Nice is a resort on the Cote d'Azur of France, which since the 18th century was chosen by British and then Russian aristocrats; today's Nice is a prestigious year-round destination with a mild climate, rich culture and strong gastronomic traditions; Despite the fact that Nice is called the “city of millionaires”, local real estate is available to different categories of buyers.

Geography and more

Nice is the largest city on the French Riviera, located on the Mediterranean coast of the southeastern part of the country. Geographically, Nice is the administrative center of the French department of Alpes-Maritimes. It is the fifth most populous city in France after Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse. The city is home to about 350,000 residents, and including the suburbs, the population is equal to a million people.

Nice and its main promenade - the Promenade des Anglais - lie along the Bay of Angels, which is a bay of the Mediterranean Sea. Before massive urbanization, the coastline of Nice was simply bordered by a deserted stretch of beach covered with large pebbles. The first houses in Nice were located on a hill far from the sea, since wealthy tourists of the 18th century came here not for the beach, but for the mild winter. In areas closer to the embankment there were houses of dockers and fishermen. In the second half of the 18th century, many wealthy Englishmen began to move to Nice for the winter, enjoying the climate and panorama of the coast. One day, a harsh winter brought poor residents from the north of the country here - and wealthy Englishmen decided to help them by offering to build a path along the sea and thus “sponsoring” their accommodation. This is how the “English Road” (Chemin des Anglais) appeared, subsequently expanded by the local municipality - and in the 1840s (and, according to other sources, in the 1850s) received the name “Promenade des Anglais”.

Here, on the Promenade des Anglais, is located another calling card of Nice - Hôtel Le Negresco, named after its creator, Romanian entrepreneur Henri Negresco. Since the opening of the legendary hotel in 1913, Coco Chanel, Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dali, Marlene Dietrich, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Catherine Deneuve, Michael Jackson and many other world celebrities have stayed here.

Another place worthy of mention is the small Rue Massena, which consists of four blocks. It runs parallel to the Promenade des Anglais, from the very center of Nice - Place Massena in the direction of the airport. There are no cars (except for delivery vans), making the area a popular pedestrian area loved by both locals and visitors to Nice. Massena offers restaurants from a variety of world cuisines: French, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish and Italian, serving both sophisticated and very simple dishes.

Kitchen

It is difficult to list all the specialties that are definitely worth trying in Nice in one paragraph. Exclusively seasonal ingredients, a tribute to tradition and fresh gastronomic ideas are embodied in the cuisine of Nice. Just for fun, be sure to try one (or more) of the “original” versions of the famous tuna nicoise salad, and then start tasting dishes of local origin, as well as variations of both truly French and international recipes. “Layered” vegetable ratatouille, “pisaldière” - onion pie with olives and anchovy fillets, zucchini flower fritters, white beet pie, “bugni” donuts with neroli oil that are baked during the Flower Carnival, artichokes prepared in all possible ways, "Petit Farsi" - stuffed vegetables that are used as an appetizer, "Socca" - a flatbread made from chickpea flour, "pissaladière" fish pie and many, many other delicacies are presented on the menu in Nice.

Nice has an impressive number of restaurants awarded by the Michelin guide, which only confirms the “high-ranking” status of the city. There are 19 “one-star”, three “two-star” and one “three-star” restaurants! And, of course, there is a large selection of street cafes, on the cozy terraces of which you can take a break, taste an aperitif, coffee and the freshest pastries. Plus many shops with a large selection of clothes, shoes and souvenirs.

A little history

The results of archaeological excavations carried out on the territory of modern Nice showed that around 350 BC. e. The Marseille Greeks founded a permanent settlement here and named it Nikeia - in honor of the goddess of fire Nike. This is where the modern name of the city comes from - Nice. Nice was under Savoy rule for centuries, becoming part of France between 1792 and 1815, then briefly returning to Piedmont-Sardinia. The city finally became part of France in 1860.

In the second half of the 18th century, the natural beauty of Nice and its mild Mediterranean climate began to attract upper-class Englishmen - more and more aristocratic families began to spend the winter here. And from the middle of the 19th century, when the Russian Empress Alexandra Feodorovna arrived in Villefranche Bay, Nice began to gain popularity among Russian aristocrats. The picturesque surroundings of Nice inspired many outstanding artists - Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Niki de Saint Phalle and Arman. You can see many of their works here in Nice: at the Marc Chagall Museum, the Matisse Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.

How to get there

Regular direct flights from Moscow to Nice are operated by several airlines, including Aeroflot and Rossiya, but the cost of a direct flight can be quite high (about 60,000 rubles one way). For this reason, travelers who want to save money prefer to get to Nice with transfers, for example, in Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), or large European cities (Copenhagen, Brussels, Zurich, Riga, Vienna). In this case, the cost of a one-way ticket will be 10,000-13,000 rubles, but the travel time including transfers will be from six to 20 hours.

The airport is just a few minutes' drive from the city on the Promenade des Anglais and has two terminals. You can also get to Nice by train from Paris in just four hours.

Thanks to its proximity to the Principality of Monaco, Nice Airport also serves visitors to the city-state (39 helicopter flights a day from Nice to Monaco).

Alternatively, you can travel to Nice by train. On Thursdays all year round, the Moscow-Nice train departs from the Belorussky Station in Moscow. The journey will take more than 47 hours and will pass through five countries. The cost of a standard adult ticket starts from €280 (second class carriage).

Why Nice?

Today, Nice is one of the most visited cities in France: about 4 million tourists come here every year. It is also home to the country's third busiest airport, after Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports in Paris. The congestion of Nice airport is explained not only by the popularity of the resort, but also by the fact that due to the Alps surrounding the region, it is somewhat difficult to reach it by ground transport.

In addition to parks and gardens, fountains and statues, olive groves and a seaside promenade, Nice has many cultural and historical attractions. And along with museums named after famous artists, you should definitely visit the museums of Archeology and Contemporary Art. The city has two Orthodox churches, many palaces, cathedrals and churches (Basilica of the Virgin Mary, Chapel of Mercy, Cathedral of St. Reparata, Chapel of the Holy Cross).

The climate of Nice is hot Mediterranean, with mild winters and moderate rainfall. This is one of the warmest cities at this latitude. Summers are hot, dry and sunny. Rains in summer are extremely rare: for example, in July precipitation occurs once or twice during the entire month. As a rule, the air temperature is +20°C and above, often reaching +30°C. Autumn begins with sunny September and becomes cloudier and rainier by October. At the same time, the air temperature remains around +20°C until November. In winter, temperatures are moderate (+11-17°C), nights are cool (+4-9°C), and weather conditions are very changeable: the weather can be dry and sunny, or humid and rainy. Frosts and snowfalls are unusual and extremely rare for Nice, so locals celebrate snowfall as a special event. A mild and rainy spring begins in late March, becoming increasingly warm and sunny by June.

Nice is not only a prestigious resort, but also a student city. One of the main educational institutions is the University of Nice - Sophia Antipolis, founded in 1965. Today the university includes eight faculties, two institutes and an engineering school.

