On July 14, 1789, an uprising symbolizing the French revolution occurred - the Bastille prison was stormed.  Long a symbol of tyranny and injustice under the monarchy, the prison is now gone.  However a square in Paris bearing its name still stands and the event has become a national day of celebration.

A large military parade is held in Paris and festivities and fireworks light up the sky all over France. 

... and 150 years of Nice as part of France

Just one month ago, Nice celebrated its 150th year as part of France.  In preparation, the city has undergone a major makeover and is once again the jewel of the Riviera. 

On June 14, 1860 the Italian County of Nizza became the last major addition to France. Throughout the ages the town changed hands many times. The Greeks founded the city in 350 BC and called it Nikaia - named after the goddess of victory - in 350 BC. Then the Romans, the Grimaldis, the Italians...

The spectacular natural beauty of the area and its mild Mediterranean climate came to the attention of the English upper classes in the second half of the 18th century. The city's main seaside « English Promenade » along the Bay of Angels owes its name to aristocratic "snowbirds" who came down for the winter each year from England.

Nice is now France's fourth largest urban area, and remains the second-most visited place in France (after Paris).  Its airport is France's second largest and very easy to navigate.  There are direct flights to Nice from across Europe, the USA, Canada and for our clients in Australia, via Qatar and Dubai.
 
A major project of urban renewal, and the recent opening of new universities and grad schools, has transformed this once dull retirement haven into one of Europe's most dynamic and vibrant cities.  The Promenade police even bop around on Segways and there are blue bikes for people to use everywhere. 

Negresco re-emerges as the Jewel of Nice

After 6 months of closure for renovations, the legendary five-star private palace Hotel Negresco on the English Promenade reopened this week.  Its seafront façade has been newly whitened, balconies gilded and the interior entirely restored by some of France's top artisans.  The just renovated Eiffel-designed verrière is resplendent with its impressive Baccarat Crystal chandelier.

EuroPanache President Bob Preston and Latin America Sales Manager Dario van der Lündin were at the opening gala last week.  The hotel's very talented chef Jean-Denis Rieubland - Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2007 - concocted a fabulous and original meal - was one of the best we've had at a large gala. No wonder the hotel's Chantecler restaurant is Michelin star-rated and known as the best in the city.

The renovation was a "parting gift" by Jeanne Augier, the Hotel's 87 year-old owner, who wanted to leave her mark on the city.  We can only approve.  The new Nice definitely needed this, and the Negresco has pulled it off.

Great Restaurants in and near the Vieux Port

We recently discovered several great restaurants in Nice's just renovated Old Port and the adjacent Parc des Vigiers area.

The lovely art-déco La Reserve restaurant in the posh Parc des Vigiers district is the place to sip on Dom Perignon and admire the Mediterranean.

Nice has so much to offer.  Let us show you.  Our FrancePanache team can arrange hotels, transfers, touring, cooking and market escapades and much more in and around this jewel of a city!