 | Nice Vieux Nice/Old Town Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 62 |  |
 | |  |  | Vieux Nice/Old Town: Take a wander through the lanes of Old Nice | Tip Rating:   |  |  | |  |
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. Most importantly, unlike some urban centres, Vieux Nice by day or night is entirely safe. You can wander out at night, relaxed and secure. Leave a Comment Address: Vieux Nice
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| | | | Vieux Nice/Old Town: Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate/ Place Rossetti | Tip Rating: | | | | |
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. Leave a Comment Directions: Place Rosetti, Vieux Nice.
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| | | | Vieux Nice/Old Town: Charming Shops, Great Architecture & Cool 'Buzz' | Tip Rating: | | | | |
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! Leave a Comment
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on May 7, 2005
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