Ten Spectacular Vino con Vista Opportunities in Nice France

Image via Wikipedia In the 14th century, Avignon became the religious capital of the western hemisphere. Literature and art prospered throughout the French region of Provence. In 1793, Nice was annexed to France and Napoleon began his Italian campaign from Nice in 1796. Between 1814 and 1860, Nice came under the House of Savoy until a popular referendum in 1860 made it a part of France forever.

Nice is located in the legendary region of the French Riviera known as the Cote d’Azur. This evocative term was coined over a century ago by the poet Stephen Liegeard. Nice is the capital of the Cote d’Azur and is packed with spectacular Vino Con Vista things to do around the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels).

1. Stroll along the palm trees on the Promenade des Anglais which stretches along the beach of the Bay of Angels and watch the sunbathers that opt to sit on the rocky beach rather than rent a comfy lounge chair. Take some photos of the charming locals along the path.

2. Pay a tribute to Miles Davis infront of the glorious Art Nouveau Negresco Hotel. Stop in for lunch or a glass of wine. Better yet, consider staying at this swanky establishment.

3. Spend the day lounging on one of the lavish beach chairs while gazing at the magnificent vistas with a picnic lunch that you picked up from one of the local shops or the market in Old Nice. Buy some sweets for your picnic at Confiserie Florian. It won’t be a “Vino con Vista” without the wine!

Vino con VIsta on the Beach in NIce France

Famous Sweet Shop in Nice called the Florian

4. Catch the “Little Train” on the Promenade or take the elevator to the Castle Hill which offers a breathtaking Vino con Vista “beaux panoramas du monde” view of Nice. The Castle was the Acopolis of the Greeks of Marseilles, a camp for the Romans and a citadel for the Counts of Provence and the Kings of Aragon in the Middle Ages. Witness the magnificent waterfall and admire the lovely monuments.

5. Go to Old Nice (Vieux Nice) nestled at the foot of Castle Hill. Visit the Cours Saleya (Flower Market) during the day to find fresh fish, produce, cheese and and beautiful flowers.

Old Nice is loaded with charming shops that sell everything from soup to nuts and is home to the lovely Cathedral of Nice named after Saint Reparate.

When you finish touring the gorgeous Cathedral, have lunch and a bottle of Vin de Pays du Var at La Claire Fontaine under the red umbrellas directly in front of the church. Send my regards to the chef.

6. Have dinner in Old Nice and witness the evening transformation when the flower stalls become the lively venue for seafood restaurants and cafes. Wander through the charming streets like the Rue de la Boucherie (Butcher’s Street) and the Rue de la Poissonnerie (Fish Street). After dinner stop at Fennochio for a vast array of Nice’s version of delightful gelato.

7. Visit the Place Messena and the Ciy Center on the Avenue de la Victoire, the main street of Nice. The street is also called Avenue Jean Medecin and was named after the former mayor of Nice. Shop or dine on the pedestrian precinct of rue Messena. I love that the statues of the seven seated Men on tall poles who represent the continents. They put on a colorful light show in the evening.

Visit the neo-Gothic Basilica of Notre-Dame with a facade that resembles the facade of the Parisian Cathedral with the famed beautiful rose window.
This area becomes the main stage for the annual Carnival Event http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx9DmP-ZEKM and opens up to the Place Messena with lovely statues and fountains.
8. Take the bus to the elegant Cimiez Quarter and admire the former Belle Epoch Regina Hotel which has been converted to apartments. Admire the work of Matisse in the museum and tour the ruins.

Walk over to the Monestery of Cimiez that was founded in the 9th century by the Benedictine monks surrounded by magnificent gardens. Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and then stroll through the cemetary.

9. Go to the Marc Chagall National Biblical Message Museum built in 1972 by architect A. Hermant. You will love the 17 canvases of the Biblical Message. One of my favorites is Noah and the Rainbow.

10. Travel to the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas near the Boulevard Tzarewitch that was built between 1903 and 1913. The exterior of the church has elaborate onion domes that resembles Moscow’s Church of St. Basil.