The Promenade des Anglais blog

Auto Bleue: sublime electric car rental in Nice

2011-10-22T09:08:00.010+02:00

Nice is the first city of France where you can rent an electric car through a self-service system 24/7. There are 28 stations now, but this will be extended to 70 in 2012.

How it works:

1. Registration
Go to the Auto Bleue Office at: 17 avenue Thiers, 06000 Nice (in front of SNCF)
Open: Monday to Friday 08:00-19:00, Saturday 08:00-13:30. Register there with your drivers licence and you will get your Auto Bleue card.
You can also register online, but then you have to wait for the post to receive your access card, so it's much easier to go to the office.
The registration costs are 25 euros and it's valid up to 2 years.

2. Reservation:
Go to the website http://www.auto-bleue.org/index.php?lang=en and log in and reserve your car. There are 2 different cars: a small Peugeot iOn or a family Citroen Berlingo.

3. Pick-up:
Pick up your car with your access card / badge. See here how it works. It also explains the drop-off.

Costs are calculated per minute and are 8 euros per hour, 20 euros for 4 hours and 50 euros daily. Insurance included.

Advantages:
Easy and clean transport system for those who like to rent a car. Also for tourists! But please note that at the moment registration is not possible for some states of America where you can drive under the age of 18. With a fully charged car you can drive 100 kilometres.

Nice France video

2011-08-07T12:49:00.002+02:00

Place Masséna: La fontaine du soleil

2011-06-23T20:08:00.013+02:00

After 32 years of exile , the statue of Apollo found his original throne on the fountain on Place Masséna.

Apollo, symbolizing the sun, which seems to shine always in Nice, is surrounded by bronze allegories of the planets Mars, Mercury, Saturn, Venus and Earth.

Place Masséna overview

Before returning to his subjects bronze statue of Apollo was given a facelift of 90,000 euros funded by the City.

Detail of the 7 metres marble sculpture of Apollo

The old situation with the big fountain in the middle

Nice Carnival 2011 VIDEOS

2011-02-27T08:41:00.019+01:00

Click below for the videos 2011 in grand format and resolution:
Click here for the Nice carnival Video opening festivities
Click here for the Nice carnival Video flower parade

Nice Carnival 2011 February 18: First flower parade

2011-02-21T19:12:00.014+01:00

It was on the seafront, along Promenade des Anglais, that the first Bataille de Fleurs (Flower Parade) was held in 1876. Soon, the timid exchanges of bouquets of flowers between the rich winter visitors' decorated carriages developed into a prestigious show, now an integral part of Carnival.

On each float, costumed models throw 80 to 100.000 flowers to an enthusiastic crowd:

gladioli, tokyos, mimosas, gerberas, daisies, roses, carnations...

These "battles" are staged on the same theme as the Carnival floats. The costumes are designed in a workshop entirely dedicated to their creation.They are unique creations as for theatre performances.

This event is one of its kind in the world and features among the most famous of the French Riviera. Nice exportes its know-how in the fields of elegance, beauty and the charm of these flower parades.

Click on Nice Carnival Programme to read the full 2 weeks programme.

Nice Carnival 2011 February 18: Opening festivities

2011-02-19T18:03:00.012+01:00

Kickoff Carnival in Nice last night with the King of the Mediterranean. The 2 weeks event is likely to attract more than a million spectators from all over the globe.

Two superstars, the "King of the Mediterranean" and his wife "Nice, pearl of the Mediterranean", made a grand entrance last night on the Massena square in Nice. Two giants giving the kickoff, alongside the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi.
The king is the sun. Gold. Immense polished to 18 meters. The queen is Nice and the Baie des Anges.

This was a bit of a scary moment for the crowds as this massive inflatable serpent came closer and closer to the crowds....

Next day, at 14:30, there will be the first battle of flowers on the Promenade des Anglais and at 21:00, on Place Massena, the whole carnival parade will be illuminated.

Click on Nice Carnival Programme to read the full 2 weeks programme.

Dans sa belle Nice
Pays des Amours
Par royal caprice
Il revient toujours !
Pour quelques semaines
Il règne sur nous
Et sur ses domaines
Nous sommes tous fous.
Bravo !!!!!

Now it's "THE" Negresco!

2011-01-17T19:39:00.012+01:00

It is no longer the Negresco Hotel, but "Le (The) Negresco". It is written in large, in sparkling pink around the dome and above the canopy.

A world unique, incomparable, cultivating its exclusivity: the maximum expression of luxury to the French. Now, the property is displayed in huge letters and affirmed through a new label: Le Negresco Made in French Riviera.

Read more about the Negreso hotel and see the hotel from the inside here.

Old picture from the Negresco hotel without the letters "Le" before Negresco

Prom' Classic January 9th 2011

2011-01-10T20:25:00.017+01:00

The first edition of the Classical Proms in Nice took place on the 2nd January 2000, and ever since, it has been an unforgettable annual experience!
The Prom’Classic kicks of the road race season in style with a 10km run along the picturesque Promenade des Anglais.

Each year, the Classical Proms attracts a growing number of participants, so why not get involved next year! Sign up quick. Over 6000 runners have registered to take part in this year’s event up 500 people on last year.

The course is laid out in a loop of the Promenade with competitors starting the 5km out lap from the Jardin Albert Ier. On a clear day, even in January the Côte d’Azur coastline makes this one of the most appeal circuits in the world.

The event is not just confined to the runners as music, entertainment and even a raffle give a carnival atmosphere to the Prom’Classic, all can be found in the Nike Running Expo Village in the Jardin Albert Ier.

The 2011 winners are Abraham Kiprotich and Christelle Daunay

Programme and more information:
www.promclassic.com

Nice France Carnival 2011 programme February 18th - March 8th

2011-01-04T09:34:00.011+01:00

One of the previous carnival parades

The main winter event on the Riviera is one of the largest carnivals in the world, offering a programme of unforgettable entertainment … from February 18th to March 8th 2011.

The Theme: Roi de la Méditerranée (King of the Mediterranean)

The carnival processions, comprising 20 floats telling the story of the “Mediterranean” work their way up to a crescendo of gigantic decorations on the Place Masséna. These giant, colourful parades take place day and night, with entertainment provided by over 1,000 musicians and dancers from across the world.

In a unique setting, on the Promenade des Anglais, the elegant “flower battles” are part of the carnival not to be missed. On floats decorated with the most stunning floral compositions, extravagantly dressed characters throw out mimosas, gerberas, and lilies into the public …

One of the previous Parades of Lights

For over 15 days, the city hums to the rhythm of this genuine, fairy-tale event … get a passport for the celebration and let the magic do its work … come and forget the dullness of winter and take in the sun on the French Riviera!

2011 Programme: for more information and tickets visit the official website of Nice Carnaval.

Friday 18th February
8:30pm Opening festivities
Saturday 19th February
2:30pm Flower Parade
9:00pm Parade of Lights
Sunday 20th February
2:30pm Carnival Parade
Tuesday 22nd February
2:30pm Carnival Parade
Wednesday 23rd February
2:30pm Flower Parade
Saturday 26th February
2:30pm Flower Parade
9:00pm Parade of Lights
Sunday 27th February
2:30pm Carnival Parade
Tuesday 1st March
2:30pm Carnival Parade
Wednesday 2nd March
2:30pm Flower Parade
Saturday 5th March
2:30pm Flower Parade
9:00pm Parade of Lights
Sunday 6th March
2:30pm Carnival Parade
Tuesday 8th March
2:30pm Carnival Parade
8:30pm Closing festivities
9:30pm Incineration and firework display

When you have time, this time of year is also very nice to explore the region by bus. A single trip within 74 minutes, also to Cannes and Monaco, only costs 1 euro. The busstops to go to Monaco, Saint Jean, etc will be changed due to reorganisation of the area of the former busstation. You can find the new busstops on page 14 and 15 of the 3rd edition of Nice Expression.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T19:25:00.007+01:00

Wishing all my readers a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year! And hoping to see you in Nice France!

