Welcome to Nice
The key periods in the city’s history have left their mark on its long rich existence.
Nice is descended from a Greek city; in the 4th century BC, Phoceans from Marseille established a trading post called Nikaïa (‘victory’) at the foot of what is now the Castle Hill.
Three centuries later, the Romans, desirous of establishing surveillance on the passage of the Alps between Italy and Spain, became interested in the strategic position of Nice and founded Cemenelum, today’s district of Cimiez.
In 1388, the city sought the protection of the House of Savoy, becoming their privileged maritime outlet. During the reign of French King Louis XIV, Nice was annexed to France for a few years, before returning to the Kingdom of Sardinia (1814).
In 1860, the people of Nice voted massively to join the Second French Empire in a plebiscite. In four decades, what had been an impoverished city with modest economic activity became the capital of the French Riviera.
Today, Nice cultivates the irresistible and authentic charm of a French Mediterranean city and offers an unlimited variety of activities and visits. Its famous « Baie des Anges » and Promenade des Anglais stretching over 7km of beaches, its animated city centre with its pedestrian shopping areas, its old city with its quaint narrow streets, colorful market places and small crafts shops all invite you to discover them.
Not to be missed
The Carnival of Nice 2010 from 12 to 28 February 2010.
Almost two thousand cultural, festive and sporting events take place each year in Nice. Carnival is the biggest event on the French Riviera in winter.
The most important French Riviera winter event, the 2010 Nice Carnival proposes you to come and cheer His Majesty the “King of the Blue Planet” during the many carnival processions. Floats, street artists, tightrope walkers and folklore groups, music and troupes from throughout the world make up a joyful cortege. At night, nocturnal visual activities give the celebration an even more spectacular dimension. Furthermore, the Battle of Flowers will delight spectators through their for ever renewed grace and creativity; more than enough to leave you with their heads full of souvenirs and their pockets full of confettis !
This time of year provides a wonderful opportunity to discover Nice in winter - its mild climate and bright blue sky, and the way of life on the French Riviera.
Vote for the Carnival Queen and win a stay in Nice at the Palais de la Méditerranée *****
French Riviera Pass
When it comes to attractions, Nice is the place !
Discover friendly places to visit on the Riviera:
FLO de Nice
At the Brasserie Flo Nice, the kitchen provides a spectacle. Behind the half-open red curtain, dishes to please the vast crowd are created right before the customers’ eyes. Service here is always well-acted theater.
Get a 20% discount on the bill
2 /4 rue Sacha Guitry
06000 NICE
Phone : + 33 (0)4 93 13 38 38
www.flobrasseries.com
Chemin de fer de Provence
Discover the South of France on the scenic Chemin de fer de Provence trains
50% discount of the scenic train per person (adult ticket).
4 bis rue Alfred Binet BP 1387
06 007 NICE
Phone : + 33 (0)4 97 03 80 80
www.trainprovence.com
ALziari
Founded in 1868, Alziari owns the very last olive mill still operating in Nice. The olive oil could be also purchased in the boutique located in the old town
14, Rue Saint François de Paule. 06 300 NICE
Phone : +33 (0)4 93 85 76 92
www.alziari.com.fr
With the France RailPass, a special gift is given to the visitors.
Cave Bianchi
In the oldest cellar of Nice (1860), enjoy a wine tasting with a personal sommelier!
7 Rue Raoul Bosio. 06300 NICE.
Phone : +33 (0)493 85 65 79
www.cave-bianchi.fr
With the France Rail Pass, get a 10% discount.
Blue Beach Water Sports
Across from the Negresco Hotel, this beach is offering a 20% discount on a parascending flight for one or two people with a France Rail Pass.
29, Promenade des Anglais.
Phone : +33 (0)6 10 27 03 91
Chagall Museum
This museum features an exceptional collection of 17 paintings inspired by the Bible.
Avenue du Docteur Ménard. 06000 Nice
Phone : +33 (0)4 93 53 87 20
www.musee-chagall.fr
Around Nice
Eze Village :
A magnificent perched mediaeval village overlooking the Mediterranean Sea with its narrow streets lined with artist’s and craftsmen’s studios.
• Visit the exotic garden in the ruins of the fortress with an orientation table for locating the main sites on the French Riviera all the way to St Tropez (Nice Riviera Pass).
• Parfumerie Fragonard : Guided tour of the factory with workshops for making perfumes, cosmetics and soaps (Nice Riviera Pass).
Principality of Monaco :
Have a visit of this independent sovereign state located between the foot of the Southern Alps and the Mediterranean, the Principality of Monaco borders on several French villages: La Turbie, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Cap d'Ail
Discover the Exotic Garden (Nice Riviera Pass partner).
Beautifully located on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea, the garden has a remarkable panoramic view on the Principality of Monaco.
Address : 62 Boulevard du Jardin Exotique. 98 000 MONACO
Phone : +377 93 15 29 80
www.jardin-exotique.mc
Marineland :
In Antibes, Marineland the Park of the Sea, is unique in Europe. Discover dazzling shows put on by dolphins, killer whales as well as attractions as the shark tunnel.
Marineland : 306 avenue Mozart. 06 600 ANTIBES
Phone : +33 (0)892 30 06 06
www.marineland.fr
Cagnes sur Mer :
Visit the Renoir Museum (Partner Nice Riviera Pass) : Reconstruction of Renoir’s studio in the home where the painter spent the last years of his life, see his personal belongings, paintings and sculptures (11 original paintings)
Renoir Museum
Domaine des Collettes
Phone : +33 (0) 4 93 20 61 07
www.cagnes-tourisme.com
The museum is located inside a 2,5 hectares olivegrove. From this garden there is an exceptional view on Haut-de-Cagnes
