Nice – One city, two faces
- ILLUSTRATION CRISTÓBAL SCHMAL
Czars, lords and world stars – Nice was once a stamping ground for Europe’s decadent high society. Today, the city on the Côte d’Azur has a certain patina from those days long past, but also a modern, fresh, futuristic side
Top hotel
The Negresco Hotel, which opened in 1912, is still the best address in town, or rather on the promenade. It’s a perfect specimen of the Belle Époque period.
Flower market
Nice is famous for holding a magnificent flower market Tuesdays through Saturdays on Cours Saleya. Go on a Monday if you prefer junk stalls and antiques.
Sacred monument
Make do? Now that concept was anathema to Czar Nicholas II! Not content with a mere church, by 1912 he had built his own St. Nicholas’ Cathedral in Nice.
Seaside runway
The Beau Rivage has always been the bathtub of the rich and beautiful. The beach has a spa, bar, restaurant and sunbeds costing 20 euros a day.
Luminous art
Artists rave about the quality of light in Nice. Henri Matisse lived there from 1916 to 1954. Today, the Matisse Museum shows hundreds of his works.
NCE
Kickoff
OGC Nice, the city’s top-league soccer team, has played at the new Allianz Riviera stadium since 2013, which in 2016 will also host European championship games.
Hipster hostelry
Hipsters prefer the Hi Hotel to the Negresco: Forget the unremarkable facade, inside it’s a blaze of color and also has a private beach for guests.
New town
The plan for the new Eco-Vallée district is to attract IT companies and prepare Nice for the future. Enthusiasts are even dreaming of a French Silicone Valley.
Art palace Contemporary
Art has found a home in Nice. And what a home! With its four marble towers connected by glass bridges, the MAMAC is a sculpture in its own right.
Place to promenade
Step by step, the famous Promenade des Anglais is being given a makeover. Work on Promenade de Paillon park has already been completed.