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'{{otheruses4|the French city}} {{Expand French|date=December 2008}} {{French commune |native_name= Ville de Nice |common_name= Nice |image = [[Image:Port Of Nice, Côte d'Azur.jpg|270px]] |image_coat_of_arms= Nice_Arms.svg |Coat_of_arms_legend=[[Nice#Coat of arms|Coat of arms of Nice]] |image_coat_of_arms_size = 110px |image_flag=Savoie flag.svg |flag_legend=[[Savoy|Flag of Savoy]] |image_flag_size=110px |city_motto= ''Nicæa civitas.'' |image_map = France_jms.png |x = 227 |y = 210 |time zone = CET <small>(GMT +1)</small> |lat_long = {{coord|43|42|10|N|7|16|09|E|type:city}} |region= [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]] |departement= [[Alpes-Maritimes]] (06) |mayor= [[Christian Estrosi]] |party=[[Union for a Popular Movement|UMP]] |term=since 2008 |area_km2= 71.92 |date-population= 2004&nbsp;estimate |population= 347100 |population-ranking=[[List of communes in France with over 20,000 inhabitants (1999 census)|5th in France]] |date-density= 2004 |density_km2= 4826|metro_area_km2= 2268|metro_area_date= 2007 |metro_area_pop= 1 197 751 |metro_area_pop_date= 2007 |intercom-details2= [[Community of Agglomeration Nice Côte d'Azur]] |}} '''Nice''' ({{pron-en|ˈniːs}}; {{IPA-fr|nis}}; [[Niçard]] [[Occitan language|Occitan]]: ''Niça'' [classical norm] or ''Nissa'' [nonstandard], [[Italian language|Italian]]: ''Nizza'' or ''Nizza Marittima'', [[Greek language|Greek]]: ''Νίκαια'', Latin: ''Nicaea'') is a city in [[Southern France|southern]] [[France]] located on the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] coast, between [[Marseille]], [[France]], and [[Genoa]], [[Italy]], with 1,197,751 inhabitants in the 2007 estimate. The city is a major tourist centre and a leading resort on the [[French Riviera]] (''Côte d'Azur''). It is the historical capital city of the [[County of Nice]] (''Comté de Nice''). == History == :''For the ecclesiastical history, see [[bishopric of Nice]]'' The first known human settlements in the Nice area date back approximately 400,000 years;<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.musee-terra-amata.org/francais/prehistoire/origine4.htm | language = French | title = Le Nouveau venu | publisher = Musée de Paléontologie Humaine de Terra Amata | accessdate = 2009-03-05 }}</ref> the ''[[Terra Amata]]'' archeological site shows one of the earliest uses of [[fire]] and construction of houses and flint findings are dated as around 230,000 years old.<ref>{{Cite journal | title = Thermoluminescence dating of burnt flint: application to a Lower Paleolithic site, Terra Amata | author1 = A. G. Wintle | author2 = M. J: Aitken | journal = [[Archaeometry]] | volume = 19 | issue = 2 | year = 1997 | month = July | pages = 111-130 | doi = 10.1111/j.1475-4754.1977.tb00189.x | url = http://www.bcin.ca/Interface/openbcin.cgi?submit=submit&Chinkey=51437 }}</ref> Nice (Nicaea) was probably founded around 350 BC by the [[Greeks]] of Massilia ([[Marseille]]), and was given the name of Νικαία ("Nikaia") in honour of a victory over the neighbouring [[Ligurians]] ([[Nike (mythology)|Nike]] is the [[Greek mythology|Greek]] [[goddess]] of victory). The city soon became one of the busiest trading ports on the Ligurian coast; but it had an important rival in the Roman town of [[Cemenelum]], which continued to exist as a separate city until the time of the [[Lombards|Lombard]] invasions. The ruins of Cemenelum are located in [[Cimiez]], which is now a district in Nice. In the 7th century, Nice joined the [[Genoa|Genoese]] League formed by the towns of [[Liguria]]. In 729 the city repulsed the [[Saracens]]; but in 859 and again in 880 the Saracens pillaged and burned it, and for most of the 10th century remained masters of the surrounding country. During the [[Middle Ages]], Nice participated in the wars and history of [[Italy]]. As an ally of [[Pisa]] it was the enemy of [[Genoa]], and both the [[King of France]] and the [[Holy Roman Empire|Emperor]] endeavoured to subjugate it; but in spite of this it maintained its [[municipal]] [[liberty|liberties]]. During the course of the 13th and 14th centuries the city fell more than once into the hands of the [[Counts of Provence]]; and at length in 1388 the commune placed itself under the protection of the [[County of Savoy|Counts of Savoy]]. Nice (called Nizza in Italian) participated - directly or indirectly - in the history of Savoy up until 1860. The maritime strength of Nice now rapidly increased until it was able to cope with the [[Barbary pirates]]; the fortifications were largely extended and the roads to the city improved. In 1561 [[Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy]], abolished the use of Latin as an administrative language and established the [[Italian language]] as the official language of government affairs in Nice. During the struggle between [[Francis I of France|Francis I]] and [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles V]] great damage was caused by the passage of the armies invading [[Provence]]; [[pestilence]] and famine raged in the city for several years. It was in Nice that the two monarchs in 1538 concluded, through the mediation of [[Pope Paul III]], a [[Truce of Nice|truce of ten years]]. In 1543, Nice was attacked by the united [[Franco-Ottoman alliance|Franco-Ottoman forces]] of Francis I and [[Hayreddin Barbarossa|Barbarossa Hayreddin Pasha]], in the [[Siege of Nice]]; and, though the inhabitants repulsed the assault which succeeded the terrible bombardment, they were ultimately compelled to surrender, and Barbarossa was allowed to pillage the city and to carry off 2,500 captives. Pestilence appeared again in 1550 and 1580. [[Image:Nice SPOT 1161.