France is a country filled with romance, art, and good food. While Paris is certainly its most famous city, many places throughout the country are still frequently visited by tourists. One such destination is Nice, a seaside city that’s brimming with life and color.
The Beaches
France is a popular destination for its beaches, with many of its seaside cities being frequented for this very reason. This photo shown above gives us an aerial view of one of Nice’s many beaches, with plenty of locals and tourists alike enjoying a day in the sun. The white sands and pristine waters look like something straight out of a film. If you’re considering getting a tan soon, see if you can get it on one of Nice’s beaches.
White Cathedral
France is home to many buildings that have lasted decades and even centuries. The architecture in many of these buildings still holds up very well to this day, and the various colors that they come in paint a beautiful picture as you walk down Nice’s streets. Now and then, you’ll come across a building of interest, such as this white cathedral in the distance. While some of the streets are narrow by modern standards, this also gives you a reason to explore the city on foot, which can be tiring but extremely rewarding.
Transportation in Nice
You can get around Nice in several different ways, but a great way to really get a feel for the city is by traveling through the local tram railway covering a good portion of the city. The railways that the tram travels through are very heavily integrated into the city itself, and it can even be difficult to notice that you’re standing in one of the tram’s routes. Riding one of Nice’s trams gives you a scenic view of the city’s many wonders, both during the day and night.
Amusement in Nice
This is a picture of a carousel found in Nice. While carousels by themselves aren’t that special, pay attention to the detail of the contraption. Its markings, engravings, and various colors add that special charm to it, showing how beautiful everything in France really is. You may be a little too old to ride the carousel yourself, but even this humble device is worth adoring for its beauty.
Aerial View of Nice
When you look at Nice from a distance, you’ll be met with quite an interesting fact – many of the city’s buildings have roofs of the same color. This is because many of these buildings were built around the same time, using roughly the same materials. As a result, you can see an ocean of orange that covers a good chunk of the city. While the more modern structures look slightly different, the city’s overall pastel theme seems to be followed to this day, giving the city a unified look and feel.
Nice at Night
Unlike other cities at night, Nice doesn’t have bright neon signs and fancy LED machines. Instead, the city is seen largely painted with a bright golden-yellow hue during the evenings. France is relatively warm, and this color only further enforces this idea with its warm colors enveloping the town. While not as modern of a nighttime view as with other cities, it’s definitely a rare sight to behold these days.
Hotel Negresco
Hotel Negresco is a hotel built back in 1912 and bears the name of its original owner. It was one of the most prestigious hotels in the city at the time, with fancy lounges and luxurious services only reserved for the elite. Notably, the hotel has its own private beach, allowing those who spend the night an intimate experience with Nice’s sands and sea. With over 100 guest rooms, the hotel can hold plenty of people at once.
Gare du Sud
Gare du Sud is an interesting place with a bit of history surrounding it. Originally serving as a railway station, Gare du Sud was closed during December of 1991, with another station replacing it. Fortunately, the place only remained derelict for a while. The station was turned into a library, with a portion being repurposed into a beautiful food court. Visitors can still note the architecture that’s reminiscent of the 20th century. Gare du Sud is an example of how structures don’t need to be abandoned or demolished after being rendered obsolete.
The Port of Nice
Because of Nice’s proximity to the ocean, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of people who enjoy boating and fishing as a pastime. There are plenty of boats that line up Nice’s ports, with expensive yachts and motorboats ready for piloting. Even if you’re just visiting, you can rent a boat with the right service so that you can enjoy the sea breeze and local fishing scene. As Nice’s waters are crystal-clear, a trip to the waters can offer you an experience you’ll probably never forget.
St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral
The St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral is one of the country’s most beautiful Orthodox chapels. Its design is heavily influenced by Baroque architecture and was designed by a New York architect of Russian descent. While the church’s exterior is impressive enough, the building’s inside will take your breath away with its detailed ceiling and wall paintings. Even if you aren’t religious, you’ll definitely want to visit the cathedral for its artistic feats.
Conclusion
Nice, France is a city that’s been under the radar by many tourists visiting France. And while many people are familiar with Paris’ beauties, Nice’s own charm is definitely underrated. If you have the time and money, try spending a few days visiting the town. The city itself looks like it hasn’t changed much in the last 100 years, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled into the past with all its preserved architecture.