Promenade des Anglais
A big favourite with locals and visitors alike, including
rollerbladers, cyclists and dog owners, this much-loved
promenade hugs the seashore for several kilometres. The
promenade's characteristic blue chairs, scattered along
the way, provide the perfect vantage point from which to
take in the expanse of azure blue stretching as far as the
eye can see. It took its current form in 1822, when Lewis
Way, an Englishman who lived in Nice during the winter months,
financed the two-metre wide path. It is free of charge to
stroll.
Carnaval de Nice
Nice explodes into colour during its yearly carnival. Musical
parades, mock battles and street music are just some of
the free events organised for the carnival. The festival
is also a time for the people of Nice to celebrate the city's
sunny climate. The old town bars and restaurants, concert
halls and theatres are as lively as they are in mid-summer.
Entrance fees for a handful of the sea-front carnivals are
EUR10 for standing and EUR20 for a ring-side seat. Book
by telephone or from the carnival's flashy website.
Place Massena
Place Massena is without a doubt Nice's most famous square
and certainly the most impressive. Surrounded by the Albert
I and Massena gardens, the imposing red-coloured buildings
bordering the square assert an even greater presence. During
the Carnival, it comes as no surprise that the King's float
takes pride of place in this very spot. Place Massena is
also one of the city's key central points: Vieux-Nice is
within easy reach, as is the sea or even the main shopping
thoroughfares. You're bound to pass through it at some point.
Castel Plage
This is the place to head if you want to see and be seen.
As soon as the sun's out, the beautiful people are topping
up their tans, lazing on deckchairs and enjoying the fabulous
view over the bay and the Colline du Château. Italian
and local fare is served. Table tennis is popular and there's
a regular programme of evening entertainment, whilst the
old town and cafe-filled Cours Saleya pedestrian district
are just across the road.
Marineland
The only one of its kind in Europe, this centre just 25km
from Nice, is home to an impressive array of marine life.
Walk along the glass tunnel through the shark pool and watch
different species circling menacingly overhead. Enjoy the
magic of choreographed routines performed by killer whales
and dolphins, marvel at strange jellyfish or even stroke
the stingrays. Another of the centre's attractions is its
reconstruction of an atoll, complete with flora and fauna,
crustaceans and corals. There's also a restaurant, children's
play area and souvenir shop.
Musee Matisse
Housed in a magnificent red building, this museum stands
on Cimiez hill, close to the city's Arènes (ancient
amphitheatre) and Musee archeologique. Matisse lived in
Cimiez from 1917 until his death in 1954. Paintings, drawings
and some of his earliest works are on display, along with
pieces that reveal his lesser-known talents as a sculptor.
Several black and white photographs offer glimpses of the
artist's private life.
Musee des Beaux-Arts (Jules Cheret)
Built in 1878, this magnificent private mansion houses a
collection of more than 6,000 works of art dating from the
17th century to the 1940's. As well as work by French artists
(including sculptures by Carpeaux and Rodin), the museum
also boasts a fine collection of remarkably restored Flemish
school paintings. Two exhibition spaces are entirely devoted
to modern art, featuring Kees Van Dongen, Raoul Dufy and
Picasso. Of particular note is symbolist work by Nice artist
Gustav Adolf Mossa, who for many years was curator of the
museum.
Colline du Château
Situated on the hill between the old town and the harbour,
this park is a big favourite with locals and tourists alike.
Surrounded by a typically Mediterranean backdrop of pine
trees, carobs, figs and aloes, the park's impressive waterfall,
children's play area, breathtaking views over the city,
medieval ruins and Maritime Museum are all part of its appeal.
Get here on foot, by car or take the lift from Rue des Ponchettes
at the foot of Bellanda Tower.
Septembre de la photo
The end of summer heralds the welcome return of this annual
photographic festival, which takes on a different theme
each year. Work by photographers from all walks of life
are featured in exhibitions organized by local galleries
and the Thtre de la Photographie. Previous themes have included
Russia and Sweden.
Triathlon
Every year in September, crowds flock to the Promenade des
Anglaisto see hundreds of competitors in one of the worlds
best-known and toughest triathlons. This, Frances first
triathlon, was introduced in 1982. Since then, American
Mark Allen has won the event over 10 times. Triathlon association
members can take part; places are subject to availability
and registration costs around EUR122. Run in tandem with
the triathlon is "Avenir," a youngsters triathlon
open to nine-year-olds upwards, which kicks off at 9:30am.
|
