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Vieux Nice/Old Town, Nice
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Vieux Nice/Old Town, Nice

as time passes by... - Nice
as time passes by...
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Vieux Nice/Old Town: Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate/ Place Rossetti
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  • NiceLife
  • Updated By NiceLife on June 26, 2005
  • Nice Page by NiceLife
  • Cathedral St Reparate - Nice
    Cathedral St Reparate
    by NiceLife
    Place Rosetti, one of old Nice's many charming squares, is home to the baroque cathedral Saint Réparate, built in honour of an early martyr who was made the patron saint of Nice.

    In 250 AD Saint Réparate, at the age of only 15, was martyred by Roman Emperor Gaius Decius, whose specialty was persecuting Christians. This helped fill in otherwise tedious afternoons when there was not much on at the Colosseum. Decius promulgated a decree requiring sacrifices be made to the Gods - note the plural. Christians who refused - "Sorry Decius, I'm into this new one-God thing", were promptly given the chop.

    According to Catholic legend, they first tried to burn Reparate alive, but fortuitously he was saved by torrential rain which put out the flames. They then made him drink scalding pitch. Once again, miraculously, he survived, though no doubt with heartburn. In desperation, Decius ordered him decapitated. (That's a sure-fire result Decius. "Ha! Get out of this one Christian!" Chop). His headless torso was put in a small boat and set to drift in the Mediterranean currents, in the manner of fellow martyr Torpes, who ended up in what became called after him Saint-Tropez.

    Reparate's boat drifted to the niçois coast, was brought to the shore by angels, and his remains buried in a chapel of the old town. Centuries later these were moved into the new cathedral Sainte-Réparate in 1690.

    In summer the square is filled with happy visitors on the alfresco tables of La Claire Fontaine, and the very wonderful Fennochio, maker of hundreds of flavours of ice cream. Few if any know of the dark deeds of Emperor Gaius Decius and the story of Sainte-Reparate, the patron saint of Nice.

    But now you do.

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  • Directions: Place Rosetti, Vieux Nice.
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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Charming Shops, Great Architecture & Cool 'Buzz'
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  • amapola66
  • Updated By amapola66 on August 1, 2007
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  • Vieux Nice - Nice
    Vieux Nice
    by amapola66
    Based around the Cours Saleya, the maze-like streets of the Vieux Nice (old town) are fun to explore, whether you are shopping, eating or simply just enjoying the 'buzz'.

    Small, mainly independent shops fill the streets, selling food, clothing, jewellery, cds and local arts. In the mornings there is a colourful food & flower market in the Cours Saleya. There are plenty of outside cafes, great for people-watching or not doing much at all except being there. At every turn there is something new to see, sometimes you can forget quite where exactly you are!

    At night, these little streets really come alive. Bars and restaurants are plentiful and people swarm there to soak up the atmosphere. (It was pleasantly busy at the beginning of Sept).

    The vibe is very French yet also very Italian, with quite a few Italian restaurants. Go for menu of the day, it is by far the most economic option and just as good.

    We noticed that many of Nice' waiting staff, tend to hum a little tune when serving, which was ever amusing.

    'Le joie de vivre' is alive and kicking here!

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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Take a wander through the lanes of Old Nice
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  • NiceLife
  • Updated By NiceLife on May 23, 2009
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  • Vieux Nice shops late - Nice
    Vieux Nice shops late
    by NiceLife, 1 more photos
    Old Nice is a lively and bustling mass of winding lanes choc with little boutiques, patisieres, restaurants and snack bars, touristy nicknacks, everything within one compact area bounded by the Cours Saleya on one side and the Albert 1st Gardens on the other.

    Wander the lanes and soak up the atmosphere, stop for a coffee or sample the traditional Nicois dishes at one of the many snackbars. The air is perfumed with the smell of provencal lavender sachets and scented soaps. Massed ceramic cicadas pump out their distintive mating call. Olive oil in traditional yellow and green pouring bottles. Postcards, posters, fridge magnets, souvenirs of Nice and the Riviera. Or try some of the two hundred flavours of Fennochio's icecream.

    Most importantly, unlike some urban centres, (provided you are sensible) Vieux Nice by day or night is entirely safe. You can wander out at night, relaxed and secure, until the nightspots close at 02:00am.

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  • Address: Vieux Nice
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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Palais Lascaris
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  • NiceLife
  • Updated By NiceLife on May 23, 2009
  • Nice Page by NiceLife
  • Vaulted interior of the Palais Lascaris - Nice
    Vaulted interior of the Palais
    Lascaris
    by NiceLife
    Amost hidden in the narrow lanes of Vieux Nice is the Palais Lascaris, home to the municipal museum of Nice. The beautiful facade of the Palais is to be noticed only if you look straight up, and is easy to miss.

