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.
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. 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.
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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