Attractions
Baie des Anges is surrounded by hills that form a
natural protective barrier for Nice; this is probably why some of our prehistoric
ancestors settled here. The Terra Amata encampment and the Lazaret cavern, which are
approximately 400,000 years old, are a true testimony of this early human
presence.
Nice is blessed with a highly favourable
microclimate: lovely weather in winter (around 11ºC or 52ºF) and moderate heat from
mid-June to September (around 24ºC or 75ºF). The month of September is particularly
pleasant. This region has been a vacation spot since as early as 1850, when wealthy
English and Russian visitors would come here to escape the bitter winters of their
homeland. Since then, thanks to the development of major tourist attractions, Nice has
become a first-rate international destination and welcomes visitors throughout the
year.
Despite being a major city, Nice is still a
lovely and friendly place that can be explored at one's leisure. It offers all the
advantages of a big city while still preserving its human aspect. In summer, of course,
Nice is filled to capacity with vacationers, as is the entire Riviera. Nonetheless, it
features several quaint neighbourhoods that have benefited from the particular care
given to its urban planning. In addition, its inhabitants are genuinely warm people, an
accurate impression of the image citizens of the Northern hemisphere have of "people of
the South."
Nice has an enviable world status and
often hosts national and international conferences. It is also home to several of the
region's major industries and offers countless cultural activities. Here, you will find
many show venues and a wide array of museums where, for the most part, admission is
free.
Going Out
When visiting Nice, don't miss
Old Nice, the most picturesque neighbourhood in the city; Cimiez and its museums; the
Promenade des Anglais, the ideal site for taking long walks and admiring the magnificent
Mediterranean Sea; the Paillon district and the Promenade du Paillon, which leads to a
group of cultural complexes; and finally, the lively Port district.
Where on earth
The capital of the French Riviera, Nice is situated in
the Alpes-Maritimes region on Baie des Anges, at the mouth of the Paillon river.