Nice at a Glance
Soaked by sun for centuries, Nice has lured human civilizations to its shores
for more than 400,000 years. Its current reputation as a generous host of the
French Riviera wasn't earned
until the 19th century, when its beaches began to be populated by British, northern
European and Russian aristocracy on vacation. The city then took steps to take
advantage of itself and its superb climate, transforming into one of the world's
first tourist destinations.
The Promenade
des Anglais winds past chateaux, luxurious hotels and sumptuous palaces,
all the while keeping the glittering Mediterranean by its side. The Matisse
and Chagall
museums preserve pieces donated by the appreciative artists, both of whom found
their creativity sparked in Nice. Remnants from the Belle Epoque are exemplified
by an Orthodox
Russian Cathedral, ordered to be built by Nicholas II for the use of the
wintering Russian elite. Cool and chic, fun and festive, Nice hosts the annual
Carnaval de Nice,
complete with dozens of talented entertainment and dance troupes, a flower parade
and a procession of huge, colourful, madcap papier-mache masks.
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