Together with Marseille and Nimes, Nice is one of the most beautiful and crowded cities in the south of France and the cradle of mankind in Europe. Archaeologists have found evidence of the first levels of inhabitants that are thought to be 400,000 years old, the area being among the first where the use of fire was attested. The city was founded in the 7th century BC by the Greeks from Massalia (now Marseille). Throughout the centuries it became one of the most important ports and trading points at the Mediterranean, a status it has preserved until today.
Yet, Nice is more than just a highly modern tourist and economical centre, it actually continues millennial history that no one can contest. Even the name of the city justifies its status, the Greeks called it after the goddess of victory Nikae, therefore we wouldn’t be wrong to say that the city developed under favourable stars though it had its share of troubles along the years. As for culture, Nice is absolutely distinct from everything you may have seen. Let’s take a quick look around and you’ll see for yourself.
La Promenade des Anglais
The first to launch the great tourist tradition of Nice were the English, in the 17th century as they came here to spend winter, escaping the harsh British weather. Later the present-day Promenade was built, and its original name continued the English tradition: La Promenade des Anglais. This is the perfect spot for any tourist who is looking for leisure activities, the great beaches, the blue chairs of the Promenade and the many chalets make this spot the best place to contemplate the blue waters of the Mediterranean in the Bay of Angels.
Nice is a spectacle of past and present, old and modern; there is no better example to offer here than the Catholic Church Sainte Jeane d’Arc that has one of the most original architectures you may have ever seen. The influence of the Art Nouveau style is obvious in the entire edifice whereas the interior painting carries imprints of the Russian Cubism and orthodox icons. Many of the inhabitants of Nice consider it controversial, but tourists definitely like it. Not to mention that if you get to listen to the organ played inside you’ll fully understand what great acoustics really mean.
For special cultural events and high-quality entertainment Palais Nikaia is the best indoor concert hall in Nice. Close to the Cote d’Azur, the hall has a unique location. It stands right next to the great stadium Stade Charles Ehrmann from which it is separated by some simple sliding glass doors. The two buildings have a housing capacity of almost 50,000 seats for holding concerts or sports events.
Traditional Stockfish Dish - Nice, France
Local food is absolutely delicious, you cannot go to Nice and order the regular kind of food you have at home. Nice has a real gastronomic culture, and we could only mention a few of the best traditional dishes: onion pie with anchovies, pancakes off chickpea flour called socca or bouillabaisse and a whole range of fish soups. Vegetables stuffed with breadcrumbs that the locals call farcis nicois and the salade nicoise are perfect for those of you who are more careful with their diet; olives and fish are the basis of a common meal in Nice. Feel free though to try some of the many other exotic dishes, you won’t be disappointed.