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Nice, one of the jewels of the Cote d’Azur is the fifth largest commune in France boasting approximately 350 000 inhabitants and nearly 4 million visitors each year. Situated roughly 30 kilometers from the Italian border and enveloped by the mediteranian sea on the south coast and the hills and landscape of the Mercantour on the North.
Once known by the name of ‘Nikaia’ of greek origine the city of Nice belonging to Provence, to the ‘Maison de Savoie’ and to the Royaume of Piemont-Sardaigne before being given back to the French in 1860 during the annexation of Nice to the rest of France.
During the 19th century Nice became one of the biggest and most attractive tourist destinations in Europe. The city experienced an architectural blossoming with the construction of many renowned Palaces such as the Excelsior Regina, the Alhambre or the Hermitage in Cimiez, many majestical hotels on the Promenade des Anglais such as the West End, the Westminster and the infamous Negressco the work of the architectural genius Edouard Niermans and also several other well known points of interest such as the Chateau de l’Anglais and the Chateau de la Tour. The Palais de la Méditerranée is a perfect example of the Art-deco style of the 1920’s taking over from the ‘Belle Epoque’ traditions and encouraging an intensive period of urbanization in synchronization with the growing population of the azurean capital.
With 2676 hours of sunshine, the equivalent of 300 days per year Nice benefits without doubt from an exceptional and much envied climate.With an average temperature of 20°C, the city offers well distinguished seasons typical of a Mediterranean climate, gentle winters, hot dry summers, relatively wet autumns and spring times that are just spring.
Situated in the heart of the Cote d’Azur, Nice offers rapid and easy access to a variety of natural locations and many urban centres. Starting with the coastline which allows access to the glorious and notorious beaches of Saint Tropez in under an hour or the well known bathing spots of San Remo and Bordighera in Italy not forgetting the bay of Cannes, Juan les Pins, Antibes, the fabulous creeks of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat or Cap d’Ail, Villefranche sur Mer and of course the Principality of Monaco. The public and private beaches offer an enchanting panorama without forgetting the hidden treasures of the sea bed, greatly appreciated by all diving enthousiasts.
The Niçois hillside and mountains give great access to numerous walkways for both hiking beginners and experts and with less than an hours journey by car canyoning’, rock climbing, rafting, horse riding and mountain biking are all readily available. For those who prefer the snow to the sand, the well known ski resorts of Auron, Isola 2000 and Valberg are just a stone’s throw away.
With over 200 hotels ranging in price and many possibilities concerning furnished rental properties Nice has become by excellance a fantastic tourist destination. After Paris, Nice Airport is the third largest in France, welcoming over 10 million passengers each year and offering direct links with the main worldwide capitals and many European cities. Making the most of a very difficult topographical landscape, Nice has risen to the challenge in organizing a highly efficient and accessible network of public transport and motorways. In the city centre the buses and trams offer an easy and practical method of transport and the newly launched ‘velos bleus’ rental bicycles are now available throughtout the area.
From a cultural point of view, Nice has everything you need to fill your time spent here. The choice is endless, Opera, live Music, theatre, Cinema, Museums, historical and architectural heritage. From the Museum of Beaux-arts to the Museum of Modern art, Matisse and Chagall also possess their own Museums, the Russian Church, the Chapelle des Penitents and the Palais Sarde, not forgetting the Jazz Festivals and of course the Nice Carnaval, all of which are not to be missed.