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Nice la Belle

Promenade des Anglais
Though I had been to Nice several times in the past, I saw a different Nice in 2019. Gone were the familiar scenes with the exception of the Promenade des Anglais and the pebbly beach. How these people in the photo embrace the sea! For there lies the key to relaxation and a “happier, healthier, more connected” * mind. *Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols.

Basilica Notre Dame de Nice
It was a sad day when the Notre Dame de Paris burned down in April 2019. I remember attending a special prayer at the Notre Dame de Nice on Avenue Jean Médecin when all of France was mourning after the devastating fire that consumed the spire and roof of the 800-year old Gothic icon of Paris. 

House of Adam and Eve
Bas-reliefs of Adam and Eve in the old town of Nice was a surprising find. This former private residence dates back to the late 16th century and the reliefs are said to be of Adam and Eve. But there’s another story about these reliefs that attributes the figures to a quarrelsome couple who lived in this building centuries ago. If true, they have no doubt left their mark in Nice that endures to this day.

The baroque Chapelle de la Miséricorde on Cours Saleya was built between 1747 and 1770. It had to be reinforced in 2002 when the construction of an underground parking garage nearby threatened the stability of the structure. The work took two years to complete at which time the Chapel was closed. The exterior of the Chapel was renovated in 2009 and it was closed again, this time for 14 months. The Chapel was declared a historical monument in May 1921.

At the Marché aux Fleurs in Old Nice. Seafood restaurants surround the market.
The Mirror Water Fountain on the Promenade de Paillon.

Jaume Plensa’s Conversation à Nice, seven seated resin sculptures tower above Place Massena. It represents the seven continents and is illuminated at night in different colors. 
The Cathedral of Saint Réparate of Nice on Place Rosettti. Café life thrives in this Mediterranean city. 
Sunset promenade. Nice is nice.

 How to get to Nice:
Air France offers several flights per day from Paris to Nice. Flight time is an hour and a half. Catch the bus to the center of Nice (T2) or to nearby cities on the coast from Nice International Airport. The bus stop is in front of the terminal. Fast trains from Paris make the journey to Nice Ville in under 6 hours.

Where to stay:
Best Western Alba Hotel
Avenue Jean Médecin
I appreciated the central location of this property which is walking distance to the Promenade des Anglais, Old Nice and the train station. There are many restaurants and grocery stores nearby. My room was spacious and clean.

Where to eat:
Grand Café de Lyon
Avenue Jean Médecin
This is a popular café and its outdoor tables are often taken. Unless you really want to sit al fresco, there are available tables indoors. I particularly enjoyed their croque monsieur.

Don’t miss these museums:
Marc Chagall Museum
https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2019/09/marc-chagall-museum-in-nice.html

Musée Matisse
http://www.musee-matisse-nice.org/?_locale=en

*****

Images by TravelswithCharie

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Location: Nice, France

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