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Nice seen from Spot Satellite]] In 1600, Nice was briefly taken by the [[House of Guise|duke of Guise]]. By the opening the ports of the countship to all nations, and proclaiming full freedom of trade (1626), the commerce of the city was given great stimulus, the noble families taking part in its mercantile enterprises. Captured by [[Nicolas Catinat|Catinat]] in 1691, Nice was restored to [[Savoy]] in 1696; but it was again besieged by the French in 1705, and in the following year its [[citadel]] and [[Defensive wall|rampart]]s were demolished. The [[Treaty of Utrecht (1713)|treaty of Utrecht]] in 1713 once more gave the city back to the Duke of Savoy who was on that same occasion recognized as King of Sicily. In the peaceful years which followed the "new town" was built. From 1744 till the [[Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748)|peace of Aix-la-Chapelle]] (1748) the French and Spaniards were again in possession. In 1775 the king,who in 1718 had swapped his souverainty of Sicily for the Kingdom of Sardinia, destroyed all that remained of the ancient liberties of the [[Commune in France|commune]]. Conquered in 1792 by the armies of the [[First French Republic]], the County of Nice continued to be part of France until 1814; but after that date it reverted to the [[Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont]]. By a treaty concluded in 1860 between the Sardinian king and [[Napoleon III]], the County was again ceded to France as a territorial reward for French assistance in the [[Second Italian War of Independence]] against [[Austria]], which saw [[Lombardy]] unified with [[Piedmont-Sardinia]]. The cession was ratified by over 25,000 electors out of a total of 30,700. Savoy was also transferred to the French crown by similar means. [[Giuseppe Garibaldi]], born in Nice, strongly opposed the cession to France (arguing that it was not done with a "universal" vote) and in 1866 there were even popular riots in the city, promoted by "Garibaldini" in favour of the unification of Nice to Italy. The Italian [[Italia irredenta|Irredentists]] considered Nice one of their main nationalistic requests and in 1942/3 the city was occupied and administered by Italy during World War II. The dawn of the 20th century was the arrival of a modern mode of transport. In 1900, the [[Tramway de Nice et du Littoral|Tramway de Nice]] electrified its horse drawn tramway and spread its network to [[Menton]] and [[Cagnes-sur-Mer]], equipping the city of a modern mode of transport. Starting in 1932, Nice hosted international racing in the Formula Libre (predecessor to Formula One) on the so-called [[Circuit Nice]]. The circuit started along the beach boulevard just to the south of the Jardin Albert Premier. The course headed west down the promenade des Anglais, then made a hairpin turn at the [[Hôtel Negresco]], came back eastward and went up and around the Jardin Albert Premier, before heading again east along the beach on the Quai des Etats-Unis. In 1932, [[Louis Chiron]] won the GP Nice race, driving a [[Bugatti Type 51|Bugatti T51]], closely followed just 3.4 seconds behind by [[Raymond Sommer]] in an [[Alfa Romeo Monza]] with third place going to [[René Dreyfus]], also in a Bugatti T51. In 1933, the race was won by [[Tazio Nuvolari]] in a Maserati 8C, followed by René Dreyfus in his Bugatti and Guy Moll in an Alfa Romeo Monza. In 1934, the race was again won by an Italian in an [[Alfa Romeo Tipo B]], none other than the best driver of the season, [[Achille Varzi]]. The last season to feature a GP at Nice was in 1935, when the Alfa Romeo Tipo Bs dominated the circuit in the hands of Tazio Nuvolari and Louis Chiron, who placed second, and René Dreyfus, who took third. [[Anti semitic]] aggressions happened in July [[1941]] and in May [[1942]], June [[1942]] and September [[1942]]. The [[Pierre Laval|Laval]] government set off a round up of foreigner Jews August 26. 655 persons were arrested and interned in Auvare barracks. 560 of them were deported to [[Drancy]] internment camp August 31, [[1942]]. The first resistance groups were formed since September [[1940]], at the boys high school Massénal. The first actions happened in [[1942]]. July 14, 1942 a demonstration assembled several hundred people in Massena square. November 11, [[1942]] the Italian army occupied Nice and increased the Italian occupied area in France. Thanks to the activity of the Jewish banker [[Angelo Donati]] and of the Capuchin [[Père Marie-Benoît]] the fascist authorities hindered the applications of anti Jewish Vichy laws.