Nice

Nice le Belle (Nice the Beautiful) is the second most visited destination after Paris with almost 4 million tourists every year. Home of the oldest human settlements in Europe, the cosmopolitan city founded by the Greeeks has served as inspiration for painters, composers and intellectuals over time. Its unique culture is best identified in the local dialect called Niçard (Nissart), in the elegantly danced farandole and in annual festivals which have turned this holiday destination of aristocrats into one of the most appreciated places in the world.

Victory Goddess' Strategy

Nice is a name derived from the Greek goddess of victory Nike. The settlement which was founded approximately in 350 BC has grown to be the fifth most populous in the country after Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse. Situated in the South East of France, covering a surface of 71,92 square kilometers (28 square miles), Nice is the second largest city on the Mediterranean coast. With its strategic location and prosperous port, Nice the Beautiful has always been known for its maritime strength. Geographically, the much appreciated touristic destination can offer two large bays, flat beaches, rising hills and surrounding mountains.

An Emphasis in Archeology

For the ones interested in the truly special features of this mundane destination, archeology is the subject to begin with. Even though the city is believed to have been founded by the Greeks of Marseille, the area of Nice is where the oldest human settlements of Europe were found. In the Terra Amata archeological site, the evidence of fire proves that this French region was inhabited even 400,000 years ago.

Inspiration of Aristocratic Flair

Carrying the symbol of a red eagle on its coat of arms, Nice is said to have been a muse to painters like Chagall, Matisse of Arman as well as to most famous intellectuals like Nietsche, Rossini or Berlioz.

During the six months long summer in Nice visitors can walk the Promenade des Anglais (Walkway of the English), a boardwalk built by the earliest visitors of the resort and one of the city symbols. The Hotel Negreso dating from 1912 imposes through its proportions and preservation in time even though it ''participated'' in World War I. The Observatory (Observatoire de Nice) atop Mount Gros was built in 1879, up to 1888 it had the largest refractory telescope in the world and can still offer the best panoramic views over the colorful city.

Discover French tradition in the Cours Saleya square, walk into the Place Massena for an evening of socialization or the numerous public events and make sure you do not miss the prestigious Carnaval de Nice or the harmonic Nice Jazz Festival. Fall in love with Nice le Belle, a cosmopolitan touristic destination which can offer you a holiday of aristocrats.