NICE – www.nicetourisme.com
For years, the city of Nice has turned decidedly and understandably toward the sea – from the nearly five miles of beach, the world-famous Promenade des Anglais and many sunset viewpoints like those in the Parc du Château. That makes sense since Nice is the self-styled capital of a Riviera full of pleasure crafts and water sports. In recent years, however, new attractions, infrastructure, transport and perspective have helped turn the spotlights back on the burgeoning city itself, from its in-town prehistoric past to its wine- and food-rich present and how it all connects with the hinterland.
Fun Facts
Nice's ancient past is immersed in its present: Terra Amata is an archeological site with evidence of very early use of fire, and right on the edge of town is the Grotte du Lazaret, a cave with vestiges of prehistoric human occupation.
France's first city to have been granted a special wine-producing label across its municipality.
Significant Site
Vieux Nice: a lively commercial area of narrow streets little changed since the 1700s
Extraordinary Exhibit
Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC): avant-garde art from the 1950s to the present, including works from the Nice School, New Realism and Pop Art
Delectable Delights
ratatouille: a concoction with tomatoes as a foundation for sautéed vegetables and herbs
Bellet wine: one of the oldest vineyards in France yields remarkable white, red and rosé wines
Legendary Local
J. M. G. Le Clézio: author of over 40 works, which won him the 2008 Nobel Prize in Literature for his life's work
Daring Development
New infrastructure: Line 2 of the Nice tramway will begin service in 2018, running from the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to the center of the city
Also in the Area
Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa and Gardens: one of the grandest palaces in the Renaissance style, built on the narrowest part of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula
Greek Villa Kérylos: a splendid early 20th-century villa, reminiscent of the villas of Ancient Greece and with an exceptional view of the Mediterranean
Access from Paris
by road: about 8 h 30 min (296 miles) via the A6 and A7 autoroute du Soleil
by train: about 5 h 30 min by TGV from the Gare de Lyon
by plane: 1 direct flight from NYC every day and from Paris 30 times a day
For more about what to see and do in and around Nice, including on the “On the Sunshine Route" itinerary, visit www.topfrenchcitybreaks.com