<ref> Léon Poliakov, ''La conditions des Juifs sous l'occupation italienne'', Paris, CDJC, 1946 and bibliographies of [[Angelo Donati]] and [[Père Marie-Benoît]]</ref>. In the second half of the 20th century, Nice bore the influence of [[mayor]] [[Jean Médecin]] (mayor for 33 years from 1928 to 1943 and 1947 to 1965) and his son [[Jacques Médecin|Jacques]] (mayor for 24 years from 1966 to 1990). On October 16, 1979 23 people died when the coast of Nice was hit by a [[tsunami]], caused by an undersea [[landslide]]. As accusations of [[political corruption]] against Jacques Médecin grew, he fled France in 1990 and was arrested in [[Uruguay]] in 1993, leading to his extradition in 1994. He was then convicted of several counts of corruption and associated crimes and sentenced to [[prison]]. In 2003, local head [[prosecutor]] [[Éric de Montgolfier]] alleged that some judicial cases involving local personalities had been suspiciously derailed by the local judiciary, which he suspected of having unhealthy contacts, through [[Freemasonry|Masonic]] lodges, with the very people that they are supposed to prosecute or judge. A controversial official report stated that de Montgolfier had made unwarranted accusations. Christian Estrosi is the mayor of Nice since 2008. He is a member of the [[Union for a Popular Movement|UMP]] party. ==Coat of arms== [[Image:Nice Arms.svg|thumb|left|150px|Arms of Nice]] The [[coat of arms]] Nice appeared for the first time in a copy of the ''Regulations'' of [[Amadeus VIII of Savoy|Amadeus VIII]], probably written in around [[1430]].<ref name="schor_22_23">Ralph Schor (Edited by), ''Dictionnaire historique et biographique du comté de Nice''(''Historical and biographical dictionary of the County of Nice''), Nice, Serre, 2002, {{ISBN|978-2864103660}}, pp.22-23 (in French)</ref>The Nice is symbolized by a red eagle on white background, placed on three mountains, which can be described in French [[heraldic]] language as "d'argent à une aigle de gueule posée sur trois coupeaux".<ref name="schor_22_23"/> The arms have only undergone minor changes : the eagle has become more and more stylized, it now 'wears' coronet for the [[County of Nice]],and the three mountains are now surrounded by a stylised sea.<ref name="schor_22_23"/> The arms of the city of Nice can be described as "argent an eagle gules standing on three mountains sable all upon a sea azure".<ref name="schor_22_23"/> The presence of the eagle, imperial emblem, shows that these arms are related to the power of the [[House of Savoy]].The eagle standing over the three hills is an illustration and a depiction of Savoy, in establishment of its domination over the country around Nice.<ref name="schor_22_23"/> The combination of white and red (argent and gules) is a reference to the colours of the [[Savoy|flag of Savoy]].<ref name="schor_22_23"/> The three mountains symbolize a territorial honor, without concern for geographic realism.<ref name="schor_22_23"/> Through their symbolic structure, the arms of Nice are a sign of allegiance and fidelity to the [[House of Savoy]].<ref name="schor_22_23"/> ==Administration== Located in the [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]] ''[[Régions of France|région]]'', Nice is a [[Communes of France|commune]] and the ''[[Préfectures in France|préfecture]]'' (administrative [[Capital (political)|capital]]) of the [[Alpes-Maritimes]] ''[[departments of France|département]]''. However, it is also the largest city in France that is not a regional capital; the much larger [[Marseille]] is its regional capital. == Climate == Nice has a [[Mediterranean climate]]: the city enjoys mild temperatures most of the year; rainfall is very moderate and mainly concentrated in the darkest part of the year (September to March). It is a windy city, especially in spring. Summers are hot, dry, and sunny. Rainfall is rare in this season, and a typical July month only records one or two days with measurable rainfall. Temperatures seldom go below 20°C, and frequently reach 30°C. Average annual maximum is about 35°C. The absolute maximum recorded temperature in Nice was 37.7°C on the 1st of August 2006. Autumn generally starts sunny in September and becomes more cloudy and rainy towards October, while temperatures usually remain above 20°C until November where days start to cool down to around 17°C. Winters are characterized by mild days (11 to 17°C), cool nights (4°C to 9°C) and variable weather. Days can be either sunny and dry, or damp and rainy. Frost is unusual and [[snow]]falls are so extremely rare that they are remembered by inhabitants as special events. Annual minimum is on average around 1°C. Spring starts mild and rainy in late March, and is increasingly warm and sunny towards June. {{Infobox Weather |single_line= Yes |location = Nice |metric_first=yes |Jan_Hi_°F = 56 |Jan_Hi_°C = 13 |Feb_Hi_°F = 56 |Feb_Hi_°C = 13 |Mar_Hi_°F = 60 |Mar_Hi_°C = 15 |Apr_Hi_°F = 63 |Apr_Hi_°C = 17 |May_Hi_°F = 68 |May_Hi_°C = 20 |Jun_Hi_°F = 75 |Jun_Hi_°C = 24 |Jul_Hi_°F = 81 |Jul_Hi_°C = 27 |Aug_Hi_°F = 82 |Aug_Hi_°C = 28 |Sep_Hi_°F = 77 |Sep_Hi_°C = 25 |Oct_Hi_°F = 70 |Oct_Hi_°C = 21 |Nov_Hi_°F = 61 |Nov_Hi_°C = 16 |Dec_Hi_°F = 57 |Dec_Hi_°C = 14 |Jan_Lo_°F = 43 |Jan_Lo_°C = 6 |Feb_Lo_°F = 43 |Feb_Lo_°C = 6 |Mar_Lo_°F = 46 |Mar_Lo_°C = 8 |Apr_Lo_°F = 50 |Apr_Lo_°C = 10 |May_Lo_°F = 57 |May_Lo_°C = 14 |Jun_Lo_°F = 63 |Jun_Lo_°C = 17 |Jul_Lo_°F = 68 |Jul_Lo_°C = 20 |Aug_Lo_°F = 68 |Aug_Lo_°C = 20 |Sep_Lo_°F = 63 |Sep_Lo_°C = 17 |Oct_Lo_°F = 57 |Oct_Lo_°C = 14 |Nov_Lo_°F = 48 |Nov_Lo_°C = 9 |Dec_Lo_°F = 43 |Dec_Lo_°C = 6 |Jan_Precip_inch = 2.0 |Jan_Precip_cm = |Jan_Precip_mm = 51.3 |Feb_Precip_inch = 1.3 |Feb_Precip_cm = |Feb_Precip_mm = 32.1 |Mar_Precip_inch = 0.9 |Mar_Precip_cm = |Mar_Precip_mm = 23.2 |Apr_Precip_inch = 2.1 |Apr_Precip_cm = |Apr_Precip_mm = 53.7 |May_Precip_inch = 1.1 |May_Precip_cm = |May_Precip_mm = 26.8 |Jun_Precip_inch = 1.1 |Jun_Precip_cm = |Jun_Precip_mm = 27.1 |Jul_Precip_inch = 0.4 |Jul_Precip_cm = |Jul_Precip_mm = 9.7 |Aug_Precip_inch = 0.5 |Aug_Precip_cm = |Aug_Precip_mm = 12.2 |Sep_Precip_inch = 2.5 |Sep_Precip_cm = |Sep_Precip_mm = 63.8 |Oct_Precip_inch = 3.8 |Oct_Precip_cm = |Oct_Precip_mm = 96.9 |Nov_Precip_inch = 3.1 |Nov_Precip_cm = |Nov_Precip_mm = 77.7 |Dec_Precip_inch = 2.1 |Dec_Precip_cm = |Dec_Precip_mm = 53.7 |source = MSN Meteo <ref name=Weatherbase>{{cite web | title = Historical Weather for Nice, France | publisher = meteo.msn.com | year = 2008 | url = http://meteo.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:FRXX0073 | doi = | accessdate = 2008-06-14}}</ref> |accessdate = {{date|2008-06-14}} }}<!--Infobox ends--> ==Vegetation== The natural vegetation of Nice is typical for a Mediterranean landscape, with a heavy representation of broadleaf evergreen shrubs. Trees tend to be scattered but form dense forests in some areas. Large native tree species include evergreens such as [[Quercus ilex|holm oak]], [[stone pine]] and [[arbutus]]. Many introduced species grow in parks and gardens. [[Palm]]s, [[eucalyptus]] and [[citrus fruit]]s are among the trees which give Nice a subtropical appearance. But there are also species familiar to temperate areas around the world; examples include [[Horse-chestnut (tree)|horse chestnut]], [[linden]] and even [[Norway spruce]]. ==Economy== [[Image:NiceVieuxCartier.JPG|200px|thumb|right|View of the old town]] [[Image:Cap Ferrat-Plage la Paloma.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Saint Jean Cap Ferrat]]]] Nice is the seat of the [[Chambre de commerce et d'industrie Nice Côte d'Azur]]. It manages both the [[Nice - Côte d'Azur Airport]] and the [[Cannes - Mandelieu Airport]], as well as the Port of Nice. Nice has the second market of national interest in France and the country's first [[port]] cement manufacturer. It also has a large number of museums and hotels. Investors from France and abroad can benefit from the assistance of the Côte d'Azur Economic Development Agency [[Team Côte d'Azur]]. Among tourists, Nice is the second most popular French city after [[Paris]], a fact which, combined with the difficulties of terrestrial communications at long distance (partly because of the [[Alps]]), allows it to have the second busiest [[airport]] in France in terms of passenger numbers (close to 10,000,000 passengers in 2005). Nice has one conference centre: the [[Palais des Congrès Acropolis]]. The city also has several business parks, including [[Districts of businesses Niçoise L' Arenas|l'Arenas]], [[Districts of Niçoise Nice businesses Plaine|Nice the Plain]], [[Districts of businesses Niçoise Nice Méridia|Nice Méridia]], [[Districts of businesses Niçoise Saint Isidore|Saint Isidore]], and the Northern Forum. In addition, the city features several shopping centres such as Nice Star, Nice TNL, Nice Lingostière, Northern Forum, St-Isidore, the Trinity (around the Auchan hypermarket) and Cape 3000 with [[Saint-Laurent-du-Var]]. [[Sophia Antipolis]] is a technology park northwest of [[Antibes]]. Much of the park is within the commune of [[Valbonne]]. Established between 1970 and 1984, it primarily houses companies in the fields of computing, electronics, pharmacology and biotechnology. Several institutions of higher learning are also located here, along with the European headquarters of W3C. The park is named after Sophie Glikman-Toumarkine, the wife of French Senator Pierre Laffitte, founder of the park, and incidentally, Sophia, the goddess of wisdom. The second half of the park's name is derived from Antipolis, the ancient Greek name of [[Antibes]]. [[Image:Nice harbor.jpg|200px|left|thumb|View of the [[port]] of Nice.]] ==Port== The port of Nice is also known as Lympia port. This name comes from the Lympia spring which fed a small lake in a marshy zone where work on the port was started in 1745. Today this is the principal harbour installation of Nice - there is also a small port in the Carras district. The port is the first port cement [[manufacturer]] in France, linked to the treatment plants of the rollers of the valley of Paillon. Fishing activities remain but the number of professional fishermen is now less than 10. Nice, being the point of continental France nearest to [[Corsica]], has ferry connections with the island developed with the arrival of NGV (''navires à grande vitesse'') or [[high-speed craft]]. Two companies provide the connections: [[SNCM]], a partially public company and [[Corsica Ferries]] - Sardinia Ferries, an entirely private company. Located in front of the port, the Place [[Cassini]] has been renamed Place of Corsica. ==Nice Côte d'Azur Airport== The [[Nice Côte d'Azur Airport|Côte d'Azur International Airport]] or Nice Côte d'Azur Airport ({{lang-fr|Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur}}) {{Airport codes|NCE|LFMN}} is an [[airport]] in Nice, in the [[Alpes-Maritimes]] department