This magnificent all-year-round resort, so agreeably named ‘Nice’, is a vibrant city, shaped by a colourful past.
It offers visitors a fascinating blend of ancient and modern, innumerable attractions, a wonderful climate, and a carefree joie de vivre, as it sits beside the glittering Baie des Anges (bay of Angels), basking in the scorching Mediterranean sun.
Nice was originally founded by the Greeks in the 14th century BC, followed by the Romans, who had a settlement at Cimiez (later ruined by the Saracens). Nice thrived again in the Middle Ages, first under the Counts of Provence, then under the Italian Dukes of Savoy. Unified with France only as recently as 1860, it remains a strong Italianate character, admirably combining Italian temperament and lifestyle with French finesse and savoir-faire.
Thanks mainly to the English, Nice was already Europe’s most fashionable winter retreat by the 1860s, with exuberant belle époque hotels springing up along the fashionable palm-lined waterfront, which is aptly named Promenade des Anglais. Nearby, the narrow alleys and vibrant markets of the Vieille Ville (Old Town) contrast boldly with the broad boulevards and designer boutiques of the modern metropolis that fans out from place Masséna, Nice’s handsome main square. The entire city is cradled by the impressive vine-clad foothills of the Alpes-Maritimes.
The delightful setting has attracted many artists over the years. As a result, Nice is blessed with more museums and galleries than any French town outside Paris.
Richard Reeves is the founder of Essential Sailing and if you have been inspired to relax on a luxury sailing holiday, why not make this idyllic world your reality.
Sign up to download your Free Holiday Destination Guide, and receive our exclusive offers too!
