Nice

Nice, Winter Resort Town of the Riviera, is a product of the European tourist industry.

In the 18th century, Nice became a popular winter destination for British aristocrats. At the end of the 19th century, tourism expanded to all wealthy classes and finally became a mass phenomenon in the 20th century. The earliest architectural evidence is found at the Vila Nova, including the Promenade de Anglais. The city then further expanded westwards and onto the hills, where villa quarters and luxury hotels were built in a fusion of cultural influences and a variety of styles.

Community Perspective: Nice is “nice”, but hardly World Heritage-worthy. Els has provided a comprehensive overview of the main sights.

Map of Nice

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Ilya Burlak

USA - 18-Nov-22 -

In September of 2022, I had a chance to reacquaint myself with Nice, having explored it first over twenty years earlier. As with any reasonably large city, it has quite a lot to offer to every visitor: museums, churches, palaces, public spaces, elevated viewpoints, and a certainly colorful historic old town. And yet, it is not exceptional in any sense of the world. As others noted before me, Nice's recognition as a WH property is quite a stretch of the concept of the OUV; as you move around town, you will be hard-pressed to put your finger on what exactly made this large seaside town a foremost leader in well-to-do winter tourism. Everybody takes a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais when they are in Nice - that can't be enough of a reason by itself, can it?

At least, if you visit Villa Massena - which sits right on the promenade - it will help fill a few gaps in understanding how Nice has become the winter resort of choice for the rich and famous, which shaped its history in the last couple of centuries. It will not exactly convince you of the OUV, but it does offer a bit of perspective. Most of the other main points of interest - there is a cluster in the Old Town, another in Cimiez, and a few other standout museums dotted around town - have at best a very cursory connection to Nice's place as a pioneering winter tourism destination.

Nice is nice; avid museum-goers may even find it quite rich in attractions. But it is hardly a World Heritage-worthy town.

Read more from Ilya Burlak here.

Clyde

Malta - 09-May-22 -

I visited this WHS in April-May 2012. At the time, since Nice wasn't on the WH list, I used it mainly as my base for the other WHS in the area and my main reason to visit was to attend a concert. That said, I clearly remember the palm tree lined wide promenade, the luxury hotels and cars parked in front of them, the gorgeous blue Mediterranean sea, and the snow-capped Alps in the distant background - a postcard view seen in so many international movies.

Although Nice's urban development was clearly the product of the tourism industry, and it must have played a clear role in coastal tourist amenities developed elsewhere, at the very least this is stretching the OUV concept a bit too far IMHO. I rated it as one of France's weakest WHS, as of all the French cities, monuments and sites, Nice really doesn't deserve its listing already on a national level, let alone on an international level. I really enjoyed the panoramic views from the Berlanda Tower area of the Colline du Chateau as well as the fine Art Deco details here and there, the elaborate mosaics on the villa facades and the colourful tiles of the many church domes, steeples and bell towers. When in the area, I would recommend also visiting pretty Antibes nearby and tasting the fresh food from the covered market.

Els Slots

The Netherlands - 27-Sep-20 -

Nice is a French city with 340,000 inhabitants. Tourism on the Riviera was born here, they say. And they want UNESCO recognition for that. I was there for 3 nights during a quiet September weekend. The tourist crowds had either returned home and back to work, or opted out because of the "Code Red" imposed by the French government on this region. However, urban life continued as usual and the anti-Covid measures were being followed in a half-hearted way. Obviously one cannot smoke and wear a face mask at the same time!

The city owes much of its monumental architecture to the arrival of wealthy foreigners who came to enjoy its pleasant climate. Many English and Russian aristocrats stayed here from the end of the 18th century on. Their villas can be found scattered around the current city. I started my exploration on foot in Rue Verdi, where there is some fine Art Deco and mosaics on the façades can be seen. Closeby lies the Museum of Fine Arts, located in the former Villa Kotchoubey. This orange palace is currently being renovated and has been closed to the public all summer.

I then walked down to the famous Promenade des Anglais - a coastal boulevard built in the 1920s on the initiative of the British. In 2016 this was the site of a terrorist attack with a truck, in which 87 people were killed. I don't know exactly where it happened, but I didn't see any blockages anymore or a monument. People nowadays jog, walk, cycle or skateboard up and down the long promenade again.