of France. It is the third most important airport in France after [[Charles de Gaulle International Airport]] and [[Orly Airport (Paris)|Orly Airport]], both in [[Paris]]. It is on the [[Promenade des Anglais]], near l'Arénas and has two [[Airport terminal|terminals]]. Due to its proximity to the Principality of [[Monaco]], it also serves as that city-state's airport, with [[helicopter]] service linking the city and airport. It is run by the Chamber of Commerce and the Nice Côte d'Azur industry. Its director is Hervé de Place, director of the Côte d'Azur airports, which includes Côte d'Azur International Airport's cousin airport, [[Cannes - Mandelieu Airport|Cannes-Mandelieu]]. In 2006, 9,948,035 passengers travelled through the airport. ==Main sights== [[Image:Monument Aux Morts.jpg|200px|thumb|Monument Aux Morts in Nice.]] [[Image:Nice-night-view-with-blurred-cars 1200x900.jpg|200px|thumb|[[Promenade des Anglais]].]] [[Image:Hotel Negresco (2).JPG|thumb|200px|right|[[Hotel Negresco]].]] [[Image:La Cathedrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[La Cathedrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas|Saint Nicolas Orthodox Cathedral]].]] [[Image:Placemassena1.JPG|thumb|right|200px|View of the Place Masséna.]] [[Image:NIKAIA-palaisN5.jpg|thumb|200px|Place du Palais view of the Rusca palace.]] [[Image:Saleya nice.jpg|thumb|200px|Saleya Course (2007)]] The [[Promenade des Anglais]] ("Promenade of the English") is a celebrated promenade along the Baie des Anges, a bay of the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]], in Nice. Before Nice was urbanized, the coastline at Nice was just bordered by a deserted stretch of beach covered with large pebbles. The first houses were located on higher ground well away from the sea. Starting in the second half of the 18th century, many wealthy English people took to spending the winter in Nice, enjoying the panorama along the coast. When a particularly harsh winter up north brought an influx of beggars to Nice, some of the rich Englishmen proposed a useful project for them: the construction of a walkway (''chemin de promenade'') along the sea. The city of Nice, intrigued by the prospect of a pleasant promenade, greatly increased the scope of the work. The Promenade was first called the ''Camin dei Anglès'' (the English Way) by the Niçois in their native dialect [[Niçard|Nissart]]. After the annexation of Nice by France in 1860 it was rechristened ''La Promenade des Anglais'', replacing the former Nissart name with its French translation. The [[Hotel Negresco]] on the Promenade des Anglais was named for Henri Negresco (1868-1920) who had the palatial hotel constructed in 1912. In keeping with the conventions of the time, when the Negresco first opened in 1913 its front opened on the side opposite the Mediterranean. Another place worth mentioning is the small street parallel to the Promenade des Anglais, leading from Nice's downtown, beginning at Place Masséna, and running parallel to the promenade in the direction of the airport for a short distance of about 4 blocks. This section of the city is referred to as the "Zone Pietonne", or "Pedestrian Zone". The banning of cars creates a more serene setting. Here tourists can find a fine selection of restaurants, specializing in both Niçoise cuisine and various types of foreign cuisine. There is also a large selection of cafés where one can sit and enjoy an espresso or choose from a variety of speciality coffees, gelati and desserts, and watch the city walk by. There are also plenty of small shops selling clothing, shoes and souvenirs. Other squares include: * [[Château]] * ''Monument aux morts'' * ''The port'' * ''Cours Saleya'' * ''[[Jardin botanique de la Ville de Nice]]'' (botanical garden) * ''[http://www.frenchrivieratraveller.com/Nice/Sights/Massena.html Musee Massena] * ''Marché aux fleurs'' * ''[http://www.frenchrivieratraveller.com/Nice/Sights/Vieux.html Old Nice] * ''Grand Hôtel Impérial'' * ''Fort du MontAlban'' http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/3/27/931695/Fort%20du%20Mont%20Alban%20582k.jpg ===Squares=== ====Place Masséna==== The ''Place Masséna'' is the main square of the city. Before the Paillon River was covered over, the Pont-Neuf was the only practicable way between the old town and the modern one. The square was thus divided into two parts (North and South) in 1824. With the demolition of the Masséna Casino in 1979, the Place Masséna became more spacious and less dense and is now bordered by red ochre buildings of [[Italy|Italian]] [[architecture]]. The recent rebuilding of the tramline gave the square back to the pedestrians, restoring its status as a real Mediterranean square. It is lined with palm trees and stone pines, instead of being the rectangular roundabout of sorts it had become over the years. Since its construction, the Place Masséna has always been the spot for great public events. It is used for concerts, and particularly during the summer festivals, the ''Corso carnavalesque'' (carnival parade) in February, the military procession of July 14th (Bastille Day) or other traditional celebrations and banquets. The Place Masséna is a two-minute walk from the [[Promenade des Anglais]], old town, town centre, and Albert I Garden (''Jardin Albert