Superb seafront apartment in Nice France is still available to rent in January to catch the winter sun

2010-12-05T13:29:00.016+01:00

The front terrace with Mediterranean view that belongs to the superb 3 bedroom apartment 'Le San Diego' from Nice Promenade Apartments

This is a maybe your opportunity to take advantage of Nice’s mild winter climate and to enjoy the winter sun. Apartment 'le San Diego', a phantastic 3 double bedroom apartment in Nice France, centrally located on the world famous Promenade des Anglais is currently still available for you from January 8th till February 5th.

Go to Nice Promenade Apartments for more information about this beautiful -all year round- Nice vacation rental.

-Click on the picture to enlarge the stunning terrace view. This could be your vacation rental!-

A reservation can be made online: you will get instant confirmation and payment can be done online as well. Check now availability or book online at Nice Promenade Apartments

The winter dates are already very discounted at 825 euros weekly, but when you book 3 weeks or more you will get an additional 15.5% discount. Bed linen, towels, all is included in the price! No extra costs.

Just let Nice delight you with her nice buildings, shops, museums, palm trees and beach and experience the healthy Nice winter climate!

Christmas in Nice 2010 December 4th - January 2nd

2010-11-28T19:12:00.012+01:00

Christmas in Nice will be marked by a sense of wonder and festivities.
Entertainment, craft chalets, gift ideas, fir-tree forest, shows, everything combined to bring you memorable Christmas moments with family or friends.

Craft village
Featuring 60 or more chalets displaying crafts on a Christmas theme. > Daily from 11 am to 8 pm - Place Masséna

Skating rink
A large skating rink welcomes beginners or experienced skaters for 4 daily sessions of 1 1/2 hours. 5 euros including skates. Gloves and ID requested. > Daily at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm - Forum Jacques Médecin. With the assistance of “Nice Baie des Anges Patinage”.

December 6th: Official opening of the village at 5.30 pm held by the Mayor of Nice, President of Nice-Côte d’Azur, Mr Christian Estrosi.

December 10th: Celebration of “St. Lucy” at 6 pm.

There are every day many activities at Garibaldi Square, Massena Square and Rosetti Square. They are too many to write it down. Download the full programme here!

Expositions
Exhibition of Provencal Crib
> Tour Bellanda, from 20th of December to 9th january, from 10:00am to 12:00am and from 14:00pm to 18:00pm

The Great Provencal Crib
and its 300 Christmas figures and automatons. > From 4th of December to 16th of January, > Eglise Saint-Pierre d’Arène, 62 rue de France / Infos : 06 07 29 83 52

Jardin Albert I
And...children activities
A special play area for children next to the big wheel includes roundabouts.

A green corridor to the sea

2010-11-27T14:35:00.009+01:00

The bridge from Jardin Albert I to the sea

From the 6th of January the main bus station will disappear to make place for a green corridor that starts from the National Theatre of Nice to the garden Albert I, the 12-hectare park that follows the course of the overarched river the Paillon.
From september 2013 people can take from here the footbridge over the Promenade des Anglais. Surprising! Here, pedestrians, as if they were on the deck of a ship, overlooking the beach. They will enjoy a unique view on the Baie des Anges.
Additionally, there will also be made a pedestrian zone on the roofs of Les Ponchettes on the Quai des Etats-Unis, providing its visitors a beautiful sea view.

The plans for the green corridor

Read more about this in Nice Expression on page 8 and 9. Here you can also see the new bus stops around the busstation from January 2011.

The excellent public transport of Nice will be extended in the coming years with a new tramway from Nice Port to Nice Airport. This tramway will have an underground section in the city centre from the port of Nice and the biggest part of the Rue de France.

Sarkozy meets Chinese president Hu Jintao in Nice

2010-11-06T18:00:00.008+01:00

French president Sarkozy has welcomed Chinese president Hu Jintao on the Promenade des Anglais.

They discussed trade deals at Villa Massena next to the Negresco hotel yesterday afternoon. They also covered a variety of other foreign affairs issues ahead of the G8 and G20 summits next year. The G8 summit is to be held in Nice in 2011.

Mr Sarkozy and Mr Hu Jintao shaking hands in front of Villa Massena on the Promenade des Anglais

J'attendrai

2010-08-14T21:36:00.004+02:00

My personal pictures of Nice and Monaco. Just enjoy! Includes the bateau bus (boat bus) across the port in Monaco for just one euro. Stay in Nice and don't miss a trip to Monaco. By bus you will have a great 50 minutes drive along the coastline with breath-taking views and it only costs you 1 euro.

Just relax and listen to the sea

2010-08-11T18:34:00.010+02:00

This video shows you beautiful sea views from Nice. Just relax, watch and listen to the sea sounds that appear with the music. Some views are taken from our superb 3 double BR apartment, which we rent out at www.nicepromenadeapartments.net

150 years Nice to France (le rattachement)

2010-06-07T18:18:00.016+02:00

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the joining of the County of Nice to France, the artist Bernar Venet created a sculpture according to the indications of the mayor Christian Estrosi who wished a monumental work symbolizing the 9 valleys which forms the County of Nice, pointing out at the same time the sea and the mountains. From a 30 meters height, resting on a concrete base of 128 tons and having required 75 tons of steel for these 9 oblique lines, this monument is situated on the Quai des États-Unis. Because it is the point of meeting of the historical heart of the City and of its opening on the sea, it symbolizes, like the 150th anniversary, the rooting in the history and the international opening.

Tv 'stills' from the 31th of May, when the President of France came to inaugurate the monument.

Inauguration by President Sarkozy

In 1960 there has also a monument been built celebrating the 100 years that Nice belongs to France since 1860. It's located at the end of the Jardin Albert Premier, facing the Promenade des Anglais

Another sculpture by Bernar Venet is "Arc of 115.5 Degrees", it can be found between Jardin Albert Premier and Place Masséna.

Nice Carnival 2010 Fireworks finale of Carnaval celebrations February 28th

2010-03-02T18:36:00.013+01:00

Bye Bye Nice carnival 2010; the King of the Blue Planet is dead now (see the fire on the right)...

...but will rise from the ashes to become the King of the Mediterranean from 18 the February to 8th March 2011!

We shall wait till next year to see the beautiful flower parades again...

Nice Carnival 2010 The illuminated parades

2010-02-20T18:46:00.007+01:00

The theme of this float is 'racing man' to express our exagerated need of gas for our cars.

'La vie reprend ses droits' or 'life retakes his rights' is presented by this wooden king who is becoming a tree that grows and uses 2 cars as shoes and is holding two human coming out an egg in his hand.

These frogs are very funny and fit well within the theme of Nice Carnival 2010: the king of the blue planet.

'La Terre parmi les déchets' means earth under the rubbish and the mice and rats seems to be very happy with that. They ate from the blue planet if it was an apple leaving a core.