The most imposing buildings of Nice can be found along this sea boulevard. One to enter is the Musée Massena, which is an elegant early 20th century villa built in neoclassicist style by a Danish architect. It now houses an art collection and a city museum. It is worth a visit alone for its drawings of old Nice - for example, one where all the houses along the boulevard have the name of the (mostly foreign) owner written next to them.

The next day I focused on another part of Nice: Cimiez. This was built on the site of a former Roman town, on a hill northeast of the city center. Bus 5 will take you there. One of the attractions here is the Matisse museum - but I found it closed for 2 weeks to set up a new exhibition. I got off the bus there anyway, to have a quick look at the monastery of Cimiez and the monastery gardens. More interesting are the excavations of the Roman town Cemenelum. They can be accessed via the archaeological museum.

Half way down the hill lies the museum of another well-known French artist: Marc Chagall. Chagall is best known for his stained-glass windows, of which there are 3 exhibited here. But the museum also has 2 large mosaics by his hand and many colorful paintings and drawings. The museum is not that big but I found it very beautiful. Cimiez in general is a pleasant area to visit. It has a few grand buildings from the early 20th century too, such as the Ancien Excelsior Régina Palace and the Manoir Belgrano.

A bit out of the way, in the railway station area, lies the Russian Orthodox cathedral of Nice. This building too was created by foreign visitors to Nice: it was a gift from the Russian Tsar Alexander II to the local Russian community.

As other reviewers have remarked already, the impact of the “birth of tourism” on Nice is too fragmented to warrant a WH inscription for the whole city. I did enjoy Nice’s vibe in general though – it has many pleasant cafés, palm trees and lots of greenery. It felt both a bit French and a bit Italian (Nice only became part of France in 1860). I also thought it was in better shape than many other cities in southern France.

Read more from Els Slots here.

Assif

Germany - 05-Jul-20 -

The recently published ICOMOS working documents show that a big portion of Nice is to be included in this nomination and not only its waterfront promenade. Nice is a major tourist hub in France mostly catering for beach tourists. This can be regarded as a sign of continuity, perpetuating the historic function of Nice in the development of modern tourism. The most significant component, the renowned Promenade des Anglais, I did not find neither very scenic nor authentic. A lot of new buildings on the city side of the road do not allow for a unified cityscape. However, other parts of the city centre, which are all included, are very well preserved.

The mediaeval old town is a typical Ligurian city with dark little alleyways and colourful fronts. Although included in the perimeter, it had little to do with the birth of modern tourism. Its extension in the 19th century includes large avenues and a lot of historicist mansions. They constitute a nice ensemble, but I think it would be difficult to demonstrate their connection to Nice becoming a tourist centre. Cimiez, Nice's Roman antecedent is included too. It now houses two famous museums dedicated to Matisse and Chagall. Although Nice's artistic contribution is mentioned as a part of its OUV, these museums are new and, as with other components, I fail to see the connection to modern tourism.

The beaches of Nice are pebbly. For beach tourism other areas of the French Riviera are surely superior. Culturally, however, it offers a lot for a stay of a few days. I would especially recommend its comprehensive and high quality museum of contemporary art, one of the best in Europe and the second best in France after Centre Pompidour in Paris. Nice is a comfortable hub for day trips along the French Riviera (Grasse, Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Paul/Vence to the east, Eze, Menton, Monaco, Ventimiglia to the west) with many sites that are artistically important (Matisse, Picasso, Fragonard, Le Corbusier, Renoir). Although interesting, I fail to see a great potential for OUV. Moreover, I would highly advise against visiting Nice during peak season.

Kyle Magnuson

California - United States of America - 08-Mar-17 -

I visited Nice, France during the later part of October 2007. The holiday crowds were gone, the temperature required a light jacket, and the day I spent the most time by the Promenade, it was overcast and gray. There were however, a couple highlights.

Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, a beautiful Eastern Orthodox Church that was built for the Russian nobility who visited Nice during the Early 20th century. The nomination description includes a full section on "- Places of worship and cemeteries", which relates to foreigners who "Wintered" in Nice.

Another highlight was the National Museum of Marc Chagall, which is a wonderful small gallery dedicated to an artist who lived just outside Nice for decades. Its worth noting the nomination includes justification for criteria vi, "The city is thus directly associated with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. This is particularly true for painting with Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, Raoul Dufy, Max Beckmann and Edvard Munch, who lived in Nice and represented the city in major works."

