About Nice & Monte Carlo
Nice's red-tiled roofs, tree-lined hills and deep blue waters provide postcard-worthy scenery along the sun-drenched French Riviera. Vacationers in search of a region steeped in beauty and culture, which truly attracts the rich and famous, need look no further than Monte Carlo. Here, visitors rub shoulders with the world’s elite, as everyone tries their luck at the famed Casino of Monte Carlo.
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Overview
NICE
Sitting peacefully amidst azure Mediterranean seas, Nice has welcomed vacationers and renowned artists for centuries, such as beloved Henri Matisse, who spent his entire life in the city, and French-Russian modernist Marc Chagall. Museums, such as Musée Matisse and Musée Chagall, have been built here in their honor. Vacationers searching for something a bit more modern will enjoy the Musée d’art Moderne et d’art Contemporain (MAMAC).
Or simply admire Nice’s inspirational views. A ride or stroll along the Promenade des Anglais features grand views of the sparkling Mediterranean. Those more musically inclined should visit the baroque-style Palais Lascaris in Old Nice, built during the early 17th century. A collection of 500 or so rare musical instruments line its halls, adorned with colorful frescoes.
The regional capital of the exquisite French Riviera, Nice displays its charms in a more low-key fashion than neighboring Saint-Tropez or star-studded Cannes. Together, they create the perfect French Riviera holiday.
MONTE CARLO
The business district of the world’s second smallest independent state of Monaco, Monte Carlo has a lot to offer. The views alone of rich blue Mediterranean seas and lush mountains are worth the trip. From jazz festivals, eclectic museums, opera and ballet to high-stakes gambling and grand prix car races, Monte Carlo keeps visitors on the move.
The historic Oceanographic Museum, founded by Prince Albert I, is built right onto the Rock of Monaco. Breathtaking Monte Carlo Harbor provides the perfect ambiance for daydreaming and people watching. Dedicated to the city’s patron saint, the understated Chapelle Sainte Devote dates back to the 11th century, and is frequently visited by Monaco’s royal family. Enticing Japanese Gardens offer more delightful scenery in a city overflowing with enchanting vistas.
At night, crowds dress up in their finest attire to attend an entertaining evening at the opulent Opera de Monte-Carlo. It doesn’t get much better than this, as grand culture and high society mix with alluring views of azure seas in romantic Monte Carlo.
What To Do
NICE
Climb Colline du Château (Castle Hill) for incredible views of Nice’s Old Town and nearby turquoise seas. Go for a cool dip in the glistening waters of the Mediterranean.
Delight yourself or your favorite someone with a bouquet of vividly colored flowers from a quaint shop in Vieille Ville (Old Town). Sip some café au lait at a local café and watch the world stroll by.
Visit the fragrant lavender fields of Grasse, between Nice and Cannes.
Explore the impressive impressionist paintings highlighting Nice at Musée Matisse.
MONTE CARLO
People watch at the world-famous Brasserie du Café de Paris Monte-Carlo. Tour the entrancing Nouveau Musée National de Monaco located at the Villa Paloma and Villa Sauber. Visit the charming village of Eze, France near Monte Carlo. Walk through its cobblestone streets to a charming castle at the top of a hill. Hike down Nietzsche’s path, named after the renowned German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche who used to walk here during his visits.
While this area is wonderful for people watching, Monte Carlo is also the perfect locale to check out luxurious cars and yachts.
Sit back and count the waves at Larvotto Beach alongside the international jet set. Dress in your finest attire for a night at the Opera du Monte Carlo, where such renowned entertainers as Enrico Caruso, Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti have performed. Take a gamble on Monte Carlo; it’s clearly worth it.
When to Go
Each year, dating back to 1294, Nice hosts a carnival in mid-February. During this time, temperatures usually remain above 40 F. During the summer, they can soar into the 90s and even 100. Best seasons to visit, weather-wise, would be spring and fall. All year round, the sun smiles on this blessed town.
Fast Facts
The French Riviera is also known as the Côte d'Azur, or Azure Coast, due to its deep blue seas.
The city’s nickname, Nice la Belle, translates to Nice the Beautiful.
Salade niçoise, traditionally made with tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, niçoise olives, anchovies, and topped with olive oil, originated in Nice.
Due to its proximity to Italy, Italian is spoken throughout the city, and even taught in schools, along with English.
Founded in the 4th century BC by the Greeks, the city was named Nice to honor the god of victory, Nike. (That also explains the name of those renowned running shoes.)
Travel Tips & Tools
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