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A Promenade in Nice
(This is an excerpt from our Marketing Assistant Chantal’s blog from her vacation in Nice, France)
I tried to resist
saying it but many friends and family couldn't when we told them our next
vacation stop was Nice, France…
it’s so nice in Nice! Before I even dive into my days spent in this
Mediterranean seaside paradise, I just want you all (and be this a heads up to
my dear hubby) that I will retire here!
As soon as we got off the airport shuttle bus, our lungs filled with sea-air for the first time in weeks since we left our west-coast home.Oh did I ever miss that familiar smell!
Between trying to catch all the sightseeing in London and Rome as well as catching up with an old friend in Austria, Nice was a welcomed break on our European vacation. We spent every day walking the Promenade des Anglais, a lovely palm tree lined pedestrian walk that runs along the ocean for miles (there’s also a bicycle and roller blade lane for you fast movers. It's a great way to start the day. From there you could spend the day on the beach, soaking up the sun, playing in the waves or you could hit up some shops and plenty of restaurants along the street, including a fancy ice cream/sundae shop where you can get some pretty intricate creations, however, the cost of this ice cream masterpiece does come at a hefty premium.
During our morning walks, my husband quickly learnt another French word. His repertoire consists of all the French words for various baked goods so not to deviate from the theme…here it is: Patisserie. It may be his new favourite French word actually. With one on every corner, it's pretty hard to avoid one so...when in France! It truly is hard to resist all those fresh little chocolate croissants and pains au raisins… So much for the diet! I just want to put it out there that it’s not unusual around here to walk around with a half eaten baguette. I feel like I have finally found my people! I hardly ever so much as make it out of the grocery store without tearing off a big chunk of my own baguette back home. I think Sheldon understands me better now that he's witnessed the deep love for baguette that has been on display.
While taking a walk in the Vieux Nice area, we came up to the port of 
Nice
where I spotted the Ocean Princess in port. I expected to feel an influx of
camera-toting tourists but was quite happy not to notice a real difference
because the city although small and intimate, has many sights and attractions
to draw groups into different areas. During that same walk, we discovered the
Confiserie Florian off the Quai de la Douane road. It was neat little building
that allowed you to walk through where they made their candy on the first floor
and to make your way upstairs to the retail shop to purchase a few goodies. Some
of the candies came in neat little tins, we found them to be a great souvenir
for family and the tin makes a lovely keepsake.
If you wander down to Place Masséna, you’ll find one of Nice’s premier pedestrian squares that offers lots of shops and restaurants. You’ll know you’ve found the place by the checkerboard black and white pathway and historical red buildings that surround it. Another great, lively pedestrian zone we loved to frequent was the area around Rue de France. We would often just wander down before dinner and soak up the atmosphere before dining at one of the restaurants in the area.
Our last day in nice, we discovered the Cours Saleya Flower Market. The market was a cornucopia of flowers, fresh produce, fresh seafood, souvenirs and spices! I loved just going through the market, taking in the whole experience. I recommend you go early to find the best hidden gems! We found the last of our keepsakes at the market, which included the cutest little fresh herb grinder that now sits on my kitchen counter, filled with Herbes de Provence, of course! Every time I cook I use the grinder and smell the lavender and herbs, I am transported back to one of my favourite cities.
The time we spent in Nice is now just a memory but most definitely holds a special place in my heart. I enjoyed the slower pace and the easy-going attitudes of the people who are lucky enough to call it home. My one regret is not paying a visit to the Musée Matisse, which is considered a must-see by many. It follows the artist’s work from the beginning of his career through to the very end.
As one last note, Nice is mere 20 kms to Monaco and 35 kms to Cannes so if you have the time, take advantage of the trains and pay a visit to these two other outstanding Mediterranean must-visits!
Fri February 11, 2011