The French Riviera is internationally known for its gorgeous deep blue Mediterranean outlook and sunny skies, and my recent trip to Nice didn't disappoint that image I had cultivated in my mind one bit.
Nice is a wonderful city with a mix of Italian and French old world charm. Its terracotta facades and earthy tones give it a warm and inviting vibe and a welcoming atmosphere. One can walk about the city feeling safe and completely at ease and its inhabitants are friendly and accommodating to the many people from different countries and nationalities who visit its streets.
Its an easy city to get around and most of its inhabitants are bi-lingual or even poly-lingual so finding someone who can help you find where you are going is quite easy. I found that most inhabitants spoke at least French, Italian and Spanish but just about every tour guide I spoke to told me about their 4th of 5th language that they were just learning so it seams like a place that really loves their tourism and their multi-cultural beginnings and embraces it whole heatedly which is a beautiful thing to see.
The city has a firm base in French and Italian culture due to its beginnings as kind of a bargaining chip and war trophy in both countries throughout various wars and multiple monarchies. The mix of cultures gives the city an amazing array of exquisite restaurants, and one of the best areas to enjoy this is along the Cours Saleya. This open market type street has a variety of different restaurants, with most service amazing 3 course meals for cheaper than you can get most anywhere else in France. Walking along this street many of the restaurateurs will come out to greet you and invite you in to try their unique menu. With a variety of sea foods, pasta and pizza dishes and traditional french cuisine there is a little something for everyone here.
The city also has an extremely easy to use public transit system, so if you have one too many wines with your dinner there are a myriad of quick and cheap ways to get back to your hotel.
Nice is home to one of the most breathtaking views atop its highest peak at Castle Hill. With full panoramic views over the terracotta roof tops and a stunning view of the Mediterranean, its no wonder that this city if one of the most visited in France.
And if you are looking for that iconic stroll along the seas edge, then look no further. The promenade des anglais is a long, wide cemented walkway that spans a large majority of the length of the city. Its open and has plenty of room for walkers to share their space with bikes, skate boards, strollers, wheel chairs, scooters and a variety of street performers and characters enjoying the beautiful views alongside the warm ocean side. Its a space that has become not only a walking path but also a meeting place of so many different people and walking along this path will let you glimpse into the atmosphere and community spirit of the city and its people. Here you can see and enjoy all walks of life while chilling on a simple blue chair and getting a tan. Its amazing how such a simple place can really become the heart of a city.
tSo if you want to immerse yourself in French and Italian culture while still enjoying that classic French Riviera beach holiday, then this is a perfect place to visit
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