Azure Opulence

Description:

The Negresco, on the seafront in the heart of Nice, is one of the Riviera's superglamorous hotels. The Victorian wedding-cake hotel is named after its founder, Henry Negresco, a Romanian who died a pauper in Paris in 1920. The country's châteaux inspired both the interior and the exterior, with its mansard roof and domed tower. The hotel's decorators scoured Europe to gather antiques, tapestries, and art. Some of the accommodations, such as the Coco Chanel room, are outfitted in homage to the personalities who stayed here. Others are modeled on literary or musical themes, such as La Traviata. Suites and public areas are even grander; they include the Louis XIV salon, reminiscent of the Sun King, and the Napoleon III suite, where swagged walls, a leopard-skin carpet, and a half-crowned pink canopy create a sense of majesty. The most expensive rooms with balconies face the Mediterranean and the private beach. The staff wears 18th-century costumes. One of the two restaurants, Le Chantecler, is one of the Riviera's greatest.

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Avenue Jean-Médecin, named after the city's most popular mayor, is one of Nice's grandest promenades. An epicenter of upscale retail shopping, this broad, pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare is bursting with brasseries, boutiques, and department stores. Also on the way is the incredible Basilique Notre-Dame. Avenue Jean-Médecin runs from Place Massena to the train station and makes for a delightful half-hour stroll.

Description:

This tour is certainly an original way of discovering the city. Your horse-drawn carriage awaits you in front of the Méridien hotel - just sit back and enjoy. Several routes (incorporating a guided tour given in French and English) are available. In a quarter of an hour you can be clip-clopping along the Promenade des Anglais, as far as the old town. A half-hour trip gets you as far as the harbour—via the Promenade des Anglais and the old town—taking in sights that include the Palais de Justice, Cours Saleya and the Opera. The hour-long circuit passes through delightful Place Garibaldi, the city's old district and around the harbour, ending up at the Méridien hotel. Carriages can take 6-8 people.

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L'Univers de Christian Plumail is one of the most popular restaurants with gourmets on the Côte d'Azur. Located in the center of town, facing the Place Masséna, it offers a warm welcome and most importantly fantastic food by renowned chef Christian Plumail. The dishes are both refined and delicious: Lamb in Milk, Roast Artichokes with Peppers, and Crayfish are all a royal treat for the palate. The menu changes every week and always with fresh ingredients from the markets, so be ready for an unforgettable culinary experience!

Description:

Going at least once to a performance at the Opéra de Nice is a must, even if it's just to admire the fairy tale-like theater and its enormous chandelier. Each year, the Opéra de Nice comes up with an interesting schedule of events and concerts. The productions are always of very high caliber. Good seats need to be reserved in advance for the operas. Concert tickets can be booked easily. Check website for the upcoming events and performances.

Description:

The baroque Palais Lascaris in the city's historic core is associated with the Lascaris-Vintimille family, whose recorded history predates the year 1261. Built in the 17th century, it contains elaborately detailed ornaments. An intensive restoration by the city of Nice in 1946 brought back its original beauty, and the palace is now classified as a historic monument. The most elaborate floor, the étage noble, retains many of its 18th-century panels and plaster embellishments. A pharmacy, built around 1738 and complete with many of the original delftware accessories, is on the premises.

Description:

Of course, Nice and its immediate surroundings aren't exactly world-renowned for their wine production. And yet, Nice is the proud owner of a stretch of vineyards where the grapes are harvested and transformed into Appellation Contrôlée wine (wine carrying a guarantee of origin or 'AOC'), called Vin de Bellet (AOC certified since 1941). In the Saint-Romain district of Bellet, which has preserved a certain amount of cultivable land, the Bellet vineyard - among others - produces a nice little local wine with a subtle, attractive aroma. Connoisseurs or amateurs take note - Nice has some excellent wine too!

Description:

Situated on the roof terraces of Nice's modern art museum, musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (MAMAC), this little garden and wall walk is a curious sight. Nevertheless, the garden boasts a truly wonderful view over Nice-the modern city as well as the old town with its red-tiled rooftops, and the range of hills that encircle the city. A few artistic works are scattered along the length of this Garden of Eden, and sound recordings create the impression of being in the heart of the forest, treating your ears to birdsong and rustling leaves. Access to the garden can only be gained through the museum.