Ier''). It is also a large crossroads between several of the main streets of the city: ''avenue Jean Médecin'', ''avenue Félix Faure'', ''boulevard Jean Jaurès'', ''avenue de Verdun'' and ''rue Gioffredo''. see also (sites in French) : [http://www.nissalabella.net/plmas.htm Nissa la bella], [http://www.nicetourisme.com/FR/html/voir/visite/vr/massena.html Nice Tourisme] ====Place Garibaldi==== The ''Place Garibaldi'' also stands out for its architecture and history. It is named after [[Giuseppe Garibaldi]], hero of the Italian unification (born in Nice, which was still a part of Sardinia-Piedmont at the time), who was fiercely in favour of the union of Nice with Italy. A statue of Garibaldi is erected in the centre of the square. The rebuilding of the square (still ongoing) will make this square semi-pedestrian, making it more pleasant. It is a crossroads between the ''Vieux Nice'' (old town) and the town centre. Place Garibaldi is close to the eastern districts of Nice, ''Port Lympia'' (Lympia Harbor), and the TNL commercial centre. This square is also a junction of several important streets: the ''boulevard Jean Jaurès'', the ''avenue de la république'', the ''rue Cassini'' and the ''rue Catherine Ségurane''. ====Place Rossetti==== Entirely enclosed and pedestrianised, this square is located in the heart of the old town. With typical buildings in red and yellow ochres surrounding the square, the ''cathédrale Sainte-Réparate'' and the fountain in the centre, ''place Rossetti'' is a must-see spot in the old town. By day, the place is invaded by the terraces of traditional restaurants and the finest ice-cream makers. By night, the environment changes radically, with tourists and youths flocking to the square, where music reverberates on the walls of the small square. The square's lighting at night gives it a magical aspect. Place Rossetti is in the centre of the old town, streets ''Jesus'', ''Rossetti'', ''Mascoïnat'' and the ''Pont-vieux'' (old bridge) ====Cours Saleya==== In the past, it belonged to the upper classes. It probably is the most traditional square of the town, with its daily flower market. The ''Cours Saleya'' also opens on the ''Palais des rois Sard'' (Palace of the Kings of Sardinia). In the present, the ''court'' is mostly a place of entertainment. There are good restaurants serving typical Nicois cuisine, markets and many pubs. It is no doubt one of the most active spots in Nice. It is situated parallel to the ''Quai des Etats-Unis''. ====Place du Palais==== As its name indicates, the ''place du palais'' is where the ''Palais de Justice'' (Law courts) of Nice is located. On this square, there also is the ''Palais Rusca'', which also belongs to the justice department (home of the ''tribunal de grande instance''). The square is also notable due to the presence of the city clock. Nowadays, the ''Place du Palais'' is alive day and night. It is particularly appreciated by youths who hangout on the steps leading to the ''Palais de justice'', often with alcoholic bottles in hand. The place is not a large open-air bar, though, concerts, animations and events are frequent. It is situated halfway between ''cour Saleya'' and ''place Masséna''. ===Religious=== * ''[[Nice Cathedral|Sainte-Réparate Cathedral]], 17th century'' * ''Saint-Jacques Church, 17th century'' * ''[[La Cathedrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas|The Saint Nicolas Orthodox Cathedral]]'' * ''[[Notre-Dame de Nice]]'' * ''[[Sainte Jeanne d'Arc Church (Nice, France)|Sainte Jeanne d'Arc Church]], 20th century'' ===Sports and entertainment=== * ''[[Stade du Ray]]'' * ''[[Stade Charles-Ehrmann]]'' * ''[[Palais Nikaia]]'' * ''[[Nice Jazz Festival]]'' ==Demography== According to the estimates of [[INSEE]], the population of Nice was 347,900 inhabitants on January 1, 2005. Nice is thus the fifth largest city in France, behind [[Paris]], [[Marseilles]], [[Lyon]] and [[Toulouse]]. The [[Agglomeration]] of Nice, defined by [[INSEE]], is home to 888,784 inhabitants (fifth most populous in France) and its urban surface totals 933,080 inhabitants, which makes it the sixth largest in France. The city saw a big demographic rise in the second half of the 19th century, a period when the population more than doubled, mainly due to French immigration. At the beginning of the 20th century, this rise intensified with the arrival of internal immigrants from the County of Nice itself.{{Fact|date=July 2008}} After the [[First World War]], the city had a strong increase in population. Immigration was again the reason of this growth. The hotel industry and that of the construction industry, in full strength in the 1920s, attracted the world more and more and thus made it possible for Nice to become a town of national importance. In 1921, Nice then became the eleventh most populous town of France, then in 1931, the eighth, before being ranked sixth in 1946;thereafter the city reached its current demographic level thanks to the arrival of sixty thousand people including French citizens from [[Algeria]].{{Fact|date=July 2008}} Since the 1970s, the number of inhabitants has not changed significantly; the relatively high migration to Nice is compensated by a natural negative growth of the population. Nice has a high proportion of elderly people.