Nice

Nice is the fifth largest city in France and the capital of the Alpes Maritimes. With a population of over 460,000 and the second busiest airport in France, the city that was once dominated by summer tourism, is now a fully functioning metropolis all year round. It is now possible to reach Nice by train from London on the new TGV Méditerranée changing in Paris or Lille.
In an attractive setting just twenty five miles from the Italian border, Nice has only been part of France since 1860. The city combines both the best of Italian and French architecture. The English also played a large role in the development of Nice. Even in the winter the cafe terraces are filled with people happily drinking and contemplating the ultra famous Promenade des Anglais. Always in flower this wonderful walk follows along the bay, looking out onto the Baie des Anges and the beaches on one side, and on the other such luxury hotels as the Negresco. The architecture of Nice can be astonishing with the wild exaggerations of the Belle Epoque style or the Baroque influenced houses and mansions on the hills of Mont Boron.
Fabulous creations have been realized in the floral gardens and parks of the hills of the Chateau, the Chambrun park or the Espace Massena. The only way to get to know the real Nice is by strolling through the ochre colored streets listening to the "Nicois" speaking their own language (Nissart) and by tasting their savory cooking, One musn't miss the onion, anchovy and olive tarts called Pissaladieres, the vegetable and tuna sandwiches known as Pan Bagnat, the Salade Nicoise or the famous Ratatouille (tomatoes eggplant and zucchini squash stew).
The main cooking ingredient is olive oil ot course, and many of the dishes are garnished with the succulent little black Nice olives called Caillette. Nice is also a city of art and culture and after Paris, has the most museums in France. The city is animated at night as well as in the day especially in the summer with the Nice Jazz Festival held in the arena, the gardens of Cimiez, and the flower "war" on the Promenade des Anglais in which participate the prettiest women on the Cote d'Azur (French Riviera)