Click for the Nice Carnival 2010 Programme Feb. 12-28

Nice Carnival 2010 The flower parades

2010-02-20T18:32:00.009+01:00

Along the Promenade des Anglais, the first Bataille de fleurs (battle of flowers)was held in 1876. Soon, the timid exchanges of bouquets of flowers between the rich winter visitors' decorated carriages developed into a prestigious show, now an integral part of Carnival.

On each float, costumed models throw 80 to 100.000 flowers to an enthusiastic crowd : gladioli, tokyos, mimosas, gerberas, daisies, roses, carnations...
These "battles" are staged on the same theme as the Carnival floats.

This event is one of its kind in the world and features among the most famous of the French Riviera. Nice exportes its know-how in the fields of elegance, beauty and the charm of these flower parades.

Click for the Nice Carnival 2010 Programme Feb. 12-28

Nice Carnival 2010 more pictures

2010-02-16T18:59:00.013+01:00

On this float above and on the right you can see a stork that has difficulties to bring all those babies because of overpopulation, which is the name of this float ('la surpopulation').

This elefant has a movable trunk. The name of this item is 'récup' (recuperation)

The theme of this float is 'Nice engloutie par la nature', which means: the city of Nice absorbed by nature. On top of this tree you can see the Negresco, at the back the Russian Cathedral and some other famous buildings.

With this float the food chain is explained.

There is a lot more in the carnival parade, and I haven't posted yet the pictures of the beautiful flower parades which are called the "bataille des fleurs" and the illuminated corso's at night... I will do so these 2 weeks of Carnival.

Click for the Nice Carnival 2010 Programme Feb. 12-28

Nice Carnival 2010 February 14th part 2

2010-02-15T09:06:00.010+01:00

Here are some more pics taken on Feb. 14, 2010.

Smoke is coming from this dragon!

This is the queen of the Blue Planet.

Click for the Nice Carnival 2010 Programme Feb. 12-28

Nice Carnival 2010 February 14th

2010-02-14T18:11:00.019+01:00

A float with U.S. President Barack Obama on Feb. 14, 2010

This float, called "Yes we can be ecologist", parades during the 126th edition of the Nice Carnival, here on one of the parade of lights on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010.

Noah's Arch fits well in the carnival theme of this year "King of the Blue Planet".

But it isn't that what you think! In fact this float is called: "the revolt of the beasts", as you can see by the captured people on top of the boat.

Click for the Nice Carnival 2010 Programme Feb. 12-28

Nice Carnival 2010 Opening February 12th

2010-02-13T18:35:00.001+01:00

Arrival of the King of the Blue Planet

The theme of Carnival 2010, the Blue Planet, let us think about the earth's ecology. The king and the queen of the Blue Planet opened Nice Carnival 2010 on Friday February 12 on Place Massena. They will reign for 15 days that there's Carnival in Nice.

The queen of the Blue Planet

Nice Snow 11th February 2010

2010-02-13T12:18:00.026+01:00

A very rare phenomenon in Nice: snow has fallen on the 11th of February 2010

This is so seldom seen here...

Is the Nice weather going to be nice?

A good question, indeed! Unfortunately, seasonal weather is not consistent from year to year, and even today's forecast for tomorrow often turns out to be wrong. There is nothing unusual about having lunch on the Cours Saleya, with a tee-shirt on, in February, for Carnival, but occasionally it does snow about once every ten years. The last time was the 11th of February 2010, so you should be OK until 2020!

Snow on the Promenade des Anglais

The Régina, the former (winter) residence of Queen Victoria has been covered by snow on the 11th of February 2010. It's located in Cimiez, an exclusive residential area in Nice

Nice enjoys over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. With an average of only 4 rainy days a month throughout the year (London 12, Manchester 15!), a temperature that rarely goes above 90F in summer or below 40F in winter, it is an all-year destination as popular (and as lively) in winter as in summer.

Webcam view one day later (the 12th of February 2010)

The contrast with the snow the day before couldn't be bigger, that's where Nice's weather is famous for: sun, blue skies and an azure blue sea.

Nice Carnival 2010 programme February 12th-28th

2010-01-05T12:14:00.011+01:00

This picture is from last year: one of the carnival parades on the Promenade

The main winter event on the Riviera is one of the largest carnivals in the world, offering a programme of unforgettable entertainment … from 12th to 28th February 2010.

The Theme: the Blue planet

The carnival processions, comprising 20 floats telling the story of the “Blue Planet” work their way up to a crescendo of gigantic decorations on the Place Masséna. These giant, colourful parades take place day and night, with entertainment provided by over 1,000 musicians and dancers from across the world.

In a unique setting, on the Promenade des Anglais, the elegant “flower battles” are part of the carnival not to be missed. On floats decorated with the most stunning floral compositions, extravagantly dressed characters throw out mimosas, gerberas, and lilies into the public …

This picture is from last year: one of the Parades of Lights

For over 15 days, the city hums to the rhythm of this genuine, fairy-tale event … get a passport for the celebration and let the magic do its work … come and forget the dullness of winter and take in the sun on the French Riviera!

2010 Programme: for more information visit the official website of Nice Carnival.

Friday 12th February
9:00pm Opening festivities
Saturday 13th February
2:30pm Flower Parade
9:00pm Parade of Lights
Sunday 14th February
2:30pm Carnival Parade
Tuesday 16th February
2:30pm Carnival Parade
From 5pm Animations
Wednesday 17th February
2:30pm Flower Parade
Saturday 20th February
2:30pm Flower Parade
9:00pm Parade of Lights
Sunday 21st February
2:30pm Carnival Parade
Tuesday 23rd February
9:00pm Parade of Lights
Wednesday 24th February
2:30pm Flower Parade
Saturday 27th February
2:30pm Flower Parade
9:00pm Parade of Lights
Sunday 28th February
2:30pm Carnival Parade
8:00pm Closing festivities
9:30pm Incineration and firework display

Nice France travel guide

2010-01-01T17:26:00.005+01:00

'Still' from the video Nice Mediterranean sea-front Metropole

When you are planning to visit Nice this year, then I recommend you to download the Nice practical guide which contains over a 100 pages!
Click to go to the Nice France Practical Guide

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T09:55:00.012+01:00

The best wishes for 2010! A happy and prosperous New Year to all our readers!

Fireworks seen from our apartment rental.

Festival of Arts and Russian Cinema
From 5 to 13 January 2010 "Ruskoff" Festival of the Arts and Cinema Russian offer for its 11th birthday focusing on the Russia of yesterday and today at the National Theater of Nice.

Nice City of my life. Music: La vie en rose

2009-12-27T15:22:00.011+01:00

I just made this video. It reflects my love for the most beautiful sea-front city in the world with its most beautiful sea-side avenue in the world: the Promenade des Anglais! This video also contains some views taken from the terrace of my apartment on the Promenade and there are some views taken from the beach in front of the apartment. The apartment is available for holiday rentals and can be booked online at the website: www.NicePromenadeApartments.net . I hope you'll enjoy watching.

Here's the video link to YouTube: Nice France Mediterranean sea-front metropole

Here's the link to the Playlist Nice France Queen of the riviera.

Merry Christmas to all our readers!

2009-12-25T10:50:00.031+01:00

Above you can see a small impression of the Christmas illuminations in Nice.

Merry Christmas! Frohe Weihnachten! Buon Natale! Joyeux Noël ! Zalig Kerstmis! Всех с Рождеством!

