Quick Overview of Nice France
Nice is the fifth largest city in France with a population of just over 340,000 inhabitants. However, it is France’s second most popular destination, attracting over 5 million international visitors annually. Which explains why the city received the nickname Nissa la Bella or Nice the Beautiful.
The Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is also France’s third busiest airport. With the first two busiest being that of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris Orly Airport. Nice’s airport operates alongside over 50 airline companies. Which connect this gorgeous city to over 115 destination in over 40 countries. Thanks to this, Nice witnesses an average of over 13 millions passengers flying through its two terminals annually.
Nice benefits from a warm Mediterranean climate. Thanks to this and the Alps’ shelter from harsh winds, you can bet to find good weather in Nice at any time of the year. In fact, on average, Nice enjoys up to 330 days of annual sunshine! In the winter months, average daily temperatures lie at about 5.4 °C (41.7 °F). Whereas in summer months, average daily temperatures are set at about 28.6 °C (83.5 °F). As for precipitation along the coast, the rainiest months are September to December. But even then, expected rainfall never usually exceeds 150ml (5.67 in).
Where is Nice Located?
The city of Nice lies along the south-east corner of France, in a region known as the French Riviera or Côte d’Azur. The Riviera is home to miles of Mediterranean coastline, breathtaking cities, natural landscapes, ski resort and glorious year-round sunshine. Though the region isn’t as popular among tourists as the Parisian region, it is most often considered to be more beautiful.
As one of the large and more popular cities along the Côte d’Azur, it is seen as the region’s capital city. Its lies just 21 km from the Independent State of Monaco. 33 km from the world-renowned city of Cannes. And just 40 km from the nearest Italian town of Ventimiglia.
History of Nice
Nice has a truly fascinating history quite unlike any other European City. The story begins over 400,000 years ago when prehistoric primitive people settled here. The land on which they settled has since been named Terra Amata and a museum by the same name can be found in Nice. The museum contains many uncovered archaeological artefacts from this period and archaeologists even uncovered some of the very first evidence of fire here.
Next came the ancient Greeks around 350 BC. Greek warriors who were fighting a battle over in Marseille decided to create a settlement here. They named the city Nikaia after the Greek Goddess of victory Nike. Throughout the city of Nice today you’ll notice many tributes to these historic roots. Most notable it our beloved Apollo Statuewhich stand proudly in the heart of Nice.
Not long after the Greeks came the Romans who settled on the outskirts in an area called Cimiez. The Romans were quickly driven away by barbarians and didn’t not last long. However, they did leave behind a rather impressive archaeological site and Roman Amphitheatre which can still be visited today.
After that, Nice was in fact under the rule of the House of Savoy, the ruling family of Sardinia. Nice belonged to Sardinia all the way up until 1860 when it was given to France. Due to its longstanding Italian roots, Italian culture has greatly influenced that of Nice’s. The local dialect of Niçard (which is not longer really spoken) is a mixture of both French and Italian. While Nice’s cuisine has also been greatly influenced by its neighbours just across the border.
Famous Niçoise Cuisine
Nice has long since cultivated a perfect blend of both French and Italian cuisine. It also combines many aspects of the classic Mediterranean diet. Often using freshly caught marine creatures and rich olive oils. Some of the most world-famous dishes produced by Nice are of course Salad Niçoise. But also Ratatouille believe it or not. Other local specialties include Socca, Pan Bagnat and Pissaladière.
Celebrities in Nice
As one of the most beautiful cities in all of France, Nice has been home to many key characters throughout history. From monarchs and aristocrats to renowned artists and literary figures, Nice has served as both an escape and a source of inspiration. Nice was a particular favourite destination of Queen Victoria of England. Many Russian Tsars were also quite fond of Nice and the Russian presence here became so strong that today there are 3 Orthodox Cathedrals littered around the city. The most mesmerising of which being the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas.
Nice has also been home to many notable painters such as Henri Matisseand Marc Chagall. Both of which have museums dedicated to them. In fact, many people say that many of Matisse’s most impressive works resemble scenes from around Nice.
Landmarks in Nice France
Promenade des Anglais
As such a major tourist city, Nice is home to a fantastic range of sights and attractions. One thing in particular Nice is known for is its famous Promenade des Anglais. The Promenade was built in 1822 by a group of British aristocrats who wanted somewhere to walk along the shore. At the turn of the 18thcentury, a British doctor began prescribing what he referred to as climato-therapy. His theory was that if you were suffering from any ailment, a change in climate was the solution. This led to a lot of wealthy British aristocrats coming to Nice. Over time, the aristocracy had grown to love Nice so much that it became a winter resort. And that was the start of Nice’s development in tourism.
Castle Hill
If you come to Nice you have to climb to the top of Castle Hill. Unfortunately, despite its name, there is no longer a standing castle. There is however a breathtaking park and a great panoramic view of Nice. Nice is actually one of the only cities along the entire Riviera that no longer has a castle. The reason for this is that Nice’s fortress was impenetrable. So when by sheer stroke of luck King Louis’s army managed to take over, he ordered his men to wipe out the entire upper city, for fear of Nice ever regaining its power.
Local Market
Source: Twenty20 – @SteveAllenPhoto
The Cours Saleya marketis one of Nice’s most prized gems. The market run every morning from Monday to Sunday inclusively. On Mondays, the market functions as a quirky antique market. On Tuesdays to Sundays however it is a local flower and produce market. Originally in the 19thcentury, this flower market was so large that the city of Nice was producing more flowers than the entirety of Holland. Which is of course no longer true today but just goes to show how big a deal this market was. A Russian Tsar was so enamoured by the vibrant flower produce by the local Niçoise, that he even had two train filled to brim transport flower from the market all the way home to Russia.
Tours of Nice France
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Discover more of what Nice has to offer with a Guided Walking Tour. Touring the enchanting streets of the Old Town, you’ll discover the cities hidden gems and best attractions in a fun and engaging way. Or, go the extra mile and book a Private Walking Tour of Nice. Along with your very own personal guide, customise the tour to suit your interests, and discover Nice in an even more in-depth way.
For further bookings and enquiries, feel free to contact us via our email: info@rivierabarcrawl.com
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