Nice: the Resort

Nice is more than just a large city in France – it's also a major Riviera resort. With its prime location on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea it was only a matter of time before people fled the cold climate of northern Europe for the sun and surf of the Côte d'Azur.

In the 19th century Nice became an important seaside resort for tourists, especially those from England and Russia, and the famous Promenade des Anglais, Walkway of the English, was built by these English tourists.

Baie des Anges, Bay of Angels, Nice

The Promenade des Anglais stretches for four miles along the Baie des Anges, Bay of Angels, from Castle Hill in the east to Nice Airport in the west.

The Promenade des Anglais extends from Castle Hill...

... along the Baie des Anges...

... as far as Nice Airport.

Promenade des Anglais, Walkway of the English

Neuf Lignes Obliques, Nine Oblique Lines, by Bernar Venet

Palm Trees Line the Promenade des Anglais

Swimmers and sun seekers can choose between the free public beaches and the pricey (but much more comfortable) private beaches along the Baie des Anges, Bay of Angels. There's no sand in Nice, just a long stretch of smooth pebbles.

Public Beach

Private Beach, Plage Beau Rivage

The Pebble Beach of Nice

On a free day I spent some down time relaxing at our hotel's private beach, the Plage Beau Rivage. Use of a lounger for a full day costs €20 plus €5 for an umbrella (which can be shared between two loungers). Add another €5 to the tab if you want a lounger in a prime front row spot.

Plage Beau Rivage

Empty Loungers Await the Day's First Beach Goers

Front Row View

I had dinner at the Plage Beau Rivage restaurant on my first night in Nice – a delicious Niçois ravioli made with incredibly light pasta. With our group's table mere feet away from the rolling Mediterranean surf, I watched planes flying into the sunset as they began their descent into the airport. My visit to France was off to a great start.

Dining on the Beach at Plage Beau Rivage

Niçois Ravioli

Chocolate Gelato

Sunset Over the Baie des Anges

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