Description:

Chez Simon, located just outside the city, serves delicious regional specialities ,as well as, delectable gourmet cuisine, complemented by a simple, welcoming ambiance. The atmosphere is warm, and feels like a friend's home. While not much fuss has been made over the simple, down to earth décor, the food more than makes up for it. Take your time over a good meal, a glass of French wine, and relax.

Description:

The origins of this place began in 1900, when it served glasses and carafes of wine to local office workers and laborers. In the 1950s, it added a kitchen to its premises, and ever since, it's churned out the kinds of hearty, bistro-style platters that go well with wine and beer. Much of the energy is expressed outside, under the arcades of the central plaza (place Garibaldi), where local hipsters strut their stuff, people jump to their feet to table-hop, and harassed but well-intentioned waiters do their best to keep the food and beverages flowing. The place is celebrated for its coquillage (raw shellfish), attracting the likes of Princess Caroline, who drives over from Monaco. Other items include whatever species of grilled fish is available that day, pâtés, terrines, salads, pastas, and a satisfying selection of ice creams and pastries.

Description:

The Maria Galland Spa is worth a visit. It is intimate, elegant and inviting. The focus is on treating the body and mind together. The Spa proposes a variety of treatment packages that are supervised by the Institute Maria Galland. From facials to entire body treatments, this spa offers everything from Californian massage, shiatsu, reflexology, balneo-therapy to aromatherapy. The spa is completely dedicated to your well-being.

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This Sentier de Cap d'Ail follows the sea from the quartier Fontvieille to the end of Cap d'Ail via the Pointe des Douaniers and Rognoso cape reaching Plage Mala. Discover the delights of the sea and the beauty of nature; those who like architecture and luxury villas will love the sight of the magnificent Belle Epoque properties along this walk. On a walk lasting a little less than 3 hours there and back at normal pace, you don't have to walk all the way! Why not take the time to have a swim too? Besides that, it is an educational day for children with signs showing types of flora and geological features found on this path. The Office du Tourisme du Cap d'Ail sells a very detailed guide. Guided visits can also be organized. Watch out for the spray when the sea is rough!

Description:

Luxury yachts, fashion boutiques, terrace cafes where else but Saint Tropez? See where the beautiful people hang out on this small group day trip from Cannes and Nice.

After leaving the motorway you'll take a scenic drive through the Maure Forest to arrive in the port of St. Tropez. You'll explore the town by mounting the steps to the pretty medieval village, visiting the Annonciade Museum or touring the Citadel with its naval museum.

You'll also make a stop at Port Grimaud, known as "Little Venice", to admire its canals, bridges, boutiques and charming houses. From June 15 to September 15 the tour includes a short sail across the stunning bay of St. Tropez.

On your return you'll drive along the spectacular coast through St. Maxime, St. Raphael and the Golden Corniche.

Special Offer - Book and travel before August 31 and save 10% off the recommended retail price - BOOK NOW!

Description:

Enjoy panoramic view over Nice from Mt. Boron as you drive on this private tour to the Middle Corniche stop at Eze. Eze is a perched medieval village with artisan shops and breathtaking views where you will have a guided tour of a perfumery.

Visit the Old Town of Monaco with free time to visit the Palace (open June to October), Cathedral, Cousteau Oceanographic Museum and see the changing of the Palace Guards.

Continue to tour Monte-Carlo with a lap on the Formula One Grand Prix circuit. You will have free time at Casino Square to amuse yourself with luxury shopping, stunning gardens, megayachts, chic casinos or simply watching the rich and beautiful in their favorite haunt.

Drive along spectacular coastline Lower Corniche between Nice and Monaco harboring ancient villages and modern marinas. Admire the bay and Citadel of Villefranche as you return to your hotel in Cannes or Nice.

This is a privately conducted tour with an English speaking guide.

Description:

This is Nice's most prestigious and best restaurant. The walls are sheathed with panels removed from a château in Pouilly-Fuissé; a Regency-style salon is available for before- or after-dinner drinks; and a collection of 16th-century paintings, executed on leather backgrounds in the Belgian town of Malines, decorates the premises. A much-respected chef, Bruno Turbot, revised the menu to include the most sophisticated and creative dishes in Nice. They change almost weekly but may include turbot filet served with purée of broad beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and asparagus; roasted suckling lamb served with beignets of fresh vegetables and ricotta-stuffed ravioli; and a melt-in-your-mouth fantasy of marbled hot chocolate drenched in almond-flavored cream sauce.