Location and Historical Background
Geographic Setting and First Impressions
Nice lies on the southeastern edge of France, nestled between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. This dramatic setting gives Nice its unique character: mountains rise behind palm-lined promenades, and turquoise water meets pastel façades. Today, Nice impresses with light, color, and a sense that nature and urban life reached a rare agreement here.
Origins and Early History
Founded around 350 BCE by Greek settlers from Marseille, Nice was named Nikaia after Nike, the goddess of victory. Legend suggests the Greeks chose the spot after a successful battle nearby – a confident start for a city that would often change hands. Romans later expanded the settlement, while medieval Nice developed as a strategic coastal town with strong Italian influences.
The Three Greatest Blows to Nice
1. Repeated Sieges and Invasions (14th–18th Centuries)
Because of its strategic location, Nice was frequently attacked by French, Savoyard, and other European forces. The city endured multiple sieges, bombardments, and occupations, particularly during conflicts between France and the House of Savoy. Each invasion damaged infrastructure and unsettled daily life.
2. The Destruction of the Castle (1706)
In 1706, during the War of the Spanish Succession, French troops under Louis XIV destroyed the Castle of Nice, once the city’s main defensive structure. The demolition left Nice exposed and symbolically weakened, permanently altering its skyline and military importance.
3. World War II Occupation (1940–1944)
Nice experienced Italian and later German occupation during World War II. Jewish residents were arrested and deported, resistance members persecuted, and fear became routine. Although the city avoided large-scale destruction, the human cost was profound.
The Golden Age of Nice
Nice’s golden age arrived in the 19th century, when it became a winter resort for European aristocracy, particularly the British. Elegant villas, hotels, gardens, and promenades were built, including the famous seafront. Tourism replaced warfare as the city’s primary industry, redefining Nice as a destination of leisure, health, and beauty.
Why Nice Is Worth Visiting Today
Nice today offers a rare balance of culture and relaxation. Visitors can swim in the sea, explore museums, wander through old streets, and dine exceptionally well – all in a single day. The city serves as a gateway to the French Riviera while remaining authentic and livable. Nice does not demand excitement; it supplies it naturally, through climate, cuisine, and atmosphere.
Tourist Information and Key Attractions
Practical Tourist Costs (Estimated Averages)
- Average lunch: 14–18 EUR
- Average dinner: 22–32 EUR
- Hotel (mid-range, double room): 110–180 EUR per night
- Beer (0.5 l): 6–8 EUR
- Coffee (espresso): 2.5–4 EUR
Most Interesting Areas of the City
The Old Town (Vieux Nice), the Promenade des Anglais, Cimiez hill, and the Port area are the most attractive parts for visitors.
Three Must-See Attractions
Promenade des Anglais
A legendary seafront boulevard stretching along the Bay of Angels. Walking here at sunset explains Nice better than any guidebook.
Vieux Nice (Old Town)
A dense maze of narrow streets, colorful buildings, markets, and local eateries. This is where Italian roots and Mediterranean life still dominate.
Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
Though the castle is gone, the hill offers the best panoramic views of Nice. Waterfalls, ruins, and viewpoints reward the climb.
Final Summary
Nice does not rush you – it persuades you to stay. It mastered the art of pleasure without excess, elegance without effort, and history without heaviness. If happiness needed a coastline, it would look suspiciously like Nice.