some of the most remarkable pieces of Nice architecture are the “Monuments aux Morts”, the “Cours Saleya” and the “Vieux Nice”…
A visit to the “Moulin à l’huile” (Oil mill) is a real plunge into the French cuisine. Also a great day out is a visit to the “Jardin Botanique de Nice” (Nice botanical garden). For flowers aficionados, the “Marché des Fleurs” is an incredible aromatic and visual experience.
Another must-see in the city is the carnival, taking place every year from mid-February to the beginning of March. Known all over France, it surely is a very enjoyable place to be during the winter. Nice is also an excellent place for shopping addicts as all the major luxury brands have shop here. French cuisine lovers definitely enjoy themselves a lot in the city thanks to the numerous fine restaurants the city has to offer.
Food and drink
The local cuisine is one of the most typical Provence’s cuisines. It is based on olive oil, herbs and garlic. Nice restaurants offer traditional dishes such as “l’anchoiade” (an anchovy puree with olive oil and capers), the “pain bagnat” (a big round bread with olive oil), the “ratatouille”, the “pissaladière” (savory tart with onions, anchovies, black olives), the “bouillabaisse” and many more delicious meals. One of the favourite drink here is the “Pastis”, called by locals “Pastaga” although wine is also very popular. For beers fans, it is interesting to notice that the city has it own brewery.
A few restaurants…
- Aphrodite, 10 bd Dubouchage, tel no 04.93.85.63.53. Menu from 25€
- Casa Nissa, 55 rue Gioffredo, tel no 04.93.80.30.19. Menu from 9.50€
- Chez Freddy, 22 cours Saleya, tel no 04.93.85.49.99. Menu from 21.90€