Interesting events take place in Nice all year round, which, unlike the country's smaller coastal resorts, do not subside even in winter. Art exhibitions, agricultural festivals (Fête des Mais corn festival in May), Flower Carnival, Open de Nice Côte d'Azur tennis championship, Book Festival, triathlon tournament, jazz festival - just to name a few.

The mild climate, the “status” of the city, its rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as gastronomic diversity attract guests and investors from all over the world. Permanent residence in Nice is suitable for both young people who prefer an active and busy lifestyle, and families with children seeking comfort, tranquility - and a high level of education. Nice is very loved by older people, because its rhythm and unique climate have a beneficial effect on health.

The situation on the real estate market

The construction boom overtook France in the period 1997-2007. During this time, the cost of real estate on average across the country increased by 150%. However, the global economic crisis also affected the French housing market: since 2008, prices have decreased by an average of 3.8% per year. But in 2014, there was an improvement in the situation: the cost increased by 1%.

Today, according to the Meilleurs Agents portal, 1 sq. m of real estate in Nice costs €3,766 (for apartments) and €4,409 (for houses).

The most affordable real estate in Nice is located in the Ariane district. Here the price per square meter is €1918. The relatively low cost is due to the availability of social housing for immigrants in the area.

Exclusive apartments can be purchased in the Mont Boron areas, where the cost per square meter is €4,929 and reaches €20,000 and above for the most luxurious properties. On the Rue de France, a square meter can cost €4,847, in Vinaigrier - €4,704, and on the Promenade des Anglais - from €4,500 to €20,000 and above. The average cost of apartments on the Promenade des Anglais is 23% more expensive than in the city as a whole - and 15% more expensive than the cost of apartments in the Alpes-Maritimes department.

Thanks to high tourist activity almost throughout the year, apartments for rent can generate a stable income. Thus, a compact apartment (25 sq. m.) in one of the central areas can be rented out for long-term outside the tourist season for €600 per month, and rental income during the summer season can be about €500 per week.

According to the portal Kelquartier, almost half (49%) of Nice properties are owner-occupied, while second homes account for 13% of local housing, with slightly less (12%) of Nice residential properties currently vacant.

Popular areas for investment

By far the most popular neighborhoods in Nice are located by the sea. This is the Golden Square, the Quarter of Musicians, Fleur and Bomet.

The Golden Square (Le Carré d’Or) area is “surrounded” by the Promenade des Anglais, Boulevard Victor Hugo, Boulevard Gambetta and Avenue Jean Medecant. Golden Square is one of the most prestigious and expensive areas of Nice. The entire quarter, located a five-minute walk from the sea, is built up with elegant buildings of the early 20th century in bourgeois, art deco and belle epoque styles. The Golden Square area is not only prestigious, but also very convenient for living due to its central location - the best restaurants and shops in the city can be reached on foot. The cost of apartments on the Street of France (Rue de France) reaches €7,165 per square meter. An apartment (28 sq. m.) on the secondary market on Rue de France, 150 m from the sea, costs €140,000. The most expensive properties in the Golden Square (up to €12,000 per sq. m.) are apartments on the top floor with a terrace and a garage. There is a large selection of both new buildings and secondary housing of all styles: Nice (Niçoise), bourgeois and art deco. The advantages of the area are its proximity to the sea and all urban infrastructure.

The most inexpensive apartments on the Promenade des Anglais (€4,500/1 sq. m) are located in the airport area, and the cost of penthouses located at the beginning of the Embankment and on the pier of the United States of America reaches €20,000 per square meter. Apart from a few older buildings (1900-1930), most of the buildings date from 1960-1980. Buyers choose this quarter because of the sea view and proximity to shops, restaurants and cafes.

An apartment (25 sq. m.) in a gated residence on the Promenade costs from €130,000. A studio (18 sq. m.) in the Musicians Quarter can cost the same.

The Musicians' Quarter (Le quartier des Musiciens) is also a central area located north of Boulevard Victor Hugo. It got its name thanks to the names of the streets named after Mozart, Verdi, Rossini. The architecture of the buildings here is similar to the Golden Square area. Despite its central location, this quarter is quite calm and quiet, and in some parts of it there is a pronounced ethnic flavor: there are Arab shops, Italian Street, and Russian Street. The average cost of 1 square meter is €3975.

Flers is an area with low buildings in the Belle Epoque style, located at equal distances from the sea and the city center. It is ideal for permanent residence or personal holidays, as well as for rental to local students, since this is where the campuses of the University of Nice are located.

The Baumettes district is notable for its eccentric bourgeois buildings. It offers views of the hills of Nice Saint-Pierre de Feric. Here you can buy a magnificent apartment with high ceilings, stucco and fireplaces. Real estate in the central areas of Nice is highly liquid.

Foreigners love the old town (La Vieille Ville), which, however, is not very popular among Russians. The Mont Boron area is popular, especially its lower part, which runs next to the sea. Most apartments and villas in Mont Borona offer views of the port of Nice, the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Angels. There are not many shops and restaurants here, and therefore there is no crowd of tourists. At the same time, Mont Boron is a very green area; many species of plants, including medicinal ones, grow on 57 hectares of forest. The area features mainly Belle Epoque buildings, as well as modern buildings from the 1970s to 1990s. There are very few new buildings. Buyers choose this area due to its close proximity to Villefranche-sur-Mer and the Principality of Monaco, as well as magnificent views of the sea and the Bay of Angels.

A furnished apartment (29 sq. m.) with one bedroom, sea views and a parking space in Mont Boron costs €230,000, and the cost of a spacious estate of 900 sq. m. m with an elevator, swimming pool, tennis court and panoramic views of the port and Villefranche-sur-Mer reaches €30 million.

Cimiez and Haute-Mont Boron are well suited for permanent residence - a quiet green area with picturesque mansions. In Cimiez, it is also profitable to purchase real estate for subsequent rental to students of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University. Since these areas are located on a hill, they offer stunning views of the sea and the city, but for a comfortable stay here it is advisable to have a car. Cimiez is the closest hill to the city center, on which there are many palaces and mansions of the Belle Epoque style, which are highly valued by antique lovers and Russian-speaking buyers. There are new buildings with terraces and parking lots in the area. Apartment with an area of ​​60 sq. m overlooking the park on the third floor of a three-story house in the Cimiez district can be purchased for €360,000.

Fabron is another hill of Nice, more distant from the center. This area consists almost entirely of residential complexes with parks, swimming pools, tennis courts and beautiful panoramic sea views. Their quiet, green grounds are ideal for families. You can also buy villas with swimming pools, which are mainly located at the highest points of Fabron. By car you can get to the center in a maximum of 15 minutes; there are highways connecting the areas to each other. Prices from €3500 to €8500 euros per sq.m. m.

