Nice, France by
Hannah Rollmaker
Nice,
the shining Eden on the French Riviera is more than just a city with a
pleasant sounding name. This coastal paradise overlooking the
Mediterranean more than earns its moniker. Though less than half a
million people call Nice home, millions flock to the city each year to
revel in the heavenly sunlight and decadent nightlife that makes Nice one
of the most popular vacation destinations on Earth and the second biggest
tourist draw in France, second only to Paris.
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Like Cannes and other
popular tourist havens located along the Mediterranean and the French
Riviera, Nice makes much of its income from popular shopping districts
and upscale areas that cater to an exclusive clientele. The Zone
Pietonne is perhaps the most popular draw, with its countless specialty
cafes and fine restaurants. Cars are banned in the Zone Pietonne, but
people sightseeing through a vehicle window will find plenty to marvel
at when driving through the many world-famous squares like Place
Massena and Chateau Square or pulling up at the glorious Grand Hotel
Imperial.
Despite
the many fantastic sites of Nice, arguably the most fascinating aspect
of the city (and a factor that makes Nice unique among other French
Riviera cities) is the sheer amount of history it has.
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Few
people who peruse the modern Nice and revel in its current splendor are
aware of the fact that Nice is among the oldest cities in the
world. The ancient Greeks, one of the first real
civilizations, established Nice and it lasted through the Athenian glory
days and then on through Rome's conquest of the Old World. Though
tourists are drawn to Nice for its superficial delights, historians and
archeologists flock to Nice in droves to see the underground treasures of
facts that are unearthed deep under Nice's glimmering streets. Remnants
of old Greek baths and Roman roads have been revealed and experts say
there are still countless untold gems waiting to be exhumed.
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Even before the Renaissance
swept Eurasia and enlightened everybody's minds, Nice was the artistic
hub of the Western World with countless artists like Arman and Chagall
using the city as inspiration for masterpieces to come. Thankfully, the
city hasn't completely eschewed its historical significance for glitz
and commercialism, and there are many fine museums in Nice offering
history buffs unending pleasure. The Museum of Modern Art and
Contemporary Art remains one of the most treasure-laden museums on the
planet and Nice's Museum of Natural History contains relics that
enthrall thousands each year. Many of these destinations are also far
more affordable compared to spending a day in one of Nice's upscale
shopping districts.
Whether
your interest in Nice is related to its modern amenities or its ancient
offerings, the city will welcome you with open arms, so long as your
wallet is similarly open. Like many popular upscale cities, Nice can
definitely be a pricey vacation. All the same, many people find the
financial tug easily endurable in light of the constant feast the
senses are subject to when walking through the many gorgeous squares in
the city or the incredibly fascinating museums.
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About
the Author: For accommodation in Nice check this list of Nice
hotels.
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