Nice, France Travel Guide

(see a street map of Nice)

Nice History

Nice was founded around 350 BC by the Greek seafaring folks who had settled Marseilles. They named the colony Nikaia, apparently to commemorate a victory (nike in Greek) over a nearby town. In 154 BC the Greeks were followed by the Romans, who settled farther uphill around what is now Cimiez, site of a number of Roman ruins.

The Counts of Provence ruled Nice in the 10th century until the House of Savoy took over in 1388. In 1860, Napoleon decided he wanted to annex Nice to France. He put the matter to a vote and Nice voted to become part of France. In the 19th century, the English aristocracy began travelling to Nice as an escape from foggy London winters. Other European royals followed and Nice became fashionable. Many of Nice's most illustrious buildings were constructed as luxurious villas for the European aristocracy.

Nice Travel Planner

 

Tourist Information in Nice

See the tourist office website at www.nicetourism.com

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