I was not overly impressed or awed by Nice. I appreciate the creativity and the persistent ability of France to pursue new nominations. Perhaps Nice has a shot.

Read more from Kyle Magnuson here.

Community Rating

121 Votes 2.8 Score

Site History

2021 Name change

From "Nice, capital of Riviera tourism" to "Nice, Winter Resort Town of the Riviera" upon inscription (as suggested by ICOMOS)

2021 Advisory Body overruled

ICOMOS advised a Referral

2021 Inscribed

Site Links

Unesco Website

Nice, Winter Resort Town of the Riviera

Official Website

Nice Tourisme

Nomination website

Locations

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Nice

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Art and Architecture

Art Deco: Its hotels, villas and apartment buildings (immeubles d’agrément) showcase the succession of styles that were fashionable in Europe between the end of the 18th century and the middle of the 20th century, from neo-classicism to the modern movement, via the historicist eclecticism of the Belle-Époque and Art Deco. (AB ev)

Neoclassical architecture: Its hotels, villas and apartment buildings (immeubles d’agrément) showcase the succession of styles that were fashionable in Europe between the end of the 18th century and the middle of the 20th century, from neo-classicism to the modern movement, via the historicist eclecticism of the Belle-Époque and Art Deco. (AB ev)

Moorish revival: Hotel Alhambra

Art Nouveau: Villa Rosalia, Palais Gounod, Villa Collin de Huovila (Nomination file, p. 107, 174)

Domes: The Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas and Saint Alexandra is topped by a dome with eight oculi. The Orthodox Cathedral of Saint-Nicholas is also topped by onion domes. Other buildings also feature domes, e.g. Palais Lamartine, Grand Hôtel de Noailles, Hôtel Atlantic, Palais Martin, Hôtel Negresco. (Nomination file, p. 70, 94, 95, 109, 127, 128, 175)

English garden: In the park of the Château de Valrose and the park of the Villa Kotschoubey. (Nomination file, p. 143-144, 157)

French (formal) garden: In the park of the Château de Valrose (Nomination file, p. 143-144)

Glazed tiles: Faience is used on the façade of the former Gare des chemins de fer de Provence. (Nomination file, p. 124)

Gothic Revival: The former Episcopalian Church of the Holy Spirit, the Château de Valrose (Nomination file, p. 71, 143-144) and the Anglican Holy Trinity Church

Modern Urban Planning: "In 1832, Nice, then part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, set up the "Consiglio d'Ornato" which drew up a city planning scheme and architectural requirements designed to make the city attractive to foreigners." "Indeed, vacationing led to the proactive implementation of specific forms of town planning which were deployed in several phases, first from the first two poles constituted by the "Vila Nova" and the "New Borough", then through the regulatory plans of the Consiglio d'Ornato as well as the plans drawn up in their continuity after 1860, then finally through the subdivision formula." (Official description)

Mosaic art: Mosaic art can be found on the Immeuble La Rotonde, the Villa Essayie and the La Couronne building, among others. (Nomination file, p. 119, 150, 176)

Reinforced Concrete: The Palais Marie et Maréchal Joffre marks an evolution in construction techniques and forms, with the use of reinforced concrete and new materials such as coloured concrete. The Grand magasin « Aux Dames de France » and the Gloria Mansions are also built with reinforced concrete. (Nomination file, p. 75, 97)

Spolia: A cathedral and a baptistry were built on the site of the Roman baths of Cimiez, with parts of the baths being reused (e.g. the columns for the baptistry).

Constructions

Theatres and Opera Houses: Opéra de Nice

Baths: Roman thermal baths at Cimiez

Roman amphitheatres: Roman amphitheatre (Arènes de Cimiez) in the Cimiez quarter, from the 1st century AD.

Notable Hotels: Hotel Negresco

Bandstand: In the Jardin Albert-Ier

Cemeteries: Cimetière du Château on the Colline du Château: The cemetery, founded in 1783, is located on the northern part of the hill, visible from the city. It has the particularity of bringing together within its enclosure several national, religious and social groups, evoking thus the history of cosmopolitan tourism in Nice which has often translated by the richness and diversity of funerary monuments. (Nomination file, p. 62)

Chairs: The Blue Chair or "Chaise Bleue" is a form of urban furniture typical of the Promenade des Anglais and has become a symbol of the city of Nice.