Real estate in Nice is bought by connoisseurs of these places, as well as lovers of active recreation, because in addition to the beaches there are many other interesting entertainments, plus convenient transport links with other resorts of the Cote d'Azur. The central areas attract foreign businessmen with a wide selection of quality real estate properties, developed infrastructure and proximity to the airport. It is also profitable to buy housing here from an investment point of view. Studios and compact apartments will bring maximum profitability when rented out for short periods to vacationers - or for long periods to students of local universities.

Nice properties are ideal for seasonal rentals. The most popular sectors are the center (Promenade des Anglais, Golden Square and Musicians' Quarter), the Port area and part of the Old City.

The portal site thanks Mikael Fusaro (Côte d'Azur group of real estate agencies), Irina Artemova (agency), Elena Richard (agency) for their assistance in preparing the article.

The fifth most populous city in France after Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse, located on the southeast coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea, Nice is the second largest French city on the Mediterranean coast.

Population of Nice

Including the suburbs, Nice is home to more than a million people.

Weather and climate in Nice

The hot Mediterranean climate, moreover, the weather in Nice is the most favorable for a summer holiday in this latitude and in the Mediterranean in general. Temperatures in summer average from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, in the city itself the temperatures are slightly higher than the average for the region, it is clear that this is due to the large amount of stone and asphalt. Signs of autumn in Nice begin in November, when daytime temperatures do not exceed 17 degrees Celsius. The temperature in winter is from 10 to 17 degrees Celsius, at night it is usually from 4 to 9 degrees Celsius. There are practically no frosts or snowfalls in Nice.

Pros and cons of life in Nice, everything for Russians, reviews from migrants

The natural beauty of the coast, mild Mediterranean climate, excellent infrastructure, and the presence of architectural attractions attract a large number of tourists to Nice; the city is also the second in France in terms of investment attractiveness, this applies to the purchase of local real estate. Nice not only attracts investors, but has also historically become a haven for people who wanted to find inspiration, this includes famous writers, poets, artists and musicians. So in Nice there is the Matisse Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Nice receives a lot of tourists in July and August, at this time there is simply no crowd here, the Nice embankment is crowded during the day and in the evenings, on weekends traffic is blocked, it becomes pedestrian, everyone goes somewhere and walks, most likely in anticipation of daily performances, concerts and cultural and entertainment programs. In Nice in the summer there are more homeless people than in any other city, it seems that there are every second such citizen in the area of ​​the station, you can’t go to the tram stop here, on the embankment there are every 10 such comrades, here they are also regularly fed.

A lot of Russians permanently live in Nice, who began to come here in 1917, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral is located in the city, in recent years migration has been the investment of new Russians in local real estate, ours live here all summer or almost a year. Since the mid-19th century, Nice became a popular resort among the Russian aristocracy; before the revolution, about 400 Russian families permanently lived in Nice, they owned almost half of the city; in 1930, there were more than 5,000 Russians in Nice, but during the Second World War they all fled to America .

Hotels, apartments, houses real estate in Nice

Nice is a very expensive city, with the exception of the neighborhoods adjacent to the station, immigrants from Africa and Asia settled here, a Muslim area, real estate prices are slightly lower than the city average. Believe it or not, in Nice there are also distressed real estate, dilapidated houses, and hotels in deplorable condition. Tourists who are short on money prefer to settle here.

Temples, residential and public buildings in Nice represent a striking example of Italian Baroque of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The most famous building in Nice is the Hotel Negresco on the Promenade des Anglais, which is designed in a neoclassical style, the hotel is a museum, and the hotel building is an architectural monument, but without a pool and SPA. Many tourists feel uncomfortable here because they understand that they do not match the historical interiors, paintings, carpets and all the decor since they were not born aristocrats, the furniture in the hotel is all antique, so don’t worry if you still have a cabinet or chest of drawers handle in your hand , everything is very shabby, except for new elegant wallpaper, the service and reception also speak English, which is very rare for France. Standard room for two costs from 450 euros per night

Transport and cars in Nice

Tourists usually get to Nice not by train, but by plane, which makes it easier to cross the Alps. The airport is a 10-minute walk from the city center.

Restaurants and cafes in Nice

Restaurants and cafes are located on the Promenade des Anglais and on the pedestrian street that runs parallel to the embankment, prices are quite high, and the waiters sometimes understand English. The cuisine corresponds to a tourist place, that is, none, the only good restaurant is in the Negrescu Hotel, entry there is only in a suit, no jeans.

Shops, shopping, standard of living in Nice

Many tourists, upon arriving in Nice, immediately go not to the city, but to a shopping center near the airport, it is called CAP3000 and is unremarkable, there are the same prices, boutiques and goods as in the center of Nice, wasted time. Prices in Nice for goods and clothing are average as for France and even a little cheaper than in Moscow. Shops close on weekdays at 6 pm, on Saturday they are open until 3 pm, and on Sunday they are closed. If you don’t have time to buy food before the evening, all that remains is to go to a restaurant or cafe, the whole thing is located on the Promenade des Anglais where people eat and drink at tables all day, evening and night; another option is to buy food in ethnic shops near the station. Shops that sell clothes are open until late at night, this is an exception to the rule, since Nice is a real resort city, shopping can be done even after 6 pm.

There are about a dozen very large shopping centers in Nice, making Nice the shopping capital of the Cote d'Azur.

Jobs, salaries, vacancies and economy Nice

Not far from Nice is Sophia Antipolis, a place where the offices of companies specializing in computer or high technology are located, the French Silicon Valley, so to speak, and there are also several universities that specialize in IT technologies. Near Nice there are enterprises in the electrical, textile, furniture, perfume, food, and food industries. But the majority of the population is associated with serving tourists and the service sector. Nice's GDP is surprisingly slightly lower than the French average. You can look for work in Nice in the tourism sector, work in a cafe, hotel, or trade.

Education, studies, universities Nice

Studying in Nice is primarily the Sophia Antipolis University, which houses literally hundreds of research units and laboratories that are affiliated with various international organizations.

Leisure and recreation in Nice

Nice boasts four million tourists who come here every year; the local airport is the third busiest after the first two in Paris. The main entertainment in Nice is located on the embankment, on the tram street, which opens onto the central square of Nice. Along the tram street you can everywhere come across boutiques, souvenir shops, and outdoor cafes. There is also a dedicated bicycle path along the street.

A great attraction in Nice is a visit to the observation deck next to the waterfall fountain, where you go up by elevator and go down the stairs. The fountain-waterfall is the main natural attraction in the city. The observation deck offers a view of the city, port and beach; it is from this point that photographs are taken with views of Nice. On the Promenade des Anglais there are children's attractions in the summer; you can sit on the benches in the evening and enjoy the sunset, of course, if you manage to run up to a vacant seat on these benches.

On the embankment in the summer, several concerts can take place simultaneously in the evening; for this purpose, stages are installed, near which tourists drown themselves.

In Nice there is the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Archaeology, the Museum of the Fleet, the Massena Museum, the Lascaris Museum, the Matisse Museum, and the A. Zhakovsky Museum of Naive Art.