Click below to listen to the Christmas song of Nice
Thierry Guillo: Noël à Nice

'J’ai toujours rêvé de fêter Noël,
Sous le ciel léger de Nice la belle
Même si les traîneaux ne font pas légion
Place Masséna ou sur le Paillon…'

Christmas Village in Nice

2009-12-12T11:34:00.025+01:00

From 5th December 2009 to 6th January 2010, every day from 11am to 8pm, there is a big Christmas village in the central square of Nice, place Masséna.

Fifty wooden chalets propose crafts linked to this festive period. 3 craft chalets have been specifically devoted to Russian crafts and there is also a model of the Russian cathedral. The Russian Cathedral of Nice is the biggest and most important Russian church outside Russia.

Come to Nice in the winter and make the most of a get-together with family and friends between the sea and the mountains. Right opposite the sea front, in the Albert 1er gardens, there is a big wheel and other attractions attractive for children, whereas on the near located Place Massena visitors will discover the enchanted fir forest with its 750 trees, including a 15 metres Christmas tree offered by Sweden,
in which numerous events will take place (ice-sculpture, Christmas Parade, end of year concerts…).
A large skating rink welcome experienced or novice skaters alike.

Click here for a brochure in french, english and italian for all activities and shows during Christmas in Nice.

Park Phoenix - 405 Promenade des Anglais

2009-12-06T23:08:00.007+01:00

Apart from the park's amazing size, over 7 hectares of land, the reknown of Parc Floral Phoenix is its immense greenhouse, one of the largest in Europe and known as the Green Diamond. This amazing glass and metal tent-like structure, 22 meters / 72-foot high and extending over 7,000m², houses the most complete range of plants ever assembled in Europe and offers the visitor 7 different tropical and sub-tropical climates. Designed by architects Selme and Tampon-Lajariette, it was built in 1989 and opened in February 1990.

The entrance to Parc Phoenix is located west of Nice at the Promenade's end on number 405 (the last number being 461), a stone's throw from the airport and within the Arénas district, Nice's bustling business quarters adorned by tall mirror-façade buildings complete with hotels, restaurants, and shops. It is now the most visited botanical garden on the Côte d'Azur, with Monaco's Jardin Exotique in second place and Eze's Jardin Exotique a close third.

When you start your visit, you'll find yourself directly in front of the park's central feature: an enormous 6,000m² lake. Interestingly, the Museum of Asian Arts (free admission, closed on Tuesday), with its 'white hat' in the picture above, is built on this same lake and adds a somewhat oriental feel to the start of your tour.

Open: daily, April to September - 09:00 to 20:00; October to March - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: 2 euros; children under 12 free

Overwintering in Nice: sun and ski

2009-11-29T18:04:00.015+01:00

photo by J.Kelogapian

Since the scottish poet, author and doctor T.G. Smollet discovered Nice in 1765 to have a micro climate that is healing people, many aristocratic people from England and Russia came to Nice to overwinter. Queen Victoria built her own palace, the Excelsior Régina in Cimiez, a residential area in Nice where you can also find the Matisse Museum. Queen Victoria's last trip to Nice was in 1899, when she traveled under her pseudonym 'Lady Balmoral' on a special train, 56 km/h at day time and 40 km/h at night.

Nowadays travel circumstances have been ameliorated and Nice has the 2nd airport of France. As you can see on the pictures, the snow-capped Alps are very close to the sunny Mediterranean coast. A winter sun vacation could easiliy be combined with a ski vacation in the nearby mountain ski resorts. It's only 1.5 hours by car or public transport to the ski resort of Isola 2000. The costs of the ski bus includes a day ski pass and return bus journey. Isola 2000 is located in the Mercantour Park, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with numerous outdoor activities available.

GREOLIERES (60 kms from Nice; 1400 to 1800 m) LA COLMIANE (65 kms from Nice; 1500 to 1800 m) VALBERG (80 kms from Nice; 1616 to 2100 m; www.valberg.com) AURON (90 kms from Nice; 1600 to 2450 m; www.auron.com) ISOLA 2000 (90 kms from Nice; 2000 to 2900 m; www.isola2000.com)

The Louis Vuitton World Series

2009-11-22T11:35:00.009+01:00

It's already the last day of the Louis Vuitton World Series that was held from November 7th-22th. Today Azzurra has won Final 2-0 over Emirates Team New Zealand.
Visitors in Nice were able to get onboard of a boat to have a closer look at the race, whereas those who are living or staying on the Promenade could follow the entire event from their own terrace. This proves once again that Nice has an international leading position and that the Promenade des Anglais is the place to be !

The pictures come from the official website: www.louisvuittontrophy.com

The Bay of Angels

2009-11-16T09:06:00.007+01:00

When you walk to 'La Colline du Chateau' and you go to the cascade, you will have on top of it a beautiful view over the Bay of Angels and the old town.

The Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges) has surprisingly nothing to do with angels of heaven who made this paradise, but it were the angels from the deep, the angel sharks from the sea that used to live here until the 19th century that gave their name to the bay of Nice. These angel sharks -Squatina angelus- had 2 fins that looked like 2 angel wings for the Mediterranean fisherman. Nowadays they have been disappeared completely.

Villas on the Promenade. Number 13-15: Palais de la Méditerranée

2009-11-08T15:58:00.010+01:00

From this palace, built in 1927, only the façade and entrance have been preserved. It was designed as a prestigious casino hotel by the Charles Dalmas, who had already designed several grand hotels in Nice, after an original idea by J. Aletti, a famous French hotel owner. The project was financed by the American billionaire Frank-Jay Gould, who had launched the nearby seaside resort of Juan-les-Pins and was owner of a string of casinos and hotels on the French Riviera. Its Art Deco façade, made from beige Lens limestone, has some truly magnificent bas-reliefs sculptures by Antoine Sartorio.

Under Dalmas's careful eye and direction, it was constructed in one year with the assistance of 350 workers and inaugurated on 10 January 1929 after some difficulties in obtaining a gambling licence, and was a beautiful example of Art Deco. A 1,000-seat theatre made up of stalls surrounded by baignoires, with boxes and loges above, and yet another level forming a balcony, attracted the greatest names in the world of Arts and Entertainment, among them Maurice Chevalier, Jules Romain, Edith Piaf and Josephine Baker.

After the glitz and glamour of the 1930s, the grandeur of the Palais gradually declined, especially after it had been ravaged by fire in 1934. Gould then decided to rent it to a development company, Société Fermière du Palais de la Méditerranée who managed it until it finally closed its doors in April 1978 due to financial difficulties. Vandalized, the building was demolished in May 1990 by mechanical shovels that left a gaping hole. Its two façades became a listed monument in extremis in August 1989.

It reopened in January 2004, following a multi-million Euro restoration overseen by Concorde Hotels & Resorts. Now there is at the ground floor a casino and a 4 star hotel that looks out onto a large indoor swimming pool at the sea-side. At the back of this complex they built the following apartment buildings: 'Le Baccara', 'Le Belle-Epoque', 'Le Riviera', and 'Le Palace' who look out onto a private garden and find their entrance at the Rue de France, parallel to the Promenade.

If you like to read more about the Palais de la Méditerrnanée, I can recommend you the book 'La Promenade des Anglais, History and reminiscences', which can be purchased for only a few euros in the museum shop of the Massena Museum. Then you can read also about the unsolved mystery around the Palais.

