Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Enchanting performances and venue |
46 Boulevard du Mont Boron Villa Serpolette Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6300 France +33 (0)4 9356 5141 http://www.azuriales-opera.com... |
Providing the perfect backdrop for some of the best cultural performances, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is home to the Les Azuriales Opera Festival. Watch beautifully sung operas like "Apollo & Hyacinthus", "Tosca – Puccini" and "Madama Butterfly" in their original languages. Encourage blossoming young talent at the Concert des Jeunes Solistes and mingle at the posh dinners. After the concerts, guests can have dinner in the villa gardens or enjoy the view with a sparkling glass of champagne. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Not to be missed! |
Quai des États-Unis Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6300 France +33 4 9214 4800 (Tourist Office) |
Visitors and locals alike come to gawk at the colorful, eye-catching procession of floats filled with people in fancy dress, and get showered in confetti and flowers as it passes by. The astounding festivities are animated by brass bands, majorettes, clowns on stilts and grosses têtes (carnival-goers dressed as fun figures wearing huge papier mâché heads). A hundred-year-old tradition is kept alive on the evening of Mardi Gras, when the King's Float is burned on the Quai des États-Unis. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michela Mongardi |
 Photo: Adriane Jaynes |
 Photo: Michela Mongardi |
 Photo: Susan Juan |
 Photo: Susan Juan |
 One-Stop Culture |
31, rue Louis de Coppet Nice 06000 France +33 4 93 86 28 75 http://www.espacemagnan.com/ |
Ever since its creation in 1901, Espace Magnan has given the city of Nice and its citizens a veritable smörgåsbord of cultural offerings. Events range from concerts, dance performances, film screenings, art lessons, judo classes, and more. Look on the website for a complete listing of upcoming events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Celebrate Nice's Patron Saint's Day |
Place Rossetti (Basilique Ste-Réparate) Nice 6300 France +33 4 9362 3440 |
The city celebrates its patron saint's day in early October, when the procession and festivities in honour of Sainte Reparate take place in the city's old quarter, near Place Rossetti and the Cathedral. Martyred in Palestine in 250AD at the tender age of 15, local legend has it that she was washed ashore one autumn evening in a small boat guided by a dove. Although Sainte Reparate's day is October 8, the procession always takes place on either the Sunday before or after this date. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Sacred Music, Spiritual Setting |
2 Place Masséna Chagall Museum Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6300 France +33 (0)4 9713 3689 / +33 (0)4 9713 2395 |
Every June, music blends with architecture in Nice's sacred music festival. The magnificent baroque churches of the old town, particularly the Cathédrale Suite-Réparate, send the music of Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Couperin and 20th-century French composer Messiaen soaring. Organ and choral music are the main attraction, especially given the outstanding quality of performance. For further information and tickets, contact or visit the festival box office. Tickets are available on-site. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Gets Bigger & Bigger |
Jardins Albert 1er Nice 6000 France http://www.nice-livre.com/ |
Founded in 1995, this festival explores the role of books in France and abroad; there are works on local customs, biographies, novels, cookbooks, literature for the young, comic books, graphic novels and more. It is also an opportunity to meet writers in the flesh. Many debates, round-table discussions, writing workshops as well as literary and philosophical coffee mornings take place during this event. The festival is held in the Jardin Albert 1er. The Baie des Anges prize is given to a novel published during the year. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A shower of stars |
Promenade des Anglais Nice 6300 France |
Every July 14th the whole of France celebrates the storming of the Bastille, the event that heralded the French Revolution. In Nice, experience the legendary Promenade des Anglais illuminated by brilliant fireworks set off just offshore. The dazzling shower of stars shimmers and sparkles in their Mediterranean reflection. Bear in mind that the display is rather short (around 15 minutes) and starts only when it's absolutely pitch black (generally 10p-11p). Arrive early to stake out a prime spot on the Promenade or on the beach. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Louise Williams |
|
Local Cultural Center |
10 boulevard Comte de Falicon Nice 06100 France +33 4 93 84 24 37 http://www.nicenord.com/forum2... |
Forum Nice Nord is a cultural center located in North Nice. It organizes special events, many for the general community, some directed at children and adolescents. Programs include jazz concerts, judo lessons, and silk painting classes. Look on the website for a current schedule. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Midsummer festivities |
Petit Port de Carras Bld. Industriel Nice 6000 France |
