What you didn’t know about Nice, France.
Nice sits inside one of Europe’s most fascinating crossroads, geographically Mediterranean, historically Italian, artistically iconic, and culturally Provençal.
Before joining France, Nice spent centuries under Italian influence, which is why the old town feels more like Liguria than Paris: narrow medieval streets, baroque churches, trattoria-like cafés, even the rhythm of spoken Niçois carrying hints of Italian melody. The city’s palette, soft yellows, ochres, dusty pinks, isn’t accidental; it was chosen to reflect and enhance the Riviera sunlight that made the region famous among painters like Matisse and Chagall, both of whom lived and worked here. The Baie des Anges has its own mythology too: ancient sailors believed angels protected its waters, and deep currents still give the shoreline its signature pebbles and luminous clarity. Just beyond the city, terraced hills grow the olives behind the region’s celebrated oils, and microclimates nurture flowers that feed France’s perfume industry in nearby Grasse. Nice blends heritage, landscape, and artistry in a way that feels effortless, but is anything but.
Five fascinations about Nice.
5. Nice wasn’t always French.
The city was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia until 1860, which explains its Italianate architecture and cuisine with a Ligurian twist.
4. The famous Promenade des Anglais was paid for by the English.
In the 19th century, wealthy English aristocrats funded its construction, it was literally built for leisure.
3. Henri Matisse called Nice home.
The light and color of the city deeply influenced his work, and today you can visit the Musée Matisse, tucked in the Cimiez hills.
2. It hosts one of Europe’s oldest carnivals.
Dating back to the 13th century, Nice Carnival is a flamboyant explosion of floats, flowers, and French flair every February.
1. There’s a waterfall above the city.
Castle Hill offers panoramic views, and a manmade cascade that’s been flowing for over 150 years, originally built to impress royalty.
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