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 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 |
 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 |
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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 |
 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 |
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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 |
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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 |