Nice city- the fifth largest, located in the southeastern part of the country. The "capital" of the Cote d'Azur is located in the historical city and is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Like most cities on the Mediterranean coast, Nice was founded by the Greeks in the 5th century BC, they named it Nikeia, in honor of the goddess of victory Nike.

Nowadays, Nice is one of the most popular resort cities not only but throughout the world. More than 4 million tourists visit the city every year. Nice, thanks to its mild climate, is a real paradise for sun and sea lovers. On the Cote d'Azur you can sunbathe almost all year round, because... even in winter it is quite warm here (the temperature stays above +10 degrees). This is facilitated by the fact that Nice is protected from the winds by the Alpine mountains.

Nice - video

Sights of Nice

One of the main attractions the city is famous Promenade des Anglais. Promenade des Anglais, as the French call it, connects the historical city center and Nice airport (the second in the country in terms of passenger traffic). On the embankment, which stretches along the beaches for more than 6 kilometers, you can always meet vacationers. This is a favorite place for tourists, primarily because this is where life is in full swing. You can stroll along the embankment not only on foot; there are always many people who like to roller skate and skateboard, and there is a bicycle path. Along the coastal strip there are many souvenir shops, restaurants, and expensive boutiques. There are blue chairs and benches placed right on the seashore, sitting on which you can endlessly admire the sea views.

Just like the azure surface of the sea, the numerous luxury hotels located on the Promenade des Anglais impress with their elegance. These hotels amaze not only with their beauty, but also with the cost of living in them.

Promenade des Anglais is also the venue for all city festivals and events, including the famous carnival and the battle of flowers.

- the most beautiful holiday of the Cote d'Azur. At the end of February, for two weeks, the whole of Nice is immersed in confetti. Both day and night, concerts and processions of huge dolls, and, of course, flower battles, during which millions of flowers are showered on the audience, do not stop., famous all over the world. Every morning, thousands, or even millions, of freshly cut flowers are put on market stalls, each of which is fragrant with a unique aroma. Guests of the city will certainly be delighted to see such an abundance of all kinds of fresh flowers, which simply amaze with their beauty and diversity. Here you can purchase bouquets composed with delicate taste, both ordinary and intended for special holidays. In addition to fresh flowers, there are many fresh fruits and vegetables on the market. Also, among the sea of ​​flowers, you can find souvenir stalls, the main attribute of which is lavender.

The city center is Place Massena. On all sides it is decorated with pretty, red-painted buildings built in the Italian style. The heart of the square is the "Sun" fountain, whose five bronze statues symbolize the five planets of the solar system. Tourists are interested in seven luminous figures. They personify the seven continents and “conduct their conversation” both day and night. The park areas with young pine trees and intricate checkerboard paving stones add a special charm to the square. It is on Place Massena that all the main events of the carnival take place.

The pearl of Nice is rightfully considered Parc Floral Phoenix. First of all, the size of this park is amazing - its area is equal to 65 football fields! It also has the largest glass greenhouse in Europe - its height reaches 22 meters. In total, the park has more than 2,500 species of plants, striking both in their diversity and beauty, as well as aroma. The main highlight of the park is the “Island Forgotten by Time” (Ile des Temps Révolus), which is located in the middle of an ancient lake. When you get there, you plunge into primeval nature, untouched by man. The park is conventionally divided into 7 zones, each of which has its own climatic characteristics and represents plants from different countries. In addition to the abundance of plants, the park also features many exotic butterflies, birds and fish.

1. The best way to get to the city is by plane. Nice airport receives planes from all over the world. A train will take you directly to the city from the airport, which departs from Nice St Augustin station (500 m from the airport). You can purchase train tickets from one of the machines at the station. It is worth considering that the machine does not accept banknotes, so exchange bills for coins in advance. You can also get to the city by bus.

2. The main railway station of the city is called Gare Nice Ville. Since Nice is only 30 km from the border, it is connected by rail to, and. Also, high-speed trains run to the city from.

3. You can get around the city by bus or tram (one line connecting the northern and eastern parts of the city with its center). Bicycle rental is popular; the first half hour of the ride is free.

4. If you plan to visit all the museums of Nice, you should pay attention to the special Carte Passe-Musee card (valid for 7 days). By purchasing it, you will not need to pay for a ticket to each museum, which will significantly save your time, since the queues at museum ticket offices are often very long. You should know that on the first and third Sunday of every month, admission to the museums is free.

5. Visiting all city parks is free (except Phoenix Park and Eden Garden). They are open daily from 9:00 to 19:00.

6. There are 20 high-quality private beaches in Nice. There is also a public pebble beach with free showers and a volleyball court.

7. It is worth noting that it is best to visit the flower market early in the morning, because... closer to one o'clock in the afternoon, sellers will already be closing their counters. Don't forget that the market is open every day except Monday. On this day, the flower market turns into an antique bazaar, where you can find a lot of fascinating things that will pleasantly surprise you not only with their uniqueness, but also with their price.

8. Nice is also an excellent health center. Patients with diseases of the respiratory tract, nervous system and anemia are treated here.

9. Fans of active recreation will be satisfied as they can go water skiing, play tennis and golf. There is also a yacht club in the city.

10. You should definitely have lunch at small home restaurants, where you will be treated to a digestif - a glass of the strongest local moonshine infused with basil.

Nice deservedly has the status of the capital of the Cote d'Azur. The administrative map of Nice allows you to identify all the most interesting tourist places.

Nice - just its pronunciation evokes associations of a luxurious azure sea, sandy white beaches, ancient palazzos, beautiful flower beds and lawns, and expensive cars. This city has always been and will be alluring for those who value luxury and sophistication.

Geographical location

The southeastern Mediterranean coast of the French Republic is where it is located, next to Northern Italy. To this pearl of France with an area of ​​750 sq. km can be reached by plane, train, car or sea vessel (cruise liner, boat, yacht). Each type of transport has its own advantages: during an air flight, an amazing panorama of the Cote d'Azur opens up; traveling by train, travelers explore the beautiful landscapes, and while sailing along the Riviera they get unforgettable impressions of the views from the sea.

Nice is conveniently located on the map, being a short distance from many famous cities: 29 km from Antibes, 16 km from Cagnes-sur-Mer, 35 km from Cannes, 45 km from Grasse, 19 km from Monaco. This proximity to the location allows visitors to enjoy various types of recreation, the first place among which, of course, is the beach. The favorable location of the capital of the French Riviera, as Nice is commonly called, makes it an excellent base for traveling to various destinations, using all types of public transport: buses, trains or ferries. City guests who are tired of relaxing on the coast can easily reach the French Alps with their beautiful ski resorts.

Nice is the fifth largest French city and its airport is the second busiest after Paris. Nice has its own university and serves as the administrative center of the maritime province. This city is a holiday dream come true.

