At the Vth century, CEMENELUM is left away for the profit of NIKAIA. In 972 a time of deep mutations starts and will be the origin of the traditions and feasts of Nice. In 1382, a civil war explodes and to escape their victorious rivals, NICE stands under the protection of the County of Savoie.
The 17th century, Nice is marked by the explosion of the odd art. Always faithful to the Duke of Savoie and King of Sardinia in 1720, Nice is invaded by the French revolutionaries in 1792 and the department of the Alps Maritimes is created in 1793. After a referendum, NICE and its county will definitely unite themselves to FRANCE in 1860. It's the Starting point of a new economic development: construction of roads and railroad, spectacular increasing demography and urbanization that encourages a Touristic economy.
Now this city of France has got a bunch of attractive glamour in the vision of popular sights and much more regarding the visit perspective. Nice is the 5th city of France by its number of inhabitants (347 100), 7 192 hectares, out agglomeration, the 2nd tourist pole of France with more then 4 millions of visitors in 2003. It has 7 500 m of beaches, lush by 300 ha of parklands and 150 basins and fountains. It is the 2nd airport of France and the 1st French cruise port. 2nd convention city of France, Cultural city by 18 museums and national galleries (biggest number of museums after Paris), its Opera house, Nice will know how to seduce you and will make you want to come back for more discoveries.
Travel From London to Nice by Eurostar: Eurostar is the high-speed passenger train from London to Paris & Brussels via the Channel Tunnel. It's run by a consortium of French railways (SNCF), Belgian railways (SNCB) & Eurostar UK Ltd, and started running in 1994. Don't confuse Eurostar with Eurotunnel, the company which owns the Channel Tunnel (Chunnel), whose car-carrying trains shuttle cars, lorries & coaches from one side of the Channel to the other. Eurostar does not carry cars, just passengers. London to Paris by Eurostar is 495 km (307 miles), and takes as little as 2 hours 15 minutes from central London to central Paris at up to 186 mph. This page explains all you need to know about travelling to Paris or Brussels by Eurostar.
Eurostar has adopted a convenient prices series with having 1st and 2nd class journey also day night schedule availability during the travel. Eurostar fares start at 39 one-way or 69 return from London to Paris or Brussels in 2nd class or 107 one-way, 189 return 1st class. If you are planning your journey in day time form London to Nice, then hop on the high-speed Eurostar to Nice train from London St pancras International and reach at Paris Gare Du Nord train station in record time of 2hr 15min and then simply station change at Paris, travel on to Nice by high- speed TGV train.
High-speed TGV operates 5 trains on a daily basis and it takes around 5 hrs 35 min to reach Nice. If you are traveling during nighttime and want to travel in relax way then Eurostar London Nice Train via Paris is the way to go. It will take around 30 minutes for transfer from Paris Gare Du Nord to Gared'Austerlitz station, where you will find Lunea Sleeper train to Nice. Lunea Sleeper train departs at 22:25 hours and arrives to Nice at 08:54 hours next day.
Total journey time is 12 hours 45 minutes from London to Nice. Eurostar Fares for London to Nice train starts from as low as 89.50 for a return journey for Standard class and for Leisure Select and Business premier class starts from 119.50 and 240.00 respectively. Top Hotels in Nice: 1.Le Palais de la Mediterranee: Le Palais de la Mediterranee is a landmark in Nice, the gateway to the French Alps and the French Riviera, and offers far more than most luxury hotels. Newly opened in 2004 after an ambitious restoration project, today's tribute to the grandeur of the 1930s is a stunning nine stories of imaginative yet sympathetic architecture, innovative contemporary ideas, opulence on a grand scale and a myriad of entertainment and leisure opportunities to suit the most discerning visitors.
