Of course you must visit the...
by Bananz
Of course you must visit the beach, perhaps taking a leisurely stroll along the Promenade d'Anglais first. Although some people are a little disappointed that the beach is stoney, it really is the place to go for a few hours and catch some rays. Locals and tourists alike while away leisurely afternoons on the public stretches and there's always friendly beach vendors walking past just ready to refresh you with ice-cold beer, soft drinks, melon and even coffee although that wouldn't be my drink of choice whilst sitting in the blazing sun! The vendors in Nice really don't hassle you unlike some other places I've been to. Just a friendly 'non' will send them on their way as there's plenty of other thirsty sun-worshipers further up the beach! Carrying on from above, if you do buy something from the drinks vendors and make a little effort, especially if you know a little French, you'll quite often find them really friendly and ready for a chat. I still think fondly of the 'Allo allo' man- if you've been to Nice you will certainly know who I mean and if you're planning a trip there you soon will! I can still hear his little songs in my head! Also, read his T-shirt- it rhymes in French but a rough translation is: 'Yes it's me, it's the truth, kisses are free, for all the night!' He really is a character.
When it's high season in the...
by Pomska
When it's high season in the French Riviera, coastal roads, camp sites, restaurants and hotels may be very crowded and prices can rise. The worst time to visit Riviera may be when French school holidays run, from the first week in July to the first week in September.
The French Riviera is at its best in May and September when the weather is
still hot but the crowds are at their smallest. Flowers bloom in May and grapes
are harvested in September. </
Animal Rights and the Fur Coat.
by NiceLife
In Nice in Winter I have seen more real fur - fur coats, fur hats, fur stoles - in one week than in the last ten years in England.
You never never see the real stuff at home , women wouldn't dare wear real fur, for fear of having paint thrown over them or have their eyes scratched out by animal lovers. Its just not cool.
But in Nice they still take the traditional view that fur is warm, fur symbolises wealth and style , and that it looks better on the new owner than the original one. These two ladies are off to the Negresco and they just don't care.
Palais Lascaris
by CarineBXL
This old Genovese palace is in the Old Nice.
It dates from the 17th century and shows tapestries, old furniture, and also promotes the art and traditions of the Nice region.
Guided tours are available.
It is very interesting and beautiful.
Menton - the garden of the Mediterranean
by NiceLife
With the Italian border only a kilometre away, this is the Riviera's most Italian town. And with the Mediterranean's most favourable climate all year round, Menton has been a magnet for grand Victorian garden designers. Lemon trees and exotic palms grace the many public parks, whilst more formal laid out classical gardens are hidden away in private - some of which are accessible to visitors by arrangement with the tourist office, though often only in the months of June and July. Watch out for the "Jours de Patrimonie" in late September which gets you in to places normally closed to the public.
Just across the border is the magnificent Giardini Bottanici Hanbury set around the superbly located Villa Hanbury, whilst on the Menton-Garavan hillside there is the awe-inspiring Jardin Les Colombiers. Other delights include the Jean Cocteau' decorated Salle de Marriages and Cocteau museum. The cemeteries are a treasure trove of the last century history.
For more, see myMenton pages
Markets in old Nice town
http://aerostories.free.fr/pil_cha_fr/delfino/page
Cours Saleya, Nice, France
Ventimiglia