Major landmarks of Nice

It is no coincidence that Nice is called the capital of the French Riviera: it is all surrounded by a strip of magnificent sandy beaches, and a map of Nice allows you to see its main attraction - the Promenade des Anglais, which stretches along the sea. Its history began with the arrival of wealthy Englishmen in Nice, who loved to walk along this route. Today the boulevard is a spacious street where beautiful Art Deco houses line up with tall palm trees.

Another important street is Jean Medecin, which starts at the train station and crosses the city in a southerly direction.

The central part of Nice is the area adjacent to Place Massena. There are administrative buildings and the most prestigious places for shopping here, so this area is always noisy and crowded.

Even the most detailed map of the city will not convey the exciting sensations that tourists experience when they find themselves in the old part of the city. Its construction dates back to the Middle Ages, which, of course, differs from the rest of the architecture. Narrow winding streets, ancient buildings housing exclusive boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants attract with their coolness and silence. This is an ideal place for those who want to hide from the omnipresent sun and pervasive heat.

Tourists who want to see the vibrant life of seaside Nice will be interested in visiting the port area, which is easily indicated on a detailed map of Nice. This is a picturesque place where, next to ordinary fishing schooners, you can see a luxury yacht, and cruise ships, pleasure boats and ferries stand at the piers. There are numerous cafes and restaurants here, where lovers of fish dishes and seafood delicacies come.

Nice is a popular resort on the French Riviera. Vacationers prefer not only to relax on the pebble beach of the clearest sea, but also to walk around the city and explore the sights. In this guide article you will find out all the necessary information for a good holiday at the famous resort.

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How to get from the airport to Nice

Free parking (60 minutes) on the map:

p.s. Don’t even think about leaving your car in the wrong place, hoping that nothing will happen to it in 10 minutes; the police here work very quickly, especially tow trucks.

Hotels

The center of Nice is one big hotel. The number of gifts is amazing. What is not a house is a hotel or motel. You can see this for yourself by looking at the hotel map. The prices are not cheap, especially for lines 1 and 2; the price per night ranges from 200 to 500 euros. The average price for 3-4 lines is considered to be from 100 to 150 euros. You can save a little if you choose a hotel near the sea, but on the edge in the direction or Cannes (preferable).

Beaches of Nice

Nice is a good choice for a seaside holiday. The beaches here are quite well maintained: this applies to both free (public) beaches and private ones. The only difference is that public beaches are usually far from the center and can be crowded. We give you a choice of the best beaches in Nice. Where to go is up to you.

La Reserve Beach

This is a small public beach, a few minutes from the city center. Locals prefer to relax on the beach, so you need to come here as early as possible. There are no showers on site, as well as various snack bars, so we recommend taking care of snacks in advance.

Address: 60 Boulevard Franck Pilatte

Coco Beach

The small public beach is also in demand among local residents. A little further from the center than La verse.

There is a shower and a restaurant on site. The shore is not flat. Rescuers are working, but do not forget about safety precautions if you suddenly find yourself at depth.

Address: 6-8 Avenue Jean Lorrain

Villefranche beach

The most popular public beach. Located in the suburbs of Nice, you can get here by bus in 15 minutes along the coast. The beach itself is covered with small pebbles.

Near the beach there is a chain of restaurants, as well as ice cream kiosks.

Address: 17 Prom. des Marinières, Villefranche-sur-Mer

Beau Rivage Beach

It is considered a public sports beach. There is a volleyball court, and at sea you can often see athletes on the waves.

Guests can rent sun loungers and umbrellas for a fee at the Beau Rivage Hotel's restaurant.

Address: 107 Quai des États-Unis

Castel Beach

Comfortable sun loungers, high quality service in restaurants and cafes allow vacationers to enjoy their vacation.

• Full day: 19 euros
• Half day (9:00-13:30 or 14:00-19:00): 16 euros
• Umbrella rental: 5 euros
• Towel rental: 5 euros

Address: 8 Quai des États-Unis

Ruhl Beach

The oldest beach, located opposite the casino of the same name since 1920. The best beach for a family holiday. Next to the sea there is a children's pool with a separate lifeguard, so parents can relax a little on the sun loungers.

As with all private beaches, there are showers, restaurants, private waiter service, and storage lockers.

Address: 1 Prom. des Anglais

Holidays and festivals

The largest carnival in Nice takes place from mid-February to early March. A bright and unforgettable costume show that is undoubtedly worth seeing.

Carnival

Fêtes de Mai is a May festival in Nice. Takes place every Sunday in the gardens des Arènes de Cimiez. The program includes music, dancing, food and wine.

The music festival of contemporary music Crossover will take place from June 8 to 10. Held around the Chantier 109 building.

Jazz festival

The Jazz Festival is the largest event in Nice, attracting famous musicians and connoisseurs of jazz and blues. Held in Nice since 1948, location is the city center. Takes place at the end of July.

Popular excursions

Nice Restaurants

We present to your attention the Top 20 cafes and restaurants in Nice. You will see the address on the map, and read a more detailed description below. Please note that the establishments are popular, so to avoid queues it is best to book a table in advance by phone or online.

Nice restaurant map:

1. La Route Du Miam
You must reserve a table in the restaurant in advance. The signature dish is duck. Large portions. Homely atmosphere.
Address:1 Rue Molière

2.JAN
A gourmet restaurant that has received one Michelin star. Interesting presentation of dishes. Thoughtful interior.
Address: 12 Rue Lascaris

3. Les Amoureux
Pizzeria where you can taste real Italian pizza. There are more than 25 types of pizza on the menu. Interesting design, quality service. Popular place, table must be reserved in advance.
Address: 46 Boulevard Stalingrad

4. Le Séjour Café
Small restaurant with good cuisine. Good selection of wine. Tables must be reserved in advance. Good service, staff speaks Russian.
Address: 11 Rue Grimaldi

5. Oliviera
Despite the somewhat slow service, the establishment is famous for its quality cuisine. A specific olive oil is added to each dish. The portions are large. Served by the owner of the establishment.
Address:8 Rue du Collet

6. Restaurant Les Garçons
Open for dinner only, reservations are required. The menu is updated every month, prices are fixed (appetizers 11 euros, main course - 18 euros, desserts - 8 euros) There is a wine and cocktail list.
Address: 3 Rue Centrale

7. Le Comptoir du Marche
Mediterranean restaurant. Quality service. Delicious cuisine. A table must be reserved in advance.
Address: 8 Rue du Marché

8. Le Vingt4
Large selection of wines. The menu is in two languages ​​- French and English, each dish has a recommendation for choosing a wine. Good service. A table must be reserved in advance.
Address: 24 Rue Alphonse Karr

9. Acchiardo
Restaurant for locals with low prices. Good service, delicious home cooking, large portions. There is a children's menu. A table must be reserved in advance.
Address: 38 Rue Droite

10. Le Bistrot d'Antoine
Nizoise cuisine. Good selection of food. Tasty. Inexpensive. Quality service. Popular with locals. It is necessary to reserve a table.
Address: 27 Rue de la Préfecture