    The Palais dates back to the 1700's and houses a fascinating collection of antiquities including a recreation of 19th century French pharmacy. The vaulted ceilings and baroque stairwells are set off in rich pinks, gold and alabaster.

    The gift shop has an excellent selection of books about Nice many of which are not found elsewhere, along with a selection of posters from THE photographer of Nice, Jean-Louis Martinetti.

    Remarkably for France, entrance to the Palais is free.

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  • Address: Rue Droite, In the heart of Vieux Nice
  • Directions: Rue Droite intersects Rue Rosetti (which runs uphill towards the Chateau and Cemetaries)
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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Old town market
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  • travelgourmet
  • Updated By travelgourmet on April 3, 2009
  • Nice Page by travelgourmet
  • WHICH OLIVE GOES WITH MY WINE - Nice
    WHICH OLIVE GOES WITH MY WINE
    by travelgourmet
    Wow! One of the best memories of Nice is the old town market. Old town itself is another wow, but this is just about the market. Wake up early, walk from your hotel to the old town plaza and viola! Covered cart after cart of flowers, all kinds, make a rainbow right before your eyes. You can purchase just about any type of flower here and it does make your stay in a hotel much nicer with fresh flowers in the room.

    Beyond the flower carts, row after row of displays of fruits, vegetables, foods, and the fresh fish from the sea are being sold by colorful, barking vendors. What a treat of sight and sound! You simply must purchase those special olives to have with your cheese and bread with a good bottle of wine. The vendors are friendly, happy, and helpful. Please, visit this great location in Nice. It is more than nice, its wonderful.

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  • Address: Cours Saleya
  • Directions: In Old Town, mornings every day except Monday.
  • Website: http://www.nice-vieille-ville.com/vieux-nice-4.htm
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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Be sure to visit Vieux Nice (Old Town)
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  • Toshioohsako
  • Updated By Toshioohsako on December 28, 2007
  • Nice Page by Toshioohsako
  • Vieux Nice/Old Town - Nice
    by Toshioohsako, 4 more photos
    Never fail to visit Vieux Nice even you come to Nice for sun bathing. Its a beautiful old town. There are beautiful houses, restaurant, cafe and shops.

  • Address: go toward the city center
  • Directions: Walk Promenade des Anglais toward left by facing the sea.
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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Vieux Nice, or Old Nice
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  • mallyak
  • By mallyak on August 20, 2008
  • Nice Page by mallyak
  • Vieux Nice/Old Town - Nice
    by mallyak,
    2 more photos
    Old Nice is downright dripping with atmosphere. Its narrow streets are a one-stop shop for take-home finds, such as Provençal wares, household items, wine, gourmet gifts, hip clothing and more. There are numerous restaurants in the area, as well as several fun bars and nightclubs. Be sure to stop off for a delicious ice cream in this neighborhood.

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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Old Harbour
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  • Russ60
  • By Russ60 on January 4, 2004
  • Nice Page by Russ60
  • Vieux Nice/Old Town - Nice
    by Russ60
    This was the view from a park at the end of the Promenade de Anglais. You climb up a series of steps at the end of the prom which are cut into the hillside, when you get to the top of the hill you are in a recreational park packed with locals and tourists.
    The views including this one over the harbour are well worth the steep climb to the top.

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  • Address: The hill at the end of the Promeade de Anglais
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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Vieille Ville
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  • vivalasteph
  • By vivalasteph on November 14, 2003
  • Nice Page by vivalasteph
  • View of Old Town - Nice
    View of Old Town
    by vivalasteph
    Old Town is much more than a must-see activity. It is the very essence of Nice, and one could spend their entire time here without ever crossing over Boulevard Jean Jaures.

    The old, crooked streets with brightly painted buildings hark back to a simpler time, and can still be seen and felt in the laundry hanging from the windows, and the smell of something cooking. Around every turn is a pleasant square surrounded by cafes, and beautiful churches to duck into along the way.

    It is as bustling and active as it is tranquil and nostalgic.

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    Vieux Nice/Old Town: Matisse's House
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  • tim07
  • By tim07 on November 16, 2008
  • Nice Page by tim07
  • Vieux Nice/Old Town - Nice
    by tim07
    At the eastern end of Cours Saleya is the townhouse where the artist Matisse spent the 2nd half of the 1920s & the early 1930s. He lived & worked on the third & fourth floors. The building isn't open to the public & the museum isn't found there.

    It does look very impressive though, especially when it's bathed in sunshine.

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