Clock Tower: Tour de l'Horloge: the clock tower has been demolished and rebuilt several times in its history. The tower that stands nowadays dates from 1718. At the time of its construction, it was isolated on the square, before the construction of the barracks Rusca, in 1780.

Elevators: An elevator has been installed in the 1930s to go from the Terrasses des Ponchettes to the Colline du Château. (Nomination file, p. 62)

Lighthouses: Lighthouse at the entry to Lympia Port

Loggia: The Palais de la Préfecture has a large loggia supported by a colonnade with Corinthian capitals, running over the entire length of the upper level. The buildings in the rue Dalpozzo (No 4 to 8), the Palais de Madrid, the Palais Moderne and the Villa Il Paradiso, among others, also have loggias. (Nomination file, p. 65, 72, 120, 126, 146)

Monumental Columns: Colonne du pape - a memorial column, situated on the place de la Croix de Marbre, erected in Nice in the 1820s to commemorate the two brief visits of Pope Pius VII to the city, in 1809 and 1814.

Monumental Fountains: The Fontaine du Soleil on the south side of the Place Masséna, with in its centre a 7 m high marble statue of the god Apollo.

Prison: Bagne de Nice: a penal establishment, located to the east of the port of Nice, that was reserved for forced labour. Between 1770 and 1854, it could accommodate up to two hundred convicts.

Railways: Nice-Ville station and the former Gare des chemins de fer de Provence (Gare du Sud) (Nomination file, p. 102, 124)

Significant Follies: The Château de l'Anglais (or Château Smith) is the first and one of the most important "Follies" to see the light of day on the Riviera. This "Folly" of the Riviera is today the only testimony of neo-Mughal architecture on the French coasts. (Nomination file, p. 187)

Damaged

Terrorist Attacks: On the evening of 14 July 2016, a 19-tonne cargo truck was deliberately driven into crowds of people celebrating Bastille Day on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France, resulting in the deaths of 86 people and the injury of 458 others. (wiki)

Damaged in World War II: "Despite aerial bombardments in 1944, only a few buildings were destroyed during the Second World War." The casino de la Jetée promenade was destroyed and never rebuilt. (Ab Ev) (Nomination file, p. 288-289)

Geography

Mediterranean shore

History

Ancient Roman colonies: Cimiez (Cemenelum)

Fusion: "Nice, Winter Resort Town of the Riviera, represents an important example of the fusion of British, Italian, French, Russian and other cultural influences, resulting in a variety of architectural styles, designs and decorations of buildings that express its cosmopolitan character as a winter resort, especially in the 19th century, under the impetus of the Consiglio d'Ornato." (Official description – criterion ii)

Historic Resorts: "Nice (...) reflects the development of a city devoted to winter tourism" – "Nice's reputation as a cosmopolitan winter resort." (Official description)

Sieges and Battles: The old fortress on the Colline du Château was besieged in 1534, 1691 and 1705.

Treaties: In February 2001, the Treaty of Nice was signed in the dining room of the Palais de la Préfecture by the foreign ministers of the European Union.

Human Activity

Locations for playing sport: On the site of the place Mozart, there was originally a tennis club, the Lawn Tennis Club. There were tennis courts until 1920, when the club moved to a site with more space, avenue Suzanne Lenglen, where it still resides. (Nomination file, p. 105, 166)

Sea Ports: Port Lympia

Festivals: Nice Carnival

New Towns: "(...) vacationing led to the proactive implementation of specific forms of town planning which were deployed in several phases, first from the first two poles constituted by the "Vila Nova" and the "New Borough" (...)" (Official description) – Next to a pre-existing urban core, a new town was formed from the end of the 18th century, whose development and characteristics were determined by the winter resort function in the 19th century, and an increasingly important summer resort function from the 1920s. (Nomination file, p. 300)

Time Balls and Guns: "Since 1860 a cannon (based at the Château east of Old Nice) is shot at twelve o'clock sharp. The detonation can be heard almost all over the city. This tradition goes back to Sir Thomas Coventry, who intended to remind the citizens of having lunch on time." Nowadays, the "cannon shot" is in reality a pyrotechnic burst of air, signalling midday to the surrounding area.

Tramways: Nice tramway

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Ilya Burlak

Clyde

Els Slots

Assif

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