2.Hotel La Perouse: Stylish and with popular appeal in equal measure, Nice possesses the charm of those Mediterranean cities where the relaxed rhythm of life derives as much from the beauty of the town as from its exceptional climate. You will discover many treasures here including the charming hotel LA PEROUSE with its feel of a private residence. Tucked into the hillside below the chateau and just a short walk from the Old Nice, its magical setting overlooks the Mediterranean – a peaceful retreat away from it all, with the city at your feet. 3.Chateau Eza: Former Residence Of The Swedish Royal Family, Chateau Eza Is An Enchanting Hotel And Restaurant. Pretty As A Postcard, Chateau Eza Clings To The Side Of The Ancient Rock Walls Of Eza, A Thousand-year-old Medieval Village, 1300 Feet Above The Mediterranean Sea. Each Of The 10 Guest Rooms, Which Can Be Reached By Walking Under Stone Passageways Over Ancient Stone Steps, Have Been Newly Decorated And Provide Every Modern Comfort Including Cnn, Vcr And Touch-tone Telephone. The Charmingly Furnished Rooms Feature Stone Fireplaces And Private Balconies With Breathtaking Views Of The Cote D'Azur. 4.Grand Hotel Du Cap-Ferrat: From The Beginning The Hotel Attracted The International Elite Who Wintered On The Riviera – Princes And Dukes Of The Russian Imperial Family And Other European Royal Houses, Lords And Barons From England, The Great Entrepreneurs Of Finance And Industry, Glittering Literary And Artistic Figures. All Came To Live In The Special Atmosphere Created At The Grand Hotel Du Cap-ferrat In The Years Before The First World War.
The Hotel Has Been Modernized And Renovated With New Fittings And Spectacular Improvements And Is Ready To Meet The Challenges Of Today's International Guests. What Remains Unchanged Is The Essence Of Style, The Superb Service And The Immaculate Environment Which Makes Even The Briefest Sejour A Memorable Experience. 5.Le Mas de Pierre: In a two-hectare park with century-old olive trees on the doorstep of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Le Mas de Pierre overlooks hills and valleys. Provencal, romantic or colonial villas and rooms are hidden behind the red tiles and white stone of the bastides. As soon as you cross the threshold, you will discover dressers, chests of drawers and pedestal tables lovingly selected from antique dealers. 6.Cap Estel Hotel: Located on a private 4-acre peninsula with a 180 degree view of the coast line between Nice and Monaco, Cap Estel offers 8 deluxe rooms and 12 suites, its own private beach, indoor/outdoor pools, vast gardens and a state-of-the-art gym. Re-opened in March 2004 after 3 years of renovation, the Cap Estel has once again become one of the most prestigious venues of the Cote d'Azur, offering it's former charm with a new concept. Cap Estel Hotel, with its 8 deluxe rooms and 12 suites ranging from 50sqm to 500sqm, offers a unique venue on the French Riviera, catering to individual guests as well as to many private events and celebrations. Amazing attraction in Nice:
1. Cours Saleya Flower Market Nice's famous Flower Market is one of the best attractions in the whole city. The edges are lined with cafes and souvenir shops, and the stands themselves are packed with amazing produce and myriad flowers. It operates six days a week, replaced on Mondays by a flea and antiques market.
2.Matisse Museum The lovely and innovative art of Henri Matisse was inspired by the fresh colors and lines of Nice. Just take a look at any of his art peering out of balcony windows, and you will surely see the Riviera shoreline. This vast museum shows Matisse's works from his more traditional early days to the end of his career. There are also some of his personal effects here. The museum gift shop features prints of the artist's works.
3. Vieux Nice, or Old Nice Old Nice is downright dripping with atmosphere. Its narrow streets are a one-stop shop for take-home finds, such as Provencal 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.
4.Palais Massena: The Palais Massena was built in the 19th century and features impressionist paintings from the Nice school. The palace, located in the centre Nice France, also contains ceramics and French folk art.
5.Seaside Dining: Visitors to Nice France enjoy dining at the restaurants located along the French seaside. Wonderful seafood, French wines and Italian and French cuisine can be enjoyed at many seaside restaurants in this Mediterranean city.
6.Nice's Night life: The French city of Nice which is located on French Riviera provides great night life for both residents and tourists. Many wonderful restaurants, bars and clubs can be found in France's popular vacation destination.
Martin Wynn
