Nice, France: The Gem of the Cote D’Azur

Nice doesn’t get much credit when compared to its lovable siblings, Cannes and Monaco. International film has placed these destinations at the hilt of the French Riviera – we want to be like Bond in Monaco, and live like movie stars in Cannes. But to anyone who truly has a passion for the French Riv, we sometimes prefer the son of realism when vacationing.

That son has a name and his name is Nice.

(Photo taken in Monaco, France.

Don’t get me wrong, Monaco is more gorgeous

than the rumors persuade it so, and if you

get the chance to go, please do, take the

bateau-bus and eat a crepe on me!)

Unfortunately, when Hollywood shows Nice in any undercover-agent-Jason-Bourne-Angelina-Jolie action film they are showing the whole of the Cote D’Azur, sweeping true Nice in the background of its romanticized counterpart. And when this is done, the subtle peace that’s found in the streets of Nice gets lost in translation too.

The beauty found in Nice sprouts, largely, from its architecture – from its rustic Vieux Nice, to the port, housing some of the world’s best yachts and luxury boats to view and even board.

Here, you have options: you can choose to go shopping along Avenue Jean Mèdecin, or you can stroll along the same route into Jardin Albert I (Albert I Garden) and enjoy the concrete lake, children’s playgrounds and tropical forests nestled in between the shops and Vieux Nice.

(Concrete Lake at Jardin Albert I)

And if you’re brave enough, you can stroll away from the beaten path, get lost in the labyrinth of old and happen along some amazing treasures.

There’s much to see and much to do in Nice, if only you are looking for it.