Nice

Figure Skater

For the amateurs of beauty in all its forms, why not treat yourself to a special vacation during which you will be able to indulge in stunning sport activities in a no less stunning natural setting? That is just what you can do if you fly over to Nice for the ISU World Figure Skating Championships, which will take place from March 26 to April 1 at the Palais des Expositions and the Palais des Sports Jean-Bouin, located right next to each other.

In either venue you will be able to marvel at the flexibility and grace of the crème de la crème of competitive figure skaters from all over the world in a variety of programs. Whether you prefer Free Skating, Short Dance or Free Dance, there is no doubt that these incredible skaters, who have achieved the impressive combination of athletic feats and artistic talent, will delight you with their performances, and maybe even inspire you to venture on the ice yourself.

Once you’ve had your fill of the action in the cold environment, why not marvel at the action happening in the warm capital of the French Riviera? The must-see neighborhood for many visitors is the Vieux Nice, the colorful Old Town where Baroque architecture, small specialty shops and precious art galleries endlessly adorn the narrow streets. When you decide to come out for space and light, you cannot miss the world-famous daily flower market, which becomes an antiques market on Monday, on Cours Saleya. Because it is so hard to take it all in the first time around, feel free to go back and have more fun. Read the entire story here…»

Carnival in Nice, France

When winter does not seem to end and you need a little pick me up, it is hard not to think sea, sun and fun, isn’t it? In which case there is hope in what may be the hottest remedy in France: one of the most popular events on the French Riviera and one of the largest parties of its kind in the world, the Nice Carnival will take place this year from February 17 to March 4. Its theme will be “King of Sports”, which refers to the upcoming 2012 London Olympics as well as to the boundless dynamism of the fifth most populous city in the country.

Known for its colorful extravagance, the Nice Carnival will comprise various parades, presenting a total of 20 meticulously decorated and all-around dazzling floats, which will readily engage in the eagerly awaited “Battle of Flowers”.  As the tradition goes, this is when elegantly dressed characters throw mimosas, gerberas and lilies into the public along the famed Promenade des Anglais. At night, the parades of lights will brightly illuminate the city and may even prove to be more spectacular than their daytime counterparts. All in all, over 1,000 musicians and dancers will continuously entertain the crowds at many locations in the heart of Nice. Read the entire story here…»

The Russian cathedral in Nice

The Russians’ love affair with the Riviera is a well-known fact, and one of their favorite playgrounds has always been the irresistible city of Nice with its unique location on the Bay of angels, its perfect climate, and its ubiquitous cosmopolitan flair.  One of the most famous of those expatriates was the ultimate modernist Marc Chagall, who decided to move to this then new artistic center after the Second World War. Today the general public is able to become extensively acquainted with the painter’s œuvre thanks to the Musée National Marc Chagall, which is entirely dedicated to the artist’s numerous works in various media such as paintings, stained glass, book illustrations, ceramics, tapestries, decorations and tapestries.

From now until the end of January, the special exhibit “Mais quel cirque!” (“What a circus!”)– a play on words from an expression that conveys surprise at a messy situation and the circus, one of his favorite subjects – presents 38 rare gouaches that he painted in 1955. Whether exploding with bright colors or oozing nostalgia and mystery, they will not fail to take you into Chagall’s fascinating inner world.

Between Nice and Cannes, in the lovely town of Biot, the Musée National Fernand Léger presents its own twin exhibition starring “Cirque”, the lithographed masterpiece that the French artist created in 1950. You’ll also be able to admire many other works of this ground-breaker in the fields of paintings, sculpture and film-making, which extensively explain why so many have considered him the forerunner of Pop Art. Read the entire story here…»

Nice, France Beaches

Nestled in the stunning Baie des Anges, Nice has been one of the top attractions on the French Riviera for centuries now. But it does not rest on its well-deserved laurels and remains also one of the most vibrant cities in France. Therefore, when Bastille Day, the French national holiday, comes around this year, Nice will go all out again with the traditional military parade first, and then unbridled fun with no fewer than four parties simultaneously happening in four different locations along the famous Promenade des Anglais from 9:00 pm to 12:30 am.

The four themes could not be more different and still unmistakably reflect quintessential facets of French culture: Riri Biagini will perform at the Kiosque à musique and delight the more traditional crowd. DJ Denis will entertain electronic music fans at the corner of avenue des phocéens and quai des Etats-Unis. Azur Big Band will jazz and swing at the corner of rue du Congrès et of the Palais de la Méditerranée. Last, but not least, French pop music will headline the festivities at rue Cronstadt and the world-famous Negresco hotel. Read the entire story here…»

Plaza Massena Square in Nice, France

When the city of Nice appears in the news in February, it is usually and rightfully because of its world-famous carnival. And if you are in the mood for full-blast, colorful fun, it is indeed the place to be. But France’s fifth largest agglomeration also has plenty to offer to those in search of something a little bit more subdued and high-brow.

As if being blessed by a breath-taking location in the “Bay of Angels” and a ideal Mediterranean climate between sea and mountains were not enough, Nice also boasts of no fewer than 13 museums covering all sorts of topics and guaranteeing a well-rounded stay for all the visiting culture vultures.

Dedicated to the artist most closely associated to Nice, the Musée Matisse de Nice is situated on the hill of Cimiez, at close proximity to the Hotel Regina, where Matisse lived, as well as a Franciscan monastery and some Gallo-roman ruins. Since 1953, it has allowed its visitors to peruse not only many pieces from the painter’s extensive œuvre, but also some of his personal possessions. Read the entire story here…»