Vélo Bleu

2009-07-27T09:29:00.025+02:00

One of the Vélo bleu stations on the Prom in front of our apartment

From the 18th of July we now have in the centre of Nice a self-service bicycle hiring service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hire fees cost nothing for the first 30 minutes, one euro for a day, 5 euros for a week, 10 euros for a month and 25 euros for a year.

There are 2 ways: by contactless card, which you can receive by registering online your address and bank account (Vélo Bleu or Ligne d'Azur smartcard) or by mobile phone by calling +33 (0)4 30 00 30 01 (if any problems, there's a support desk: 33 (0)4 93 72 06 06) and using your credit card.

Picking up a bike:

1. First, users go through a one-time automated telephone registration, also available in English (select option 2). You’ll be asked to type in your credit card details, authorising Vélo Bleu to debit your account for your pass fee, as well as €150 should you fail to return a bike. Also provide your mobile phone number (don't forget your country code e.g. 44 for UK and drop the leading 0[zero].

2. Next up, grab a bike from a stand by selecting the ‘Subscribe here’ (English) option from a computer at one of the bike stands. Choose the duration of the pass you’d like to purchase (e.g. 1 day). The computer screen flashes a specific number you must call from your mobile (note all calls are free): the Vélo Bleu database identifies you, charges your credit card and activates your chosen pass.

3. Finally, select ‘Find a bike’. Call the number it gives you and the database again identifies you; you are then instructed to choose your bike. The bike is automatically unlocked from the stand. Unplug its lock and ride off.

Returning your bike:

When you have finished, you go to one of the 90 stations (with 900 bicycles, later on this will be 175 stations with 1750 bikes and 125 km of cycle paths), activate your return terminal and hook up your bicycle in a free place. The time you have been using the bicycle is recorded and the sum will be debited from your user account.

More information (in french) at www.velobleu.org
Some information on the site in english

Click here to see a map of Nice city centre with the vélo bleu stations.

180 degrees Mediterranean view from our apartment !

2009-07-14T20:36:00.007+02:00

Watch the waves arriving the beach from the terrace of this beautiful 3 double bedroom apartment, centrally located on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice France. It can be your vacation rental right now! Book online at our website: http://www.nicepromenadeapartments.net

Le Tour de France on the Promenade des Anglais!

2009-07-06T20:02:00.014+02:00

Yesterday, the 5th of July, the Tour de France passed on the Promenade des Anglais for its 1st stage.

They started from Monaco and drove up to the hills of La Turbie where you have beautiful views of Monaco.

They arrived in the hills of Nice, and came along the harbour which goes over in the Quai Rabauba Capeu, where this photo was taken.

Then they cycled the Quai des Etats-Unis and reached here the Promenade des Anglais.

The following pictures are taken from our apartment by our guests:

Villas on the Promenade. Number 107: Global Real Estate Agency 107 Promenade

2009-05-10T19:41:00.052+02:00

Google street view of the Promenade with on the right the 107 Promenade Real Estate Agency (Click on the picture to enlarge)

Many clients from all over the world find their way to agency 107 Promenade. In the first place because they are the only specialist in the most sought after location in Nice : the Promenade des Anglais.
Secondly, the service of the family agency 107 is beyond all expectations and never ends. It's their philosophy that from the moment the client enters the agency, he has to feel at home. I can tell you, I was a client before !

Step in to 107 Promenade Agency

If you are thinking of buying an apartment and making an investment in Nice, visit
www.107promenade.com

Nowadays everyone is looking for stable investments whereas leaving all your money on the bank is not wise either. Many people found their answer in making an investment by buying a seafront apartment in the Côte d'Azur region, one of the world’s most highly prized regions and the playground of the rich and famous. With respect to Cannes, Nice has the advantage that its prices are affordable. And the Promenade des Anglais with 7 kilometres of sea-side avenue, gives opportunities to everyone's budget with prices ranging from 3,500 euros / m2 to 12,000 euros / m2.
Above, Nice is planning many projects on the Promenade to enhance its position as most beautiful sea-side avenue in the world, therefore increases in prices can be expected.

Read more about this in the "Gazette de la Promenade", a multi-lingual newspaper which can be downloaded here and at the bottom of this post.

If you are looking for a holiday home in Nice for the time that you are looking for properties, why not rent an apartment on the Promenade, so you can experience the unique location yourself. The link below will bring you to our website of our holiday apartment on the Promenade des Anglais that can be booked online and paid for by credit card through our always accurate availability calendar. To facilitate your business purposes there is free WiFi internet connection as well. It's situated at number 92 on the Promenade, a 10 minutes walk to the Negresco hotel and just a few minutes walk to number 107 Promenade Real Estate Agency.

Nice Promenade Holiday Apartments
3 bedroom holiday apartment for up to 6 to rent on the Promenade des Anglais

Click on the following link and then on "get file" to download this file:
La Gazette de la Promenade winter 2008/2009

View more documents from Alexander.Thijs.

Villas on the Promenade. Number 113: the Palais de l'Agriculture

2009-05-09T08:45:00.018+02:00

Inauguration of the renovated Palais de l'Agriculture

The Palais de l'Agriculture is the location for the headquarters of the 'Société d'Agriculture, d'Horticulture et d'Acclimatation de Nice et des Alpes-Maritimes' (S.C.A.H.). (Click on the picture to enlarge.)

The villa is built on the Promenade between its angle with the Boulevard de la Madeleine and Avenue de Bellet. These streets are in fact one broad Boulevard with the Palais de l'Agriculture in between which were built to cover the river 'Vallon de Magnan'.
This building, designed by Paul Martin, an engineer and General Secretary of the Society, was built in 1900 and shows the distinct neo-classical style so prevalent at the time. This yellow ochre building, decorated with pedimental windows, ornamental mouldings and friezes, consists of a central fronton flanked by two smaller wings. A wide marble staircase leads up to the main entrance.

The Palais de l’Agriculture was inaugurated on 8 April 1901 by Emile François Loubet, the French President. And thus the building has remained, surviving two world wars and escaping demolition or modernisation.

But now the façade is very recently completely restored in all its glamour and newly inaugurated by the mayor of Nice, Mr Christian Estrosi on the 6th of April 2009. See above the crowd that was present on the Promenade.

The Society was created in 1860 and counted amongst its members and benefactors the
Grande Duchesse Hélène of Russia, the Prince of Monaco, Charles III, Baron de Rothschild and the Mayor of Nice. Its primary aim was the study of plants and animals brought back from various expeditions around the world. By the 1920s their research had inspired many horticulturists to increase and diversify their production, thus ranking Nice second in the world for the production of cut flowers.

The Society continues to be very active today with outings, conferences and garden visits, as well as offering advice on the many different aspects of gardening on the French Riviera. See the website of S.C.A.H on www.scah-nice.fr

Google street view: The Promenade des Anglais

2009-05-03T10:42:00.013+02:00

View Larger Map
Here you can see the Promenade des Anglais on google street view.
(I found out that sometimes it is not visible in internet explorer all the time, then you can open this site in another browser like firefox. Or more simply, click above on View Larger Map to open google street view in a new window.)