12. Le Boudoir
Restaurant of French cuisine. Gourmets will appreciate it. Quality service. Open for dinner only. Reservation is required.
Address: 10 Rue Chauvain

13. La Voglia
Italian restaurant in the Old Town. Huge portions. Good service.
Address: 2 Rue Saint-François de Paule

14. Boccaccio
Fish restaurant, large selection of dishes. Large portions. Reasonable prices.
Address: 7 Rue Massena

15. Attimi
Delicious cuisine, good service. There are pizzas, pastas, desserts.
Address: 10 Place Masséna

16. Di Più
Popular restaurant with sea view. Italian Cuisine. Large portions. There is a terrace. There is no booking service.
Address: 85 Quai des États-Unis

17. Cafe de Turin
An excellent choice for those who want to try oysters, shrimp, urchins or snails.
Address: 5 Place Garibaldi

18. La Villa d'Este
A favorite cafe among locals. Fast service. Huge portions. Delicious cuisine. Average prices.
Address: 6 Rue Massena

19. La Pizza Cresci
The menu includes not only Italian cuisine, but also seafood dishes. There is a menu in Russian. Large portions. Fast service.
Address: 34 Rue Massena

20. Le Frog
Frog legs are prepared perfectly here. You can also try lobster, snails and other delicacies.
Address: 3 rue Milton Robbins

Shops in Nice

There are two large shopping centers in Nice:

• Nice Etoile

Address: 30 Avenue Jean Médecin

• Galeries Lafayette

Address: 6 Avenue Jean Médecin

Sights of Nice

Attractions on the map:

Old Town (Vieux Nice)

The Old Town quarters of Nice are located between the Bay of Angels promenade to the south and the Place Garibaldi area at the northern border. In the east they start from the Colline du Chateau rock and end at the Paillon River.


At all times, in the houses on the narrow streets of the Old Town there were many small shops and stalls offering local vegetables, spices, olives and flowers. Since the times of Arab rule, the shopping districts of the city have been assigned the name Babazuk, which means “bazaar door.”

Nice's main pedestrian street, Cours Saleya, is now home to many small fashion brands and large shopping centers. The old city market is also located in the same area. The fast pace of life does not subside even at night - numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs are always full of visitors.


Along the streets and alleys of the historical center of Nice Vila-Vielha there are many architectural monuments belonging to different historical eras. In this area of ​​the city there are the city hall, the residence of the Dukes of Savoy (XVII century), the opera house (XIX century), the Saint-Reparat Cathedral (XVII century), the Palace of the Commune (XVI century) and many aristocratic estates.

Promenade des Anglais

Stretching 8 km along the coast of the bay, Nice's Promenade des Anglais first appeared on the map of the city in 1821. Its first site was built with funds from a foundation founded by the English aristocrat Lewis Way.

Throughout the 19th century. it was repeatedly expanded and extended in length. The embankment acquired its modern dimensions after reconstruction in 1965, when it was extended to the city airport.

Over almost two centuries of the history of the Promenade des Anglais, many palaces, villas and mansions have been built along its odd side, housing private residences, shops, hotels, restaurants and casinos. Among the architectural monuments located here, the Negresco Hotel, built in the classicist style, the original facade of the Mediterranean Palace with an Art Deco theater, the University Center, the Meridien and Westminster hotels, the luxurious villas Massena and Furtado-Heine stand out.

A significant part of the Promenade des Anglais has long become a pedestrian zone. There is also an opportunity to engage in various types of active recreation: along it runs the most convenient route in the city for cycling, and conditions have been created for jogging and roller skating.

Roman hill in Nice (parc de la Colline du Chateau)

Very close to the historical quarters of the center of Nice, on the slopes of a fairly high cliff, there is a shady park with an intricate labyrinth of walking paths and alleys. From the observation deck at its top, from a height of 93 m, a panorama of the old city opens on one side, and the port area of ​​Nice is visible on the other.

You can also enjoy picturesque views of the park and Mediterranean nature at the large waterfall. It is convenient to watch the rapid movement of water from the balcony at the top of the waterfall or approach the cascading stream at the lower level of the park.

There was once a fortified castle on the rocky peak, which was destroyed in 1706 by the troops of Louis XIV. Its ruins, open to the public, have survived to this day. With the help of numerous signs it is always easy to understand in which part of the former castle a curious tourist is located.

The park has a spacious playground for children with many attractions, and adult visitors to Colline du Chateau enjoy relaxing in one of two cafes with an inexpensive range of drinks and French cuisine.

Address: parc de la Colline du Chateau

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art ( Musee d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain)

The building for the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art was built in 1990 according to the design of architects Yves Bayard on one of the central streets of Nice, Promende des Arts. Its four towers are connected by glass galleries. forming transitions. Externally, the façade of the building resembles a huge eye.

On the esplanade in front of the main entrance to the museum there are several statues in the pop art style. According to the author of the sculptures, Niki de Saint Phalle, they depict bathers and the legendary Loch Ness monster.

The first of the three floors of the building is occupied by halls intended for organizing temporary art exhibitions. The permanent exhibition of the museum is located on the 2nd and 3rd floors. At the top of the building there is an open terrace offering impressive views of the city by the sea and its surroundings.

Over the course of several decades, the museum’s holdings have accumulated extensive collections of contemporary fine art dating back to the 60s of the 20th century. Paintings, installations and sculptures by J. Villeglé, E. Warhol, M. Reis, J. Tinguely and R. Lichtenstein and many others are on display in 9 rooms, the total area of ​​which is 4 thousand m2.

Address: Place Yves Klein, 06000

Marc Chagall Museum

The National Museum of Marc Chagall was created in Nice during the artist’s lifetime. It opened in 1973 with the support of the French Minister of Culture André Malraux. For the museum, according to the design of the architect Andre Erman, a building of original architecture that meets all modern requirements was built.

The basis of his collection was a grandiose cycle of 17 paintings illustrating biblical history. M. Chagall offered paintings based on the scenes of Exodus, Genesis and Song of Songs to the French government back in 1966. Six years later, he donated to the newly created museum numerous studies, sketches and stained glass windows made on the theme of the same events of biblical history.

The artist’s works, housed in 2 halls, reflect his spiritual world and religious views. The museum's collection, consisting of 400 works of art made in different techniques, has become a kind of artistic monograph dedicated to the work of Marc Chagall.

Address: 36 Avenue Dr Menard, 06000

Orthodox St. Nicholas Cathedral ( Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice)

An impressive monument of religious architecture, the Orthodox St. Nicholas Cathedral was built in the center of Nice in 1912. For its construction, a plot of Barmont Park that belonged to the imperial family was chosen, where back in 1868 a small chapel was erected in memory of Tsarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich, who died in Nice. The first stone in the foundation of the temple was laid on the anniversary of this sad event on April 12, 1903.

