Every Waves Whispers a Story of Wonder

To savour the city’s unparalleled lifestyle thoroughly? Under the heatwave, as the Niçois dialect said, “M'en bati, Sieu Nissart,” literally means “I don't give a damn, I'm from Nice”.

Near the Italian border, Nice Côte d'Azur belonged to the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia before 1860. A permanent commission “Consiglio d’Ornato” was established in order to implement the city planning as a resort for foreigners. After the city was ceded to France, more winter visitors from all countries flocked to the city, thanks to its connection to the European rail network.

Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur région, the city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, as a result of its unique position between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps mountain. From the mid-18th century, a growing number of aristocratic and upper-class families developed the habit of spending their winters in these sun-soaked beaches, mainly the British.

From the airport in the west to the castle headland in the east, Promenade des Anglais is the most iconic stretch of seafront in Nice. Some English expat patrons funded this 7km path in 1822. Strolling along the vast and palm tree-lined landscape offers an uninterrupted view of the Baie des Anges. No wonder it was named “Winter Resort Town of the Riviera” by UNESCO in 2021.

Above all the significant influx, Nice was the crucible of many exchanges of influences. Lose yourself in the winding streets and narrow alleyways around la Fontaine du Soleil. Look up the colorful facades, one will be amazed by this picturesque Vieux Nice, literally an old town in French, with the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate and 17th-century Palais Lascaris as a background.

Enjoy the sweeping vistas at sunset in the Colline du Château. Used to be a medieval castle and military fortifications, it was destroyed by Louis XIV in 1706, to alter the French occupation and relieve its strategic purposes. Luckily, the Tour Bellanda remains and becomes a leafy, wooden park with an artificial waterfall during the Sardinian restoration, situated on the eastern edge.

A 10-minute train ride brings you from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer, one of the deepest natural harbours in the Mediterranean Sea. Founded by Charles II of Anjou, the Count of Provence in 1295, this “Freetown” was established as a tax-free trading port with permanent residency by the Counts of Provence. Just dive into the beach and wander the old town for a remarkable vacation.

Halfway between France and Italy, this Unesco-listed city is also packed with Niçoise street food specialties. Socca, a chickpea-flour pancake. Pissaladière, a caramelized onion and anchovy tart. Tourte de blettes, a pie full of chard, raisin and pine nuts. Leave some room for savoring the pan bagnat, which is in fact a round-shaped sandwich filled with salade niçoise. Bon appétit!