On the right you can see the apartment building in which our 3 bedroom apartment is situated. It has beautiful sea views, a big balcony / terrace with a garden set for 6 people and is situated only a small walking distance to the centre of town. With the arrows on the upper left of google street view you can watch the whole Promenade which is 7 kilometres long. Click on the icon on the upper right to watch google street view in full screen. You only have to cross the road at this zebra crossing to go to the beach. On the left you can see that there is an access to the beach without stairs to accommodate those having difficulties with taking stairs. Interested to rent our apartment for holiday / vacation? Go to our website: www.nicepromenadeapartments.net

View from the terrace. You can see the zebra crossing again. Click on this picture for better views

The 10 most remarkable items on the Prom. Coming on 1: The blue chairs

2009-05-01T10:12:00.010+02:00

The iconic blue chairs first made their appearance around 1900. Fifty years later they were replaced by a more modern range. In 1966 the distinguished French architect and urban planner Jean-Michel Wilmotte designed a third-generation chair. The present model, painted in sky blue to complement the azure waters of the Bay of Angels was placed on the Promenade in 1997. Nice ordered about 2,000 of these very elegant chairs, but only around 700 are left (they were a popular object to steal).
In 2003 the Wilmotte chairs were taken away and they did finally re-emerge after they had been welded together in batches of 10 . . .

Some of the old chairs are used here in the façade of the Modern Art museum in Nice(MAMAC), which has as all municipal museums in Nice a freed admission. By the way this is a large and beautiful museum to visit and its roof terrace has a beautiful view on the city.

The 10 most remarkable items on the Prom. Coming on 2: The art sculptures from Niki de St. Phalle

2009-04-12T18:29:00.014+02:00

Outside the Negresco hotel’s main entrance you’ll find a three metres tall statue of Miles Davis. This beautiful work of art, made from polyurethane foam and resin, inlaid with coloured glass and mirrors, was created by the French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle in 1999. While some of her creations were on show inside the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (Mamac museum in Nice), her larger pieces where displayed on the Quai des Etats-Unis, the beginning of the sea side boulevard near the old town, which continues in the Promenade des Anglais.

This is one of the totem poles she made. A simular work can be found in California. Niki de Saint Phalle, lived there in La Jolla for nine years before her death in 2002. Her sculptures can be found troughout the world.

This is one of here typical sculptures inside the Negresco hotel.

The 10 most remarkable items on the Prom. Coming on 3: The palm trees

2009-04-05T18:02:00.010+02:00

The magnificent seaside promenade runs between the luxury hotels and the beach.
And all in the shadow of the very typical feather duster palms, which is arriving on number 3 in our countdown.
The British started to plant the Phoenix dactylifera and Canariensis in the 19th century, 2 of tho most beautiful types of palm trees, from which there are about 1300 on the Promenade des Anglais.
At night, many of them are illuminated by lights that are incorporated in the lawn in the middle of the avenue. Is a wonderful to walk along the Promenade at night with all the lights, the palm trees, the rustling of the sea...
The picture above and below are some views from the terrace of our 3 double bedroom apartment on the Promenade which we rent for holidays.

Below you can see the palm trees with the Negresco hotel at the background.

The 10 most remarkable items on the Prom. Coming on 4: The parasailing sports

2009-03-24T18:28:00.008+01:00

In summer, there are several locations on the beach where you can pay for a parasailing trip. It gives you one of the most interesting and beautiful views over the sea and the Promenade des Anglais. Watching people pass by wih parachute is nice, but doing it yourself gives you views you will never forget. Note that since 1930 there are this sort of white benches that have a direction to the sea and the Promenade as well. The reason is that it became very important to see and to be seen. Turning their backs to the sea, summer and winter residents would sit and watch other high society residents pass by as they strolled up and down the promenade between a corridor of seats.

This view is only possible from the sea!
You can see here the roof garden on top of the Negresco hotel. The owner of the hotel, Madame Jeanne Augier, is in her late 80's now, but is still very busy to manage the hotel and dedicated to all the fine arts in the hotel that she has collected that makes the hotel a living museum. She lives in the "penthouse" on top of the buildig with the pink dome at the corner included. Click on this image to enlarge it for better views.

The 10 most remarkable items on the Prom. Coming on 5: The bicycle lane

2009-02-28T17:53:00.008+01:00

Throughout the Promenade des Anglais there is a bicycle lane. Here it goes under one of the pergolas on the Promenade. One can rent on many locations a bicycle and if you don't like to bicycle yourself, there is even a bicycle taxi.

Nice Carnival 2009 day and night

2009-02-15T18:31:00.001+01:00

During two weeks from 13th February - 1st March there are flower parades and carnival parades in the afternoon and beautiful illuminated carnival parades after 9pm.

Would you like to stay in Nice at Nice carnival? I already rented my 3 double bedroom apartment on the Promenade des Anglais till the 28th February, but you can book our apartment from the 28th of February (arrival after 1pm) to the 4th of March. Then you can still enjoy the flower parade, the light parade, the carnival parade and the fireworks! Last 2 days programme:
Saturday 28th February
2:30pm Flower Parade
9:00pm Parade of Lights
Sunday 1st March
2:30pm Carnival Parade
9:00pm Incineration and firework display

So, if this sounds great to you, visit my website on www.nicepromenadeapartments.net. You can book online through my availability calendar on www.nicepromenadeapartments.net/book.html. I have also 2 last minutes weeks in March, contact me by mail for a special price at nicepromenade@gmail.com .

See more information and a programme of Nice Carnival 2009 on my post of 14th February.

The pictures in this post are from last year

Nice Carnival 2009 Opening 13th February

2009-02-15T18:04:00.001+01:00

Opening of Nice Carnival 2009 on Friday 13th February: Arrival of his Majesty the King

During two weeks in February, almost every day there is Carnival in Nice. Carnival in Nice is a big event that attracts many visitors and tourists. In the afternoon there is on the Promenade des Anglais the “Bataille de Fleurs”, this is a carnival parade that combines the splendour of floats decorated with thousands of flowers with the irresistible charm of lovely young models who watch over these moving gardens – in every sense of word.
In the evening the parade is beautifully illuminated!

The opening of Nice Carnival on 13th February on Place Massena

See more information and a programme of Nice Carnival 2009 on my post of 14th February.

Nice Carnival 2009 13th February - 1st March

2009-02-14T21:48:00.001+01:00

This picture is from last year: one of the flower parades on the Promenade

The Theme
Nice Carnival, the most important event on the French Riviera, for its 125th edition will be « King of Masquerades », from 13th February to 1st March.

The theme for 2009 evokes the art of concealment in every sense : wearing a mask, changing one's appearance, staging, in short the art of deception. From a simple disguise to plastic surgery, from manipulation to celebrity press & the Carnival is no longer the only realm of fancy dress and device in all its forms, represented in a modern and outrageous fantasy...

This picture is from last year: one of the Parades of Lights

Cartoonists from the most important international newspapers, privileged witnesses of their time and their culture, have once again been approached to create the visual identity of a modern carnival & whilst respecting tradition. All the Carnival parades will be located on the new place Massena and around the garden Albert 1st and the Flower parades will take place along the Promenade des Anglais or sea-front and will feature numerous innovations ...

2009 Programme: for more information visit the official website of Nice Carnival.

Friday 13th February
9:00pm Arrival of His Majesty the King
Saturday 14th February
2:30pm Flower Parade
9:00pm Parade of Lights
Sunday 15th February
2:30pm Flower Parade
Tuesday 17th February
9:00pm Parade of Lights
Wednesday 18th February
2:30pm Flower Parade
Saturday 21st February
2:30pm Flower Parade
9:00pm Parade of Lights
Sunday 22nd February
2:30pm Carnival Parade
Tuesday 24th February
9:00pm Parade of Lights
Wednesday 25th February
2:30pm Flower Parade
Saturday 28th February
2:30pm Flower Parade
9:00pm Parade of Lights
Sunday 1st March
2:30pm Carnival Parade
9:00pm Incineration and firework display

Nice weather in Nice in February

2009-02-10T14:13:00.003+01:00

In February Nice enjoys most of the time sunny weather, the temperatures are really good, today about 18 degrees celcius (64.4 degrees Fahrenheit)! In the French Riviera it is spring time now, the yellow Mimosa flowers are in bloom and will be used for the flower parades the last two weeks of this month. These pictures are screen shots of the webcam view of the Promenade des Anglais, which you can watch here.

