Travel Nice Guide France

Nice is France's fifth largest city, and second in Culture only to Paris. Nice lies on the coast and is famous for its lovely climate and excellent cuisine. The natives of Nice are referred to as the Niçois and speak their own dialect called Nissert. If you have ever tasted a Niçois salad, then you have some idea of the sharp and simple culinary style which is characteristic of the region. The popular port of Nice makes it one of Europe's main gateways to Africa, thus giving it a uniquely exotic beauty and flavor.



When conjuring up a picture of Nice, it nearly always involves flowers. The excellent climate and a population motivated by beauty fills Nice with fresh cut flowers daily. The Cours Saleya flower market is one of the city's main attractions. The market begins early each morning and includes, in addition to a gorgeous array of local flowers, produce, cheeses, breads and artisan crafts. On either side of the flower market you will also find some prime souvenir shopping; follow the Promenade des Anglais along the shoreline until it turns into the Quai des Etats Unis and you will encounter many lovely boutiques and local shops.



The food in Nice is unique to the area and makes good use of local flavors. Nice is famous for its olives and olive oil, and many foods there have a tart, olive flavor. When strolling Nice's lovely streets, stop at a vendor's stand and sample some Pissaladieres; tarts filled with anchovy, onion and olives. Of course, many people have already tried the local specialty the Salade Niçois and Ratatouille, which is also a Nice native. The most famous Nice olives are called Caillettes, and are used as a garnish on most dishes found here.



Nice is home to more museums than can be found in any other city in France. One of its best museums is probably the Matisse Museum, dedicated to the art and life of Henri Matisse. Matisse gained much of his inspiration in Nice, and many people say they can see his paintings in the landscape while gazing out of their hotel windows at the colorful coastline. Matisse lived in Nice from 1918 until 1954 in the hotel Regina, which is near the museum's current location. Original pieces from every period of Matisse's life can be found here, as well as some of his personal letters and other items.



Vieux Nice, or "Old Nice" is the most charming and romantic section of the city; as well as the most visited. The narrow cobblestone streets of this oldest section of the city are lined with cute boutiques, cafés and ice cream shops. This is an ideal place to find a bottle of good wine, some local hand-made crafts or antiques. In fact, antique dealers from all over Europe come to Nice to shop in the many small antique shops found in this neighborhood. Old town is also where you will find the ornate Opera house, and beautiful "Castle Hill".



In addition to the aforementioned attractions in Nice, there are numerous Roman ruins, castles and stunning views throughout. Because it lies directly on the coast, Nice holds many opportunities for swimming and water sports as well as local cruises. While Nice is beautiful in the summer, it is also somewhat crowded. Luckily, Nice enjoys mild weather throughout the year and can be enjoyed anytime, by almost anybody.

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