Nice (Cote D'Azur) Information - Holidays in France, Gites de France, Villas in France

The Beach at Nice

Nice (Cote D'Azur) mini guide

Guide point	Details
Department:	South of France and the Riviera > Provence - Cote d'Azur > Alpes-Maritimes >
Location:	Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur région, Nice is a commune and the préfecture of the Alpes-Maritimes département. Nice is a city in southern France located on the Mediterranean coast.
Public Transport:	The public transport system is very dense and provides connections to all parts of the city. The city has a railway station. The ferry companies SNCM and Corsica Ferries operate from Nice Harbour and sail to Corsica Ligne D'Azur bus company provide public transport within the cityand neighbouring areas. A tramway line is under construction at present and should open in the near future.
Tourist information website:	www.nicetourism.com
Tourist information contact email:	infor@nicetourism.com
Tourist information switch board number:	telephone: +33 892 707 407 and fax
Tourist information address:	OFFICE du TOURISME et des CONGRÈS, BP 4079, 06302 NICE CEDEX 4
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With the Alps protecting the area from inland winds and the Mediterranean sea warming the breezes, Nice and the French Riviera has an enviable and almost tropical climate. Although it is no longer the exclusive preserve of the wealthy, Nice remains consistently popular and has an undeniably sophisticated atmosphere, with its palm lined promenade (the Promenade des Anglais,) stretching for several kilometres and its café and restaurant terraces.

The Old Town

Nice’s most colourful quarter is the Old town which is behind the seafront, along cours Saleya. The best way to see the sights is via a tour on a mini-train from the seafront, in front of Hôtel Meridien. This takes in the flower market, the old town and Castle Hill gardens.

Cours Saleya has a daily market selling fruit, vegetables and flowers, and also antiques on Mondays. A stroll through Cours Saleya is a pleasure for all your senses and the sights, smells, and tastes that await you are endless. You can find anything you are looking for, from fresh fruit and vegetables to spices. Worth the visit simply for the experience.

Also in Cours Seleya you will find the Chapelle de la Miséricorde, a baroque masterpiece which belonged to the high brotherhood of Black Penitents a religious order dating from 1422, and is one of the ten most beautiful baroque buildings in the world. There are beautiful seventeenth-century canvases as well as two altarpieces dedicated to the Virgin in the sacristy: one by Miralhet (1429), the other by Brea (1485).

North of the market in the Place Rosetti is the lovely 17th century cathedral Cathédrale de Ste-Réparate, another good example of the baroque style which flourished during this century. It is flanked by an 18th century bell tower and is known for its ceramic tile dome.

Shopping

For the big designer labels head west of place Masséna to rue du Paradis, rue Masséna, rue de la Liberté, rue Alphonse Karr and avenue de Suède. Avenue Jean Médecin, meanwhile, is home to every chain store imaginable.

Eating and Nightlife

There are many bars and restaurants in the old town around cours Saleya with lots of tourist restaurants and some really fabulous places to eat and dance the night away.