Overview
In the south of France, Cannes and Nice are tucked into the strip of the Mediterranean coast known as the Côte d'Azur, often called the French Riviera. The towns are, however, two very different destinations. Cannes is like a fantasy land with a glamorous and international lifestyle. It is home to the annual Cannes Film Festival, a world event that receives an onslaught of international media coverage every year. Nice is a more grounded city, with a rich and authentic character. Both experiences are valuable to a traveler visiting this immensely diversified area, where art, history, food and wine all mix together in the luxurious climate of southern France.
Sights/Landmarks/To Do
Vieille Ville, Nice: Nice has two distinct areas - Old Town and New Town. Old Town, or Vieille Ville, is a jumble of a neighborhood that sits at the base of Castle Hill. It's the most charming part of Nice. A dense warren of narrow streets, Vieille Ville has an exotic feel to it, almost like an Arabian bazaar.
Cimiez, Nice: The neighborhood Cimiez is home to both the city's Roman ruins and the Henri Matisse Museum. The Romans set up shop in Nice in the first century and remnants of that era still exist. Matisse also lived in Nice, and while he wasn't there as long as the Romans, he still left his mark. The museum is situated next to a busy park, which seems appropriate because Matisse's work is so filled with joy.
Cours Saleya, Nice: Cours Saleya, a long pedestrian avenue, is the heart of Nice. The thoroughfare is lined with beautiful restaurants and brasseries. On a gorgeous Mediterranean day, you'll always see people out enjoying a glass of rosé or un café, or taking a trip to the market, which sells lovely fruit, vegetables and flowers.
Where: Two blocks from the Quai des États-Unis, in the center of Old Town
The Promenade des Anglais, Nice: The Promenade des Anglais is Nice's hallmark boulevard. It stretches for 5 kilometers along the beautiful Mediterranean coastline. This is where the beachcombers, strollers, roller bladers and wine sippers of the world all go to enjoy one gorgeous slice of paradise. In the three weekends before Lent, the Promenade des Anglais is overrun with dancers, musicians, balloons and carnival floats from all over the world. The Carnival celebration has been a Nice tradition for over 120 years, and its roots go back several centuries further. It's a big family event that over a million people travel to attend each year.
Castle Hill, Nice: Castle Hill is a great place to go for fantastic views of Nice's Old Town and the port. The castle on top of the hill has been gone for centuries, but the name has stuck.
La Croisette, Cannes: If there is one street that embodies the essence of Cannes, it is La Croisette. It is a petite boulevard lined with palm trees and flowerbeds. The Mediterranean Sea lies on one side, and the lifestyles of the rich and famous lie on the other. Here you can catch a glimpse of the grand hotels, terraced apartments, designer shops and stylish restaurants of the privileged class.
Le Suquet, Cannes: Cannes has been around since medieval times, long before wealthy Europeans and the film industry put it on the map. If you want to experience the local side of Cannes, head to Le Suquet. It sits above and watches over the rest of the city, and it's full of winding, tapered cobblestone streets and antique homes. It's also a nice contrast to the big money, cosmopolitan architecture you'll find in La Croisette.
Hotels
Hotel Martinez, Cannes: Built in 1927 as a luxury seaside resort, the Martinez has a wonderful art deco motif. The hotel recently went through a major renovation, which modernized everything while managing to keep the building's 1920s soul. The rates are expensive, because the hotel sits right on the famous boulevard La Croisette. However, the rooms and amenities are superb, so the price is justified.
Web site: www.hotel-martinez.com
Palais de la Mediterranee, Nice: The Palais de la Mediterranee is located on the famous Promenade des Anglais. It was built in 1929 as a casino. The building was almost demolished, but thankfully, it was saved and transformed into the stylish hotel that it is today. Its original art deco façade is classified as a historic monument. The hotel is a little on the expensive side, but mid-priced hotels are not likely to offer the same sea view.
Web site: www.hotel-palais-mediterranee-nice.cote.azur.fr
Food/Restaurants/Bars
Mi-Figue, Mi-Raisin, Cannes: No bigger than a nook, Mi-Figue, Mi-Raisin is the perfect place to experience authentic Provençal cuisine. The name of the restaurant is actually an expression the French use to describe "so-so" weather, though the restaurant is anything but. You won't find the heavy sauces that you may associate with French cuisine, because the people in the south of France cook with lighter ingredients, such as olive oil, garlic, and fresh fish and vegetables. Here's a travel tip: If you want to get to know people in another country, buy a bottle of wine and start pouring.
Where: 27, rue du Suquet
Chez Thérésa, Nice: Street vendors are very popular in Nice, especially in the Old Town, because the people in Nice love to snack, and they love to snack on socca in particular. Socca
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