The design of the church in the pseudo-Russian style was created by the architect M. Preobrazhensky. Its decorative elements framing the windows and doors are made of white marble, decorated with elaborate carvings. Ceramic bricks brought from Germany were used to cover the surface of the church walls.

In the interior of the temple, the attention of tourists is primarily attracted by the large iconostasis created by the master L. Pyanovsky. The icons installed on the tiers of the iconostasis were painted for the temple by the artist Glazunov. Among the shrines of the temple, the most honorable place is occupied by the miraculous icon of St. Nicholas, which belonged to the Tsarevich.

A small museum was opened in the crypt of the temple several decades ago, the exhibits of which consistently tell about the history of Russian emigration.

Address: Avenue Nicolas II, 06000

Parc du Mont Boron

The vast Mont Boron park is still little known to tourists visiting Nice. It occupies a huge area of ​​57 hectares on the slopes of Mount Boron between the bay and the port of Villefranche-sur-Mer on the eastern outskirts of the seaside town.

More than 11 km of paths and paths winding along the mountain slopes among oak forests and pine forests are becoming an increasingly popular place for active recreation and leisurely walks. In the western part of the Baron Park, visiting tourists can descend into the depths of the Lazar cave, on the walls and arches of which drawings of the Neolithic culture have been preserved.

In the 16th century Fort Alban was built near Nice to protect the coast. After 300 years, the defensive fortifications were rebuilt and became the Mont Boron fortress.

In the middle of the 19th century. It was decided to restore forests in the vicinity of Nice, which became the basis of the future Mont Boron forest park. Under the leadership of engineer Prosper Demonze, hundreds of cypress, eucalyptus, oak, sea buckthorn and juniper seedlings were planted on this site. Flowers of dwarf carnations, freesia and orchids decorated its alleys and lawns.

Address: 4 Boulevard Maurice Maeterlinck, 06300

Matisse Museum

Villa Des Arenas, built several centuries ago in the gardens of the Arenas de Cimiez, became the site of the Henri Matisse Museum in 1963. 30 years after the restoration of the building, all 18 halls and chambers of the villa were at his disposal.

The museum's exhibition is clearly divided into two parts. One of them consists of the artist’s personal belongings and objects of the era, and the second demonstrates his creative heritage. The museum's art collection includes 68 paintings, more than 300 photographs and drawings, 57 sculptures and books written by A. Matisse.


The concept of the museum assumes an original arrangement of paintings. One of her goals was to solve the problem of helping museum visitors understand the artist’s intentions and the features of various styles of painting. Therefore, the paintings in the halls are not placed in chronological order, but according to the common theme and similarity of plots. Next to the completed works are sketches and sketches related to different stages of the artist’s creative work on a painting or sculpture.

Address: 164 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000

Avenue Jean Medecin

The main shopping street of Nice, Avenue Jean Medesin, starts from Place Massena and crosses the city in a northerly direction to the railway line. Laid out in 1864, the avenue has changed its name several times over 150 years, but since 1966 it has been named after the former mayor of Nice, J. Medesin.

The lower part of the avenue facing Place Massena is lined with numerous mansions and hotels, attracting the attention of tourists with the elegant decor of their facades. It is home to the Riviera Hotel, built in 1913, the Notre Dame Basilica, the Art Deco Monoprix building and the Galeries Lafayette store, housed in an arcaded mansion.

Numerous boutiques and shops are located further up the street, including the huge Nicetoile shopping center. In the middle part of the avenue there are two large multiplex cinemas, and at the end of the avenue there is the city's business center with several large banks.

Since 2007, Avenue Jean Medecin has become almost entirely a pedestrian thoroughfare, with the exception of the tram line. In the evening, the blue lights of the illumination created by the artist J. Kersale produce an enchanting impression.

Cimiez Monastery

The medieval Benedictine monastery of Cimiez was founded on the territory of the Saint-Pons Abbey in the 9th century. In 1546, it became the property of the Franciscan Order, which has retained the ancient Christian monastery to this day.

Now the historical and architectural complex of the Cimiez monastery includes fraternal buildings, the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, the monastery garden and a cemetery. Monastic buildings of the 16th century. are still used for their original purpose, although the number of monks has been significantly reduced. However, during musical nights in Nice they are partially used as a concert hall, under the arches of which classical music is heard.

The interiors of the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, dating back to the same historical period, attract the attention of tourists with ancient frescoes by A. Bray. The Crucifixion of Christ and Pietta were written by him in the 15th-16th centuries.

Very close to the temple is the former monastery garden, in which vegetables were grown for the lou mesclun salad invented by the monks. Not far from it there is also a cemetery where the artists A. Matisse, R. Dufy and the writer R.M. were buried at one time. du Gard.

Address: Place Jean Paul 2

Lascaris Palace

Built in the mid-17th century, the Lascari Palace served as the family residence of the heirs of the Marshal of the Duke of Savoy, Jean-Baptiste Lascari, for several centuries before the turbulent events of the French Revolution. In the 19th century the luxurious palace became just one of the many residential buildings in the city on the Cote d'Azur.

Big changes in the history of the building came in the 40s of the 20th century. after it became the property of the municipality of Nice. After the reconstruction was completed in 1963, the ancient building was restored to its historical appearance in detail.

The Baroque façade of the Lascari Palace is squeezed closely by neighboring houses. Its surface is decorated with small balconies with white balustrades, mascarons, and stucco floral ornaments above the main entrance portal.

A magnificent grand staircase with sculptures in niches connects the floors of the building. The halls and apartments are decorated with fresco paintings in the ceiling lamps, stucco moldings, tapestries from Flemish and original furniture of the 17th-18th centuries.

In recent decades, the Lascari Palace has housed collections of decorative and applied arts. On the ground floor, the interiors of an 18th-century pharmacy have been restored, where you can still buy medicines.

Address: 15 Rue Droite, 06300

Musée Masséna

The Massena Museum occupies a large villa on the Rue de France. In 1898, Victor Massena, Prince of Essling and Duke of Rivoli, was inspired by the architecture of the suburbs of Italian cities and decided to build a villa based on their models. He entrusted the work on the project of his luxurious house to the architects H-G. Tersling and A. Messiah.

The villa was built in a style combining the features of neoclassicism and empire style, and was intended for organizing high society receptions. In 1919, Andre Massena sold the villa to the city with the condition of organizing a museum of the history of the region in it. Work to transform the building was completed by 1921.

Expanded on an area of ​​1800 m2, the permanent exhibition consistently tells the history of the Cote d'Azur from the Neolithic to the beginning of the 21st century. The museum rooms occupy the first two floors of the building, and on the third floor there is a large library with historical documents about the past of Nice, Provence, Savoy and Northern Italy.

In 2008, the facades and interiors of Villa Massena were reconstructed according to the design of Philippe Mian. Spectacular lighting highlighted all the advantageous nuances of the architecture, and the decor of the last century was restored in the halls of the building.

