
A break in Nice
Architecture, nature and culture - all on the Côte d’Azur!
Welcome to Nice, the capital of the Côte d’Azur with a rich history as well as a special climate and unparalleled level of light. Be enchanted by its many attractions and assets.
If it isn’t already the most famous of Nice’s treasures, the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Basilica is in any case the nearest to you and will certainly catch your eye. Built in a neo-Gothic style in the last few decades of the 19th century, its façade was inspired by Notre-Dame de Paris and on its east side has a stunning rose window you won’t want to miss. The bells may ring for celebrations between 9am and 7pm (yet never at night or early in the morning, for all wanting a quiet night’s sleep!).
Straddling seven kilometres, how far has the world-famous Promenade des Anglais changed since 1820? A footpath turned urban highway on certain parts of its length over many successive transformations, this arch-shaped road from east to west has always benefited from a cooling breeze and features such buildings as the Villa Masséna, a museum of local history. If you find yourself in the Jardin Albert 1er, you’ll discover some of the delights of the promenade that high society would have enjoyed in the 19th century, including fountains, sprawling lawns, bandstands and an amphitheatre, all against the backdrop of rose gardens and palm trees facing the sea.
A few dozen metres away, discover the ochre, red and yellow façades of the old town, as well as the markets and Baroque buildings of the Cours Saleya, lively places which have attracted many painters, including Chagall and, of course, Matisse. These two giants of the art each have their own museum in the upper heights of the prestigious Cimiez neighbourhood, which boast some true jewels of Victorian architecture. From the artists’ inspirations and nature to one hilltop to another, we don’t know where next to look!