Global Mysteries

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera and is located on the south-east coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. The city is a vacation spot for the French as well as tourists from all over the world. I spent three months in Nice and fell in love with the city. Here are five reasons.

The beautiful Promenade des Anglais. A stroll along this seaside walkway provides a wonderful view of the Mediterranean’s Baie des Anges. Baie des Anges means Bay of Angels and the Niçois say the Angels are the dolphins that leap and dive in the water off the coast. The Promenade is a great observation point from which to watch the sun worshippers scattered along the pebbly beach working on their tans. Lovely old hotels and several cafes line the Promenade.

Henri Matisse Museum. If you’re a fan of Henri Matisse, this is the place for you. The art you will see spans Matisse’s early works through the end of his career. The beauty and color of  sun-drenched Nice where Matisse lived from 1918 until 1954, inspired much of his art.

Old Nice. Old Nice is a unique neighborhood. Its historic architecture is a visual feast. Its popular Cours Selaya daily markets are a shoppers paradise. Its gelato is ambrosia of the gods. Shop until you drop then relax in one of the many cafes in this old world environment.

Saint Nicolas Cathedral. This Russian cathedral is a beautiful example of Russian Orthodox architecture complete with five colorful, onion-domed cupolas. Once inside, the visual feast continues with beautiful icons and frescoes.

Salade Niçoise.  When in Nice, be sure to try the famous Salade Niçoise named for its city of origin. There is more than one version of this salad. The original one always included raw vegetables such as red peppers, shallots, artichoke, tomatoes and absolutely no cooked vegetables. Variations have been created that embellished the salad with boiled potatoes, beans, hard-boiled eggs and Cailletier olives topped with tuna and garnished with anchovies. Try more than one version. You’ll find them all delicious.

Nice is not simply a destination, it is an experience.

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