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Nice is more than the crown jewel of the French Riviera – it holds an appeal beyond its azure seas and sun-kissed promenades. From its ancient Greek founding to the Italian influences, strange traditions, and richness in its food, there are numerous secrets waiting to be found out about this city. Here are nine interesting facts that will build up your appreciation for Nice even before you arrive.
The name Nice sounds sophisticated, but its origins go back to ancient Greece. The Greeks founded the city in around 350 BC and called it “Nikaia” after the goddess of victory. It was a fitting name, as the city was founded after a battle with the Ligurians. Although the Nice we know today is very different and modern, echoes of its ancient roots remain visible.
One of Nice’s most famous landmarks is the Promenade des Anglais, a long seaside boulevard along the Mediterranean. Interestingly, its name isn’t random – the English helped to build it. In the 18th and 19th centuries, British aristocrats would come to Nice to escape the winter and they financially supported the construction of this promenade to give a touch of grandeur to their favourite winter destination.
Although the French Riviera is a summer paradise, Nice was a winter retreat in the past. For many years, until the 1930s, wealthy Europeans would travel to Nice to escape the cold in their homelands. British aristocrats, along with other elites, found Nice’s mild winter and Mediterranean scenery the perfect cure for the winter blues. Winter visitors shaped the city’s infrastructure and cultural landscape, making it what it is today.
Nice is close to Italy and it’s not just geographical proximity. Italy has literally left its mark on the city. Until 1860, Nice was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia and that’s why the city has an Italian flavour. Walk through the Old Town and you’ll see the colourful facades and architectural details that are unmistakably Italian. The local dialect, food and traditions are all Italian influenced, making Nice a mix of French elegance and Italian charm. Staying in the city, especially in one of the beautiful villas in France, feels like being in two cultures in one place.
Nice isn’t just a sight for sore eyes; it’s a culinary delight as well. As the birthplace of the famous Niçoise salad, a mix of tomatoes, olives, anchovies and vegetables, Nice has its place in the world of Mediterranean cuisine. Another Nice specialty is ratatouille, the vegetable stew that embodies Provençal cooking. These culinary traditions are part of the city’s DNA and add to its cultural richness, so every visit here is a culinary feast for the senses.
Every February Nice becomes a kaleidoscope of colour, music and art during its famous carnival. With roots dating back to the 13th century, it’s one of the oldest and most popular festivals in France. Famous for its parades, floats and whimsical ‘Battle of Flowers’, this tradition embodies the city’s joie de vivre. For locals and visitors alike, it’s an event that brings people together and is part of what makes Nice so special.
Nice is an art lover’s paradise with over 100 museums and 150 galleries showcasing everything from ancient to modern times. Notable museums include the Matisse Museum in a beautiful villa and the Chagall Museum dedicated to the artist’s work. The city’s cultural wealth attracts artists, collectors and art history buffs, creating a unique vibe.
One of Nice’s most curious traditions is the midday cannon, which dates back to the 19th century. Legend has it that an Englishman named Sir Thomas Coventry started the tradition to remind his always-late wife, when lunch was ready, while they were in Nice. Since then every day at noon a cannon goes off in the city. It’s a weird but lovely tradition that locals look forward to.
One of Nice’s most beautiful spots is Castle Hill, or Colline du Château, which offers views of the city and the sea. There hasn’t been a castle here since 1706, when French forces under King Louis XIV destroyed it. Today, the hill is a lovely park with greenery, waterfalls and ruins. Visitors can walk the terraces, take in the views and learn about the history of the area, which makes it a great destination for a day out.
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