The cosmopolitan city of Nice: The perfect winter city break
If you’re looking for a compelling city break to help you get through the winter then the cosmopolitan city of Nice on the stunning Côte d’Azur is highly recommended.
Nice derives its name from the Greek Goddess of Victory ‘Nike’. Nike, of course, also gave her to a well-known sports brand – Adidas (just kidding!). Nikaia was the name given to the city by the Greeks in 350 BC and today ‘Nice’ is what is left of the Greek donation. The victory after which the Greeks named the city was yet another conquering story from the annals of this often turbulent metropolitan, whose history has seen different ‘tenants’ move in down the ages.
The beauty of Nice and the favourable climate did not go unnoticed with the English Victorian upper classes and those that chose to (and could afford to) would spend all winter in Nice. Proof of the English’s long-standing love affair with Nice can be found through the name of the city’s prominent seaside promenade, known as ‘La promenade des Anglais’. The promenade is in recognition to those well-heeled Victorians who strutted up and down the long elegant walkway in the 19th century.
Tucked away in the network of streets and boulevards behind the La promenade des Anglais are many wonderful squares. The Place Messina has to be one of the most impressive squares in the city. Lined with palm trees and red Italian buildings the square is a stylish spot to hold concerts and other events – A fine place for the people of Nice and its visitors to gather in celebration.
Another impressive square to visit in Nice is the Place Garibaldi. Situated at the eastern end of the Old Town of Nice, the monumental square is encircled with Baroque architecture of the late 18th century.
It has to be said one of the best ways to travel around Nice is by tram, as this convenient mode of transport pulls in at the squares and other places of interest.
Nice is the second most visited city in France after Paris and, naturally, is busy year round. There is a great vibrancy about Nice, a hustle bustle which is shared amongst all who visit it.