The 10 most remarkable items on the Prom. Coming on 6: The streetlights

2009-02-08T12:03:00.001+01:00

When the night is falling and the lights on the Promenade switch on, it is like a string of pearls that follows the curve of the Bay of Angels. Also many buildings are illuminated as well. The palm trees are romantically illuminated with coloured ground lamps or lights in the trees. The Promenade is turning into a fairy-tale beauty.

Villas on the Promenade. Number 65: Villa Guiglia

2009-02-02T18:58:00.002+01:00

The villa was designed by the notable Niçois architect, Roger Séassal, and was once the residence of Charles Frédérik Spang, a rather rich industrialist in the steel business, who sold his business to the Carnegie Empire and then retired to Nice. It was later the property of Vincent Guiglia (1789-1878)(brother of Count Louis Guiglia, president of the senate of Nice) who gave it its name and also bequeathed it to the city of Nice.

Much like the stunning Palais de la Méditerranée, only the façade and entrance have been preserved. The municipality first used the building as a training college for the hotel trade until it became the C.U.M: Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen in December 1933, when Paul Valéry was appointed its Director. It is designed as an intellectual centre.
In that time they built one of the most beautiful amphitheatres of France inside the building. Also classical concerts and many conferences are given here, which are mostly free to visit, which attract more than 80.000 visitors each year. See more about this white - light rose villa on the website.

Later Jean Médecin also took care of the creation of the university of Nice which was founded on 1965, the year of his death, see more information here.
Jean Médecin (1890-1965) was Mayor of Nice from 1928 to 1943 and from 1947 to 1965, and the father of Jacques Médecin, whom succeeded him as mayor until 1990. Nowadays the University has 8 faculties, located in several beautiful ancient buildings and is attached to Sophia Antipolis, that is a large technology park in the inland of Nice (in Valbonne), which you can consider as the Silicon Valley of Europe.

The 10 most remarkable items on the Prom. Coming on 7: The "petit train"

2009-01-30T18:08:00.001+01:00

The little white train leaves from the Promenade des Anglais, opposite the Casino Ruhl. It will take you through the old town and up to La Colline (the hill) du Chateau. A 40 minute trip costs €7 (children under nine €3). However, the Promenade and the old town could be better explored by walking, what you would do anyway.

Villas on the Promenade. Number 139: Villa Collin-Huovila

2009-01-29T19:32:00.006+01:00

Out of hundreds of villas that once existed on the Promenade des Anglais, this is one of the survivors, now being squashed between apartment blocks. It is located on number 139, near the Lenval hospital on the Promenade.

Plans for this amazing (exaggerated !) Art Nouveau building with its curved façade, polychrome ceramic decorations and impressive red roof shaped like a Samourai's hat, were drawn up by Marius Allinge in 1907 for Carl Constantin Collin (1863-1941), an eccentric Finnish millionaire. The villa has changed owners, but is still in private hands.

The corner carytid sculpture, created by François Louis Virieux, is a delightful scene showing a young lady playfully trying to avoid a shower of roses from two cherubs.

I made this picture last year. It is a pity that they made windows and did not keep the little glasses as you see in the first picture. However the contrast couldn't be bigger with this adjacent villa in art deco style. It is amazing how the style changes only a few years later.

This picture can be found on http://www.huovila.net/gallery/Fgallery2-2.jpg
The original detached house once upon a time ...(today it is on the left attached to an apartment house).

The 10 most remarkable items on the Prom. Coming on 8: The ice cream stall

2009-01-29T19:01:00.001+01:00

You will always find an ice cream man or woman. At day or at night. Nice is very close to Italy and Italian ice cream is renown in the world.

I found this one in a magazine: an ice cream stall under the pergola.

The 10 most remarkable items on the Prom. Coming on 9: The pergolas

2009-01-29T12:01:00.001+01:00

I counted 4 pergolas on the Promenade, 3 in the centre and one near the airport. The bicycle lane goes also through the pergolas (behind the white benches on the left on this picture). The specially designed elegant pergolas gives the visitor a few moments’ relaxation in the shade. The white pergolas were formerly created by members of the expatriate British community in the 19th century so they could have an agreeable place along which to take their afternoon strolls. The current pergolas date from the 1930's. It forms a very nice decor for the Promenade.

The 10 most remarkable items on the Prom. Coming on 10: The newspaper kiosk

2009-01-28T11:46:00.001+01:00

I will make a countdown for the most remarkable items on the Promenade des Anglais. Today is arriving on 10 the newspaper kiosk. At the top of the steps to the Blue Beach you will find this small news kiosk where you can buy a paper. The Times is three euros, others like the Daily Mail is 2,50 euros. The kiosk is here for many years, but I don't know for how long. The construction is antique and the bicycle lane takes a curve around it.

Do you have any suggestions what to reveal next time? Please leave a message, which will be very appreciated.

Villas on the Promenade. Number 61: Villa Furtado - Heine

2009-01-27T22:08:00.003+01:00

This villa (number 61 on the Promenade) was built for Lady Penelope Rivers in 1787. However, 1789 is the year of the French Revolution and Lady Rivers fled back to England abandoning the villa. It became public property and was sold to Sébastien Grandis who rented the villa out to wealthy winter residents such as Pauline Borhèse, Napoleon’s sister, and Marie-Louise de Bourbon-Parme. After many other owners is was bought in 1883 by Cécile Charlotte Furtado-Heine. She let her villa transformate into a retirement home for sick and injured officers. It has remained so ever since, today officers are taking holiday here and so it is referred to as the “Villa des Officiers”.

Please don't enter this gate as the garden is private domain! I did it once, I did not know then, I was taking pictures like a tourist, the gate was open and looked like the gate of the Massena museum which has a public garden, then suddenly the gate closed automatically and I was captured. There are cameras in the garden that will catch you. The old officers liked to capture me and once in the building they told me to call the police. One friendly officer let me escape at the back door which is located at 121, Rue de France.

In a side street of the Promenade next to the villa, the Rue Honoré Sauvan, you can find the Four Points Sheraton Elysee Hotel. It is outlined by 2 monumental bronze sculptures of Venus by a Nice artist, Sacha Sosno. It looks like if Venus is between the construction of the building, which is very special.

The Promenade in the Belle Epoque

2009-01-27T18:13:00.002+01:00

This painting by Angelo Garino, dated 1922, shows us how the Promenade looked once upon a time. It can be seen in the Massena Museum. On the left you can see the Ruhl hotel, which was located next to the Gardens of Albert 1er.

Nowadays the Ruhl hotel is replaced by a building from the seventies which houses the Casino Ruhl and the 4 star Meridien hotel.

On the right you can see the Jetée Promenade in Nice which was dismantled by the Germans during World War 2. This was the original place for the casino. It was built with a large steel construction (also designed by Gustav Eiffel) in the sea. To make the story short, due to a fire they had to built it 2 times and opened it in 1891. The original project was the brain child of the Marquis d’Espouy de Saint-Paul who wanted Nice to have a replica of London’s Cristal Palace on the Promenade des Anglais.

