Provence Web article:
Nice, the fifth largest city in France, acts as a magnet attracting people from all over the world, for a multitude of reasons, Not only renowned for its grace, Nice has become a hub for research in industry, science and advanced technology since the creation of such centers as Acropolis and Sophia Antipolis. The Palais de Congrès, a convention center, can accomodate diverse functions and the international airport has a capacity that only Paris can better.
Both elegant and simple, Nice's charm comes from its exceptional climate as well as its beauty. Even in the winter the café terraces are filled with people happily drinking and contemplating the ultra famous Promenade des Anglais. Always in flower this wonderful walk follows along the bay,looking out onto the Baie des Anges and the beaches on one side, and on the other such luxury hotels as the Negresco.
The architecture of Nice can be astonishing with the wild exaggerations of the Belle Epoque style or the Baroque influenced houses and marisions on the hills of Mont Boron.
Fabulous creations have been realized in the floral gardens and parks of the hills of the Chateau, the Chambrun park or the Espace Masséna.
The only way to get to know the real Nice is by strolling through the ochre colored streets listening to the "Niçois" speaking their own language (Nissart) and by tasting their savory cooking, One musn't miss the onion, anchovy and olive tarts called Pissaladières, the vegetable and tuna sandwiches known as Pan Bagnat, the Salade Niçoise or the famous Ratatouille (tomatoes eggplant and zucchini squash stew). The main cooking ingredient is olive oil ot course, and many of the dishes are garnished with the succulent little black Nice olives called Caillettes.
Nice is also a city of art and culture and after Paris, has the most museums in France. The city is animated at night as well as in the day especially in the summer with the Nice Jazz Festival held in the arena, the gardens of Cimiez, and the flower "war" on the Promenade des Anglais in which participate the prettiest women on the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera). Each day on the Cours Soleya there is the great flower market where one can also find fruit and vegetables in the mornings. Each quarter in Nice is alive with markets, boutiques and restaurants making the whole city a lively place to visit.
Historic sites to see:
The prehistoric sites of Lazaret and Terra Amata,The Préfecture Palace, The Opera, A Russian Orthodox church, many other churches big and small.
Museums, excursions:
Modern Art Museum, Art and History Museum, Musée de Malacologie (seashells), Musée Matisse, Palais Lascaris, Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée d'Art Naif and more...
Activities:
Theater Opera, Night Clubs, water sports, swimming pool, Horseback riding, golf, tennis, squash, ice skating, hang gliding, ULM flying, shopping...
