BEACHES

There is almost always an available place at one of the many private beaches in Nice; however, for a superior spot in the first or second row, call ahead and reserve.

Castel Plage, 8, quai des Etats Unis, 04 93 85 22 66. Enjoy a privileged position as the last beach at the eastern extreme of the Baie des Anges. Dramatic cliffs serve as the backdrop to this classy beach and restaurant.

Neptune Plage, Promenade des Anglais, 04 93 87 16 60. Directly in front of the grandiose Negresco Hotel. Perfectly central location, good restaurant and friendly staff make this one of the more pleasant beaches.

Bambou Plage, 165 Promenade des Anglais, 04 93 86 64 15. Towards the western end of the Baie des Anges in front of the contemporary Hôpital Lenval, this beach is less central but also less crowded than its neighbors. Very good restaurant and nice staff.

FESTIVALS

Regardless of the season you visit, you are almost certain to witness a festival, parade or other event that transforms the city into a veritable extravaganza. From Carnival in February to the Jazz Festival in July, there is always an attraction to entertain locals and visitors alike. Suggestions and guides for visitors are available on the Nice Tourism website. Yet the most captivating spectacle of all, with its splendid coastline and passionate people, is that of Nice itself.

For more information, visit the official Nice tourism website at www.nicetourism.com.

Opera...

The first wooden opera house of Nice was built in 1776 under authorization of the Kingdom of Sardinia. In 1826, the site was bought by the City of Nice and demolished in order to make way for the new, Italian-style opera house, which was eventually consumed by flames in a terrible fire in 1881. In 1882, the plans for a new opera house, designed by François Aune—Niçois architect and student of Gustave Eiffel, were approved by Charles Garnier, architect of the Palais Garnier, the magnificent Opera de Paris. The Opera de Nice was declared a monument historique in 1993 and was renovated in 2000. For more information and a schedule, contact the Opera de Nice directly.

Opera de Nice