Address: 65 Rue de France, 06000

Place Massena

Place Massena is located at the borders of the quarters of the historical center of Nice near the Promenade des Anglais. Nearby are the Albert I Gardens, Avenue Jean Médecin and the Promenade du Paillon. Originally created in 1836, the square was called Suburban (Place du Faubourg), but in 1852 it was named after Napoleonic Marshal André Massena.

The area, complex in configuration, can be divided into two parts: rectangular in shape in the north and semicircular in shape in the south. Its architectural ensemble of the square was created by the architect Joseph Vernier. Along the perimeter of Place Massena, houses with red-ocher facades, richly decorated with stucco and sculptures, were built in the same style.

The main city square of Nice is decorated with the Sun Fountain installed in its southern part. His bronze statues of the ancient deities Apollo, Mercury, Gaia, Venus, Mars, Saturn, were created in 1956 by sculptor Alfred Janio.

In 2007, the artistic decoration of the square was complemented by the composition “Conversation in Nice” by the Catalan sculptor Jaum. Its seven luminous figures symbolizing the continents of the Earth are installed on high masts throughout the area.

Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux Arts)

The Nice Museum of Fine Arts opened to visitors in 1928. The city provided Villa James to house his collections. The beginning of construction in 1878 of this building in the mannerist style is associated with the name of Prince L.V. Kochubey, and was completed by US entrepreneur D. Thompson 6 years later.

The entrance to the two-story museum building is located in the courtyard-patio. Its ground floor is filled with artistic works ranging from primitive Stone Age art to 18th-century regional art. There is a memorial hall for artists from the Van Loo family, and paintings by L. Brea, O. Fragonard, J. Bruegel, F. Guarino, H. van Balen are also exhibited.

Most of the rooms on the second floor are occupied by a collection of academic paintings and sculpture of the 19th century. Part of the exhibition is dedicated to the art of the impressionists and post-impressionism. Among the masterpieces of the 19th-20th centuries displayed there are many works created by C. Monet, B. Constant, O. Rodin, A. Sisley, P. Bonnard, R. Dufy, J-B. Karpo.

Address: 33 Avenue des Baumettes, 06000

Gardens of Albert I (Jardin Albert I)

Between the Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena, on an area of ​​only about 3.2 hectares, lie the oldest gardens of the resort town, named in 1914 after the Belgian King Albert I. They were laid out in 1851 and were originally intended for relaxing in the shade of the trees after a walk along the Promenade des Anglais and the historical center of the city.

The alleys crossing the lawns of the gardens of Albert I are lined with exotic shrubs and trees from remote corners of the planet and representatives of the Mediterranean flora. Tea bushes, lavender, junipers, olives and Mediterranean pines miraculously coexist next to each other.

One of the most unusual and striking attractions of the gardens of Albert I has recently become the monumental composition of the Arch of Veneta by the modern sculptor Bernard Venet. It is a section of a circle resting its central part on a well-groomed lawn.

Address: 2-16 Avenue de Verdun, 06000

Hotel The Regina

Construction of a private residence for Queen Victoria of England began on Chimes Boulevard in 1895. Just two years turned out to be enough for the project of the architects S-M. Basini and F-F. Gordolon managed to erect this five-story building.

The length of the two wings of the Regina Hotel, located perpendicular to each other, is 104 and 45 m. The design of their facades uses decorative elements and structures in the spirit of the Belle Époque. Their entire surface is richly decorated with decorative relief plaster, numerous balconies with forged railings, bay windows and cut through with rectangular and arched windows.

After construction was completed, the Queen of Great Britain actually spent several months in this hotel in 1897-1899. During the First World War it was requisitioned to house a hospital. During the interwar period it housed a balneological resort, but after its bankruptcy, the Regina Hotel was rebuilt into a residential building with 98 apartments. In 1938-1943, one of them belonged to A. Matisse, and the other housed his workshop.

Address: 71 boulevard de Cimiez

Parc Phoenix

The Phoenix Botanical Garden and Zoo is located on the south-eastern outskirts of Nice in the Arenas district. It stretches along the Promenade des Anglais and occupies an area around a central pond with an area of ​​7 hectares.

Opened in 1990, Phoenix Park consists of 20 themed areas, many of which are located around a large pond. The park's 2,500-species botanical collection includes Mediterranean plants, a bamboo grove and the Island of Time, home to araucarias.

In the tropical atmosphere of one of the largest greenhouses in Europe, there are 7 climatic zones. Under its arches 25 m high on an area of ​​7 thousand m2 there are fern forests, gardens of Louisiana, Thailand, and South Africa. The aquarium occupies the basement of the building. Bright exotic fish swim in salt and fresh water, and caimans, iguanas, numerous myriapod insects and arachnids live in dry enclosures and terrariums.

Swans, geese, pelicans and turtles roam freely in the open space of the park. The coyotes, wallabies, porcupines and otters that live here are kept in spacious cages and enclosures.

Address: 405 Prom. des Anglais, 06200

History of Nice

The aristocratic and elegant administrative center of the Alpes-Maritimes department, the city of Nice is today one of the five largest cities in France, in the past of which many bright and dramatic events are hidden.

The history of the main resort city of the Cote d'Azur begins in the middle of the 1st millennium BC. e. A small settlement, named after the goddess of victory Nike, was founded on this site by the ancient Greeks. In the troubled times of the early Middle Ages, Nice was part of the Genoese League, which united the cities of the Ligurian coast.

In the VIII-IX centuries. its inhabitants waged numerous wars with the Saracens with varying success, ending in the defeat of the Christians. For most of the 10th century, the city was under Muslim rule.

At the beginning of the 2nd millennium, Nice became a point of contention between the influential feudal lords of France and Italy. In the XII-XIII centuries. The kings of France and the rulers of Provence tried to capture it, and in 1388 the city became part of the Duchy of Savoy.

In the 16th century Nice was repeatedly attacked by French troops, the Turkish fleet and Mediterranean pirates. In 1543, it was briefly captured by the Ottoman naval commander Khair ad-Din Barbarossa.

For almost five centuries, the power of the Dukes of Savoy in Nice was interrupted only twice. This happened first in 1691-1731 and then in 1792-1814, when the city belonged to France. In 1860, under the Treaty of Turin, the Kingdom of Sardinia finally ceded the County of Nice to the French Empire.

The mild climate of the Cote d'Azur already in the first third of the 19th century contributed to the formation and development of a prestigious resort in Nice, where aristocrats from northern European countries preferred to spend the winter season. During the XIX - early XX centuries. In the seaside areas of the city and, above all, on the Promenade des Anglais, a lush and eclectic architectural style was formed.

During the Second World War, Nice was occupied first by Italian and then by German troops. In its vicinity, since 1942, there was a Drancy concentration camp, to which several hundred Jews were deported.

In the second half of the 20th century. A modern, developed tourist infrastructure of a fashionable, world-class resort has been formed in Nice. The city on the shores of the Bay of Angels has become not only a prestigious recreation center, but also a venue for numerous cultural and sports events and important international meetings.

Updated: 05/10/2018