As night finally begins to fall on the longest day of the year, Nice's torchlight procession begins. Wood fires are lit on the beach, according to the St. John's day tradition, creating an altogether magical scene. Various activities are on offer: folk dances, kids' shows, and food stalls of local specialties to celebrate the summer solstice. With full support from the city, the business and artisan sectors of the Californie district invested in the organisation of this annual festival evening, creating free attractions for all. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Folklore and fun |
Place du Monastère de Cimiez (Jardins des Arènes de Cimiez) Nice 6000 France |
Originally created to celebrate the rebirth of nature and honour the earth goddess, this pagan festival, like many others, has gradually become a popular event. Events take place on May 1st, and on every Sunday and public holiday in May, in the Jardins et Arts de Cimiez. Folklore groups bring out their costumes and strike up their songs, and Nice's culinary specialities are there for the sampling. The traditional bal musette?a popular dance accompanied by the accordion is one of the crowd favourites. Games and archery are organized for the kids. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Swim, Bike, & Run (or Watch) |
Promenade des Anglais Nice 6000 France +33 (0)1 49 46 13 51 http://www.ironmanfrance.com/ |
Every year in September, crowds flock to the Promenade des Anglais to see hundreds of competitors in one of the world's most popular triathlons. This, France's first triathlon, was introduced in 1982. Since then, American Mark Allen has dominated the 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, and 42.195 km run; having won the event over 10 times. Triathlon association members can take part; places are subject to availability and registration costs around EUR122. Run in tandem with the triathlon is "Avenir," a youngsters' triathlon open to nine-year-olds upwards, which kicks off at 9:30am. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bruce Kinchen |
 Photo: Robert Shiels  |
 Photo: morris_onions |
|
Jazz Greats in the Open Air |
Boulevard de Cimiez (Arènes de Cimiez) Nice 6000 France +33 1 47 23 07 58 http://www.nicejazzfest.com/ |
The biggest names in jazz have been performing here amid the olive groves in the magnificent Arènes et Jardins de Cimiez since 1948: James Brown, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Didier Lockwood, Maceo Parker, Claude Nougaro, Lou Reed, Chick Corea and Martial Solal, to name but a few. The infectious atmosphere spreads to a selection of private venues during the festival, as jazz takes over the beaches and nightclubs. Don't miss the jam sessions at the Radisson. Tickets are available from FNAC or on-site. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Benoit Darcy (zdar.net) |
 Photo: ohjaygee |
 Photo: Boris Monin |
 Photo: David Dalsace |
|
The finishing line |
Promenade des Anglais Nice 6300 France |
Since the 1930's, Nice has been the finishing line of one of France's main cycling events: the annual Paris-Nice race. The last 160km through the countryside surrounding the city is a testing circuit of climbs and descents. Cycling enthusiasts flock to the Promenade des Anglais to give the winner the resounding welcome they deserve. The organizers usually set up related activities such as children's games and sports lessons, and it's all free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeremy Brooks |
 Photo: goldenbembel |
 Photo: Theo van den Berg |
 Photo: Kiki's photos |
 Photo: Paul Emmett |
 Photo: orval2 |
|
On your mark |
Promenade des Anglais Nice 6000 France +33 (0)4 9326 1988 http://www.nicesemimarathon.com/ |
This half marathon21km longis open to everyone, so start training now! Run in early spring, before it gets too hot, the race takes place along the Promenade des Anglais, which lines the coast and which is, of course, closed to traffic during the race. The 4,000 or so who compete each year have to complete the race in less than three hours, to the encouraging cheers of the thousands-strong crowds. 3km and 10km races are also run alongside the half marathon. Registration is available online. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Feather Pen |
 City wide photographic exhibition |
27 Boulevard Dubouchage Nice 6000 France +33 4 9204 9970 |
The end of summer heralds the welcome return of this annual photographic festival, which takes on a different theme each year. Work by photographers from all walks of life are featured in exhibitions organized by local galleries and the Theatre de la Photographie. Previous themes have included Russia and Sweden. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Putting photography in the picture |
22 Boulevard Dubouchage Nice, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur 6000 France +33 4 9713 4220 http://www.tpi-nice.org/ |
The exhibition has taken up residence in the former Thtre de l'Artistique, left vacant for many years, which has a superb, spacious interior. Russian photography was shown at the inaugural exhibition, featuring landscapes, the people of the Caucasus and other regions in traditional dress, scenes of everyday life, images of historical events and so forth. The temporary exhibitions have a variety of themes: reportage, artistic, and contemporary themes, among others. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: olivier bareau |