This is one of the many advertising posters to attract visitors to Nice. The Promenade des Anglais has always been the place to be seen, legendary for its palaces and beautiful villas where the rich invited each other for a party and marriages were born. In future posts I will write more about the palaces and villas on the Promenade.

The Massena Museum on the Prom

2009-01-26T12:45:00.002+01:00

Next to the Negresco hotel on the Promenade des Anglais you can find the Massena Museum. Like all municipal museums in Nice, the admission is free.

The Massena Museum reopened in March 2008 after a big renovation (started in 1999) of the building and the gardens. Built from 1898 to 1901, Victor Massena, the great-grandson of Marshal André Masséna (1758-1817), gave it to Nice in 1917. It was then transformed into a regional history museum. On the ground floor you can visit the villa as it was decorated with empirical items, including some from the Napoleonic times.

The two floors above trace the history of Nice in chronological order. You can see how the fisherman lived in the houses on what is now the Quai des Etats-Unis, the several political powers that ruled over Nice (till 1860 it belonged to Savoye). Further you can learn something about the construction of the Promenade des Anglais, and the European aristocracy that discovered Nice. A large painting of Queen Victoria is exhibited. There is too much to list. I can assure you, it is worth a visit.

Boats on the Bay of Angels

2009-01-24T10:35:00.001+01:00

This cruise ship is coming from the harbour of Nice. You will find here also a ferry to Corsica but also small and big yachts of the happy few.

One of them, the 85 metres Ocean Breeze, that belonged to the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is awaiting a buyer in the port of Nice, with an asking price of euro 23.5 million.

This is the ferry to Corsica, a beautiful island in the Mediterranean, that can be reached in 3-4 hours by this ferry. You will see this yellow boat several times passing by every day.

This is a very exclusive yacht from a Russian billionaire visiting Nice. I'm sorry I couldn't get closer for a better view.

The Negresco Hotel

2009-01-21T19:00:00.005+01:00

The hotel was built by the Romanian Henri Negrescu and designed by the Dutchman Edouard Niemans and it was Eiffel who designed the steel construction for the glass dome of the Salon Royal in the centre of the building. Here you can watch the chandelier composed of 16,309 Baccarat crystals, originally commissioned by the last Czar of Russia. Exactly the same chandelier is in the Kremlin in Moscow.
The hotel opened in 1913 but was turned into a hospital during the first world war and then fell into the hands of creditors after the war.

In 1957 the hotel was bought by the Augier family. Mrs Jeanne Augier personally decorated all rooms with the most expensive antiques and arts, so staying at Negresco is like living in a museum. Mrs Augier still lives in the Negresco, in the whole upper floor of the building, the pink dome at the corner included.

There are only three portraits in the world of Louis XIV: one in the Louvre museum, Paris, one in Versailles and one in the Negresco hotel. If you are rich and famous, you definitely stayed in the Negresco hotel one time.

Just like the view from the 5 star Negresco Hotel.... but a quarter the price!

Nice Promenade Holiday Apartments
3 bedroom holiday apartment to rent on the Promenade des Anglais.

Cars on the Prom

2009-01-17T12:25:00.002+01:00

On the Promenade you often find beautiful cars. Come to the Promenade des Anglais and join the rich and famous in one of their favourite playgrounds. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a few celebrities passing through.

On the 26th of August 2008 Madonna performed in Nice and stepped out this car to the podium. She stayed of course in the world famous Negresco Hotel on the Promenade.

Webcam on the Promenade

2009-01-15T12:29:00.001+01:00

Click here and you wil see the webcam on the Promenade des Anglais. On the lower left you can see the actual weather and temperature, which is always even better than forecasted! At this moment, the temperature is 16,9 degrees Celcius with a large blue sky. Not bad for the middle of January I would think (while it is freezing in large parts of Europe now)!
On this picture I have marked our apartment which we rent on our website.

La mer - Charles Trenet

2009-01-14T19:10:00.002+01:00

The beach in Nice is a pebble beach, but that's also why the water is that clear and very pure. The colours of the Mediterranean are always changing on the day from light blue to deep azure blue. It is so beautiful!
In this video you can listen to the music of Charles Trenet, la mer (the sea) with pictures of our apartment, which we rent on our website: http://www.nicepromenadeapartments.net
It has a large living room, a terrace with uninterrupted views of the Med, 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a private underground garage. It is of course located on the Promenade des Anglais in the centre of Nice, a 10 minutes walk from the world famous Negresco hotel.
With our availability calendar on the site it can be booked instantly and paid online by credit card.

This video is also available in high quality. Click here and click on the lower right on watch in high quality. On more info you can also find the song lyric in french and english.

Airport Nice Côte d’Azur

2009-01-14T18:53:00.002+01:00

The airport of Nice is the second biggest airport of France. It is located at the other end of the 7 km long Promenade des Anglais. If you arrive by plane, you can see the most beautiful views. In this video you can see the peninsula St Jean Cap Ferrat, then the hill of Mont Boron (The bay of Villefranche is in between), after that the harbour of Nice, then La Colline du Chateau which marks the beginning of the Quai des Etats-Unis. The Quai des Etats-Unis is 1 km in distance and goes over in the Promenade des Anglais.

Overwintering in Nice

2009-01-14T18:09:00.001+01:00

Queen Victoria, King Gustav V of Sweden and many other famous people took advantage of Nice’s mild winter climate and stayed in Nice during winter time. Nice enjoys an exceptional microclimate that has made its renown for two centuries.

Open to the sea, the city is protected from the wind by the surrounding hills, to the West by the Esterel Massif and, to the Northwest by the barrier of the Mercantour Alps.
The climate is always mild in winter and never too hot in summer thanks to the sea breeze. It is not rare to have lunch outdoors on a terrace wearing no more than a T-shirt in February when the rest of France is shivering in the cold.

This picture comes from the Gazette de la Promenade, it is a newsletter about the Promenade des Anglais in French, English and Italian. It discusses the history of the Promenade, future investments on the Promenade and latest apartment's sales. You can download these newsletters here.

The Promenade des Anglais - a brief summary

2009-01-14T12:13:00.001+01:00

Not later than in 1823 the English people who were very attracted to Nice’s climate and beauty, started to build the ultra famous Promenade, that stretches 7 km around the Bay of Angels, which became known in 1844 to the world as the Promenade des Anglais (the Promenade of the English). They built many luxury palaces and hotels, all its glamour is still present today. Nice is a busy, bustling city with something for everyone from the bright lights of the city shops, bars, restaurants and clubs to the lure of the azure blue water and the possibilities it offers of diving, swimming, parasailing, boating and sunbathing, as well as to the activities of golfing, walking, cycling, sightseeing both in Nice and inland.
Nice is the Queen of the Riviera and the Promenade des Anglais is the only place to be!!

Douce France - La Promenade des Anglais

2009-01-13T21:46:00.002+01:00

To start this blog, I would like to share with you this famous french song from Charles Trenet. The video shows pictures of Nice, Monaco and St Jean Cap Ferrat and some Mediterranean views from our apartment on the Promenade des Anglais, which we rent on our website: http://www.nicepromenadeapartments.net

Best wishes from Alexander Thijs.

Nice Promenade Holiday Apartments
3 bedroom holiday apartment to rent on the Promenade des Anglais in the centre of Nice