Nice

The beginnings of tourism in Nice can be traced back to the 18th century when famous aristocrats, first the British then the Russians and later the Americans, spent the winter months here and gave the city its brilliance and unmistakable charm.

Tourism gradually developed to include the rest of the year, and after the Second World War the number of summer visitors was much greater than those coming in winter.

Today, Nice's economy is almost entirely based on tourism. Visitors can choose from a huge range of leisure activities including hiking, water sports, shopping, alpine sports. It also acts as a major conference and trading centre. The number of tourists coming to Nice each year is much greater than that of Paris.

The 'Acropolis', Nice's art, tourism and conference centre is one of the most important in the world. Constant improvements to the city's infrastructure (roads, rail network, airport, sea port) have made it possible to reach Nice quickly and easily from the biggest cities in the world.

For many years the Nice carnival was the city's main attraction, although today it is rivalled by a continuous stream of new attractions including some prestigious sporting events (triathlon, marathon). Throughout the year, Nice hosts a series of traditional festivals such as the May festival and the wine festival, where visitors can sample its typical gastronomic specialities and join in the exuberant celebrations. The frescoes and ornamental façades of the old houses are part of the well-preserved heritage of the old town, especially in the Cours Saleya, where a vegetable and flower market is held every day, and in Saint Francois square, home to the fish market. The beauty of the city is also reflected in its many attractive parks and green spaces and in its boulevards lined with pines, lime and palm trees. Nice was the first city in France to be commended for the beauty of its gardens and floral displays over ten years ago. Thanks to its network of walking trails, there is no need for a car to explore the city, and from many points you can look out over the delightful 'Baie des Anges!.