Nice

Presentation:

Nice, the fifth largest city in France, acts as a magnet attracting people from all over the world, for a multitude of reasons, Not only renowned for its grace, Nice has become a hub for research in industry, science and advanced technology since the creation of such centers as Acropolis and Sophia Antipolis. The Palais de Congrès, a convention center, can accomodate diverse functions and the international airport has a capacity that only Paris can better.

Both elegant and simple, Nice's charm comes from its exceptional climate as well as its beauty. Even in the winter the café terraces are filled with people happily drinking and contemplating the ultra famous Promenade des Anglais. Always in flower this wonderful walk follows along the bay, looking out onto the Baie des Anges and the beaches on one side, and on the other such luxury hotels as the Negresco.

The architecture of Nice can be astonishing with the wild exaggerations of the Belle Epoque style or the Baroque influenced houses and mansions on the hills of Mont Boron.

Fabulous creations have been realized in the floral gardens and parks of the hills of the Chateau, the Chambrun park or the Espace Masséna.

The only way to get to know the real Nice is by strolling through the ochre colored streets listening to the "Niçois" speaking their own language (Nissart) and by tasting their savory cooking, One musn't miss the onion, anchovy and olive tarts called Pissaladières, the vegetable and tuna sandwiches known as Pan Bagnat, the Salade Niçoise or the famous Ratatouille (tomatoes eggplant and zucchini squash stew). The main cooking ingredient is olive oil ot course, and many of the dishes are garnished with the succulent little black Nice olives called Caillettes.

Geography:

Situated in Southern Europe, in the south east of , Nice enjoys the advantages of being located between the Alps, Provence, Corsica and . The city is positioned in a remarkably natural site in the heart of the French Riviera. It stretches over a coastal plain opening southward onto the Mediterranean and bordered from East to West by wooded hills. In the background, the first peaks of the Alpine foothills are visible, some reaching over 9000 ft above sea level and only 31 miles from the coast.

Arts and culture:

Nice is also a city of art and culture and after Paris, has the most museums in . The city is animated at night as well as in the day especially in the summer with the Nice Jazz Festival held in the arena, the gardens of Cimiez, and the flower "war" on the Promenade des Anglais in which participate the prettiest women on the (French Riviera). Each day on the Cours Soleya there is the great flower market where one can also find fruit and vegetables in the mornings. Each quarter in Nice is alive with markets, boutiques and restaurants making the whole city a lively place to visit.

The French Riviera has always known to inspire, the greatest painters, writers and musicians. It has compelled recognition of its avant-garde across the Atlantic, its museums hold prestigious collections in edifices of renowned architecture.

Nice is full of an extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage.

The gentle way of life sustains the imaginary world of artists and stimulates their creativity. Thus artists such as Van Loo, Toulouse Lautrec, Modigliani, Dufy, Renoir, Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, or Prévert, Nietzsche, , Tolstoï, Maupassant, and musicians including Berlioz, Bizet, Massenet, have experienced a real fascination over Nice, without forgetting the numerous architects who have left their stamp upon the city.

Nice is not a provincial town as some of its neighbouring towns are, it is a privileged city. The cultural and aesthetic atmosphere is prevailing here; it is maintained, still today, by Nucéra, Le Clézio, Arman, Yves Klein, Ben, Martial Raysse, Malaval, Viallat, César: the city is in an ever-lasting turmoil.

Economy:

• Capital of the county
• 27 000 companies of which 83% are trade and services
• 2nd biggest airport in France, with more than 8,6 million passengers a year, connecting to 80 destinations in 28 countries
• Nice has had a steady capital growth of 15% to 17% over the last 3 years
  

Music Proposals:

In February you can enjoy the well-known Nice Carnival with its spectacular flower parades and fireworks.