{{Fact|date=July 2008}} Currently, the population of the city is growing again, the reason of which is a preference for the climate.{{Fact|date=May 2008}} Nice is projected to have 360,000 citizens in 2008, and 370,000 by 2012.{{Fact|date=July 2008}} ==Nice Observatory== [[Image:Coupole Bischoffsheim.jpg|thumb|right|200px|View of the Bischoffsheim cupola, main cupola of [[Nice Observatory]]]] The ''Observatoire de Nice'' ([[Nice Observatory]]) is located on the summit of Mont Gros. The [[observatory]] was initiated in 1879 by the banker Raphaël Bischoffsheim. The architect was [[Charles Garnier (architect)|Charles Garnier]], and [[Gustave Eiffel]] designed the main [[dome]]. The 76-cm (30-inch) [[refractor telescope]] that became operational in 1888 was at that time the world's largest telescope. It was outperformed one year later by the 36-inch (91-cm) refractor at the [[Lick Observatory]]. As a scientific institution, the Nice Observatory no longer exists. It was merged with [[Centre de recherches en géodynamique et astrométrie|CERGA]] in 1988 to form the [[Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur]]. == Culture == Nice is one of the oldest human settlements in the world. Terra-Amata, an archaeological site dating from the [[Lower Palaeolithic]] age, is situated near Nice. Nice was established by the ancient [[Greeks]]. There was also an independent [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] city near Nice, where the hill of Cimiez is located. It is an archaeological site with treasures, of which only a small part has been excavated. The excavated site includes thermal baths, arenas and Roman road. Since the second century AD, the light of the city has attracted many famous painters such as [[Chagall]], [[Matisse]], [[Niki de Saint Phalle]], and [[Arman]] and inspired many artists and intellectuals in different countries ([[Hector Berlioz|Berlioz]], [[Friedrich Nietzsche|Nietzsche]], [[Rossini]]…). Nice also has numerous museums of all kinds: Musée Chagall, Musée Matisse (arenas of Cimiez where one can also see Roman ruins), [[Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret]], Museum of Naïve arts, [[Terra Amata|Musée Terra-Amata]], Museum of Asian Art, Museum of Modern Art and Contemporary Art which devotes much space to the well-known '' Ecole of Nice ''”), Museum of Natural History, Musée Masséna, Naval Museum and ''Galerie des Ponchettes''. Being a vacation resort, Nice hosts many festivals throughout the year, such as the Carnaval de Nice and the Nice Jazz Festival. Nice has a distinct culture due to its unique history. The local language ''[[Niçard]] (Nissart)'' is an [[Occitan]] dialect (but some Italian scholars argue that it is a [[Ligurian language (Romance)|Ligurian]] dialect). It is still spoken by a substantial minority. Strong [[Italian culture|Italian]] and (to a lesser extent) [[Corsica]]n influences make it more intelligible than other extant Provençal dialects. Nice has a few local dishes. There is a local tart made with [[onions]] and [[anchovies]] (or anchovy paste), named "Pissaladière". ''[[Socca]]'' is a type of pancake made from [[chickpea]] flour. Nice is also known for [[bouillabaisse]] and various fish soups; "[[Stockfish]]" (traditionally pronounced as "Stoquefiche" with special emphasis on the first "e"). ''[[Farcis niçois]]'' is a dish made from vegetables stuffed with breadcrumbs; and ''[[salade niçoise]]'' is a tomato salad with green peppers of the "Corne" variety, baked eggs, tuna or anchovies and olives. In the past, Nice welcomed many immigrants from [[Italy]] (who continue to make up a large proportion of the population), as well as [[Spanish people|Spanish]] and [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] [[immigrants]]. However, in the past few decades immigration has been opened to include immigrants from all over the world, particularly those from former Northern and Western African colonies, as well as southeast Asia. Traditions are still alive, especially in [[folk music]] and dances. The most famous dance is the [[farandole]]. ==Gastronomy== The [[cuisine]] of Nice is close to the one of [[Provence]] and uses local ingredients ([[olive oil]], anchovies, [[fruit]] and [[vegetables]]) but also those from more remote regions, in particular from Northern Europe, because ships which came to pick up olive oil arrived full of food products. Thus one finds specialities such as dishes using stockfish made from dried haddock. Local meat comes from neighbouring valleys, such as the sheep of Sisteron. Local fish, such as mullets, bream, sea urchins, and anchovies (alevins) are used to a great extent, so much so that it has given birth to a proverb: "fish are born in the sea and die in oil". Naturally, this refers to the olive oil made in the Nice hills. Indeed, seafood is generally much appreciated in the delicate and healthy cuisine of Nice. Examples of Niçois specialties include: * ''[[Beignets de fleurs de courgettes]]'' *''[[Ratatouille]]'' * ''[[Pichade]]'' * ''[[Pissaladière]]'' * ''[[Pan-bagnat]]'' * ''[[Socca]]'' * ''[[Soupe au pistou]]'' * ''[[Tourte de blettes]]'' * ''[[Daube]]'' * ''[[Farcis]]'' * ''[[Bouillabaisse]]'' ==Education== * [[University of Nice Sophia Antipolis]] * [[Université Pierre et Marie Curie]] * ''[http://www.ceram.edu/ CERAM Sophia Antipolis - ESC Nice]'' * '' [[Institut Eurécom]]'' * IDRAC Business School * [[EDHEC Business School]] * ''IPAG Business School'' * [[Villa Arson]] * ''WLE French Language Immersion Program (USD)'' Nice is home to many [[University-preparatory school|preparatory schools]] which prepare students for entrance to the Grandes Ecoles (e.g. the [[Ecole Normale Supérieure]]). ==Twin towns - Sister cities== ''Nice's [[Town twinning|town twins]] are'': * ''Active twinnings'': ** {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Cuneo]], [[Italy]] ** {{flagicon|UK}} [[Edinburgh]], [[United Kingdom]] <small>''(since 1958)'' <ref name="Edinburgh">{{cite web |url=http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/city_living/CEC_twin_and_partner_cities |title=''Edinburgh - Twin and Partner Cities'' |accessdate=2008-12-21 |publisher=<small>[[copyright|©]] 2008 The City of Edinburgh Council, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1YJ Scotland}}</small></ref></small> ** {{flagicon|Poland}} [[Gdańsk]], [[Poland]] ** {{flagicon|China}} [[Hangzhou]], [[People's Republic of China|China]] ** {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Laval, Quebec|Laval]], [[Canada]] ** {{flagicon|Morocco}} [[Al Hoceima]], [[Morocco]] ** {{flagicon|Algeria}} [[Tizi Ouzou]], [[Algeria]] ** {{flagicon|USA}} [[Louisiana]] (State), [[United States]] ** {{flagicon|USA}} [[Miami, Florida|Miami]], [[United States]] ** {{flagicon|Israel}} [[Netanya]], [[Israel]] ** {{flagicon|Germany}} [[Nuremberg]], [[Germany]] ** {{flagicon|Russia}} [[Saint Petersburg]], [[Russia]] ** {{flagicon|Hungary}} [[Szeged]], [[Hungary]] ** {{flagicon|Greece}} [[Thessaloniki]], [[Greece]] ** {{flagicon|Ukraine}} [[Yalta]], [[Ukraine]] ** {{flagicon|Ukraine}} [[Poltava]], [[Ukraine]] * ''Other twinnings'': ** {{flagicon|Spain}} [[Alicante]], [[Spain]] ** {{flagicon|Colombia}} [[Cartagena, Colombia|Cartagena]], [[Colombia]] ** {{flagicon|Madagascar}} [[Antananarivo]], [[Madagascar]] ** {{flagicon|South Africa}} [[Cape Town]], [[South Africa]] ** {{flagicon|USA}} [[Houston, Texas|Houston]], [[United States]] ** {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Kamakura, Kanagawa|Kamakura]], [[Japan]] ** {{flagicon|Gabon}} [[Libreville]], [[Gabon]] ** {{flagicon|Philippines}} [[Manila]], [[Philippines]] ** {{flagicon|France}} [[Nouméa]], [[New Caledonia]] ** {{flagicon|Thailand}} [[Phuket Province|Phuket]], [[Thailand]] ** {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Brazil]] ** {{flagicon|France}} [[Saint-Denis|Saint Denis]], [[Réunion]] ** {{flagicon|Spain}} [[Santa Cruz de Tenerife]], [[Spain]] ** {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Sorrento, Italy|Sorrento]], [[Italy]] ** {{flagicon|Armenia}} [[Yerevan]], [[Armenia]] * ''Pact of friendship'': ** {{flagicon|People's Republic of China}} [[Xiamen]], [[People's Republic of China|China]] ** {{flagicon|Morocco}} [[Nador]], [[Morocco]] ==See also== {{Commons|Nice}} * [[County of Nice]] * [[Albert Spaggiari]] * [[Bishopric of Nice]] * [[Nice Carnival]] * [[Siege of Nice|Catherine Ségurane]] * [[Cimetière du Château]] * [[Cimiez]] * [[European Institute of High International Studies]] * [[OGC Nice]] * [[Rugby Nice Côte d'Azur Université-Racing]] * [[Paris-Nice]] * [[Treaty of Nice]] * [[Le Méridien]] * [[Nissa La Bella]] ==Sources and references== {{reflist}} *{{1911}} *{{Catholic}} ==External links== {{sisterlinks|Nice}} * [http://www.beyond.fr/villages/nice-provence-france.html Information and photos from Provence Beyond web site] * {{en icon}} & {{fr icon}} [http://www.investincotedazur.fr/ Team Côte d'Azur The Economic development agency] * {{en icon}} & {{fr icon}} [http://www.nicerendezvous.com/ NiceRendezVous official site] * {{en icon}} & {{fr icon}} [http://www.nicecarnaval.com/ Nice Carnaval] * {{en icon}} & {{fr icon}} [http://mtcn.free.fr/ Dances and traditional musics from Nice] * {{wikitravel}} * {{fr icon}} [http://www.nice.fr/ Nice official site] *[http://www.dimension-internet.com/nice_monaco/ Pictures from Nice] * {{en icon}} [http://www.travelnice.co.uk Travel Guide Featuring Iteneraries, Monuments, Hotels, Pubs, Museums, Maps, Parks And Things To Do] ===Photos and videos=== *[http://www.360pano.eu/nice/ QTVR fullscreen panoramas] of Nice {{Préfectures of départements of France}} {{Alpes-Maritimes communes}} [[Category:Communes of Alpes-Maritimes|Nice]] [[Category:Nice| ]] [[Category:Carnival cities and towns]] [[af:Nice]] [[ar:نيس]] [[an:Niza]] [[ast:Niza]] [[bar:Nizza]] [[br:Nisa]] [[bg:Ница]] [[ca:Niça]] [[cv:Ницца]] [[ceb:Nice]] [[cs:Nice]] [[cy:Nice]] [[da:Nice]] [[de:Nizza]] [[et:Nice]] [[el:Νίκαια (Γαλλία)]] [[es:Niza]] [[eo:Nico]] [[eu:Niza]] [[fa:نیس]] [[fr:Nice]] [[gl:Niza - Nice]] [[ko:니스 (도시)]] [[hi:नीस]] [[hr:Nica]] [[io:Nice]] [[id:Nice]] [[is:Nice]] [[it:Nizza]] [[he:ניס]] [[ka:ნიცა]] [[lad:Nisa]] [[la:Nicaea (Francia)]] [[lv:Nica]] [[lb:Nice]] [[lt:Nica]] [[hu:Nizza]] [[mk:Ница]] [[nl:Nice]] [[ja:ニース]] [[no:Nice]] [[nn:Nice]] [[oc:Niça]] [[pms:Nissa Marìtima]] [[pl:Nicea]] [[pt:Nice]] [[ro:Nisa]] [[qu:Nice]] [[ru:Ницца]] [[sq:Nice]] [[scn:Nizza (Francia)]] [[simple:Nice]] [[sk:Nice]] [[sl:Nica]] [[sr:Ница]] [[fi:Nizza]] [[sv:Nice]] [[tr:Nice]] [[uk:Ніцца]] [[ug:Nis]] [[vec:Niza]] [[vi:Nice]] [[vo:Nice]] [[war:Nice]] [[zh:尼斯]]'