
Nice, France
Nice
is Nice
Gem
of the French Riviera
|
|
DAY
3
 |
Musée
Matisse |
Although
a car greatly facilitates visiting the calm, residential
hill of Cimiez, the outing can be done
by foot if you have the time and the energy. Starting
at the top and working your way down is probably the
most efficient and enjoyable plan of action. Bus numbers
15 or 17 will take you effortlessly from the center
of Nice toward the summit of Cimiez to the "Matisse"
stop. If you choose to walk, take Boulevard de Cimiez
all the way to the Musée Matisse,
housed in the splendid vermilion Villa des Arènes,
which was named in honor of the impressive Roman ruins
that neighbor the property. Acquired in 1950 by the
city of Nice, the Villa des Arènes—originally
a private villa in the Genoese architectural style—was
transformed into the Musée Matisse and the Archeological
Museum. Once the latter was moved in 1986 to the actual
Roman site, the Musée Matisse was entirely dedicated
to the life and work of the illustrious artist who settled
in Nice from 1917 until his death in 1954. Also in Cimiez
is the Musée Chagall, which
was inaugurated in 1973 and includes the artist's creations
inspired by the Bible. Bus number 15 will take you free
of charge between the two museums.
When
you leave the Musée Matisse, look for the exit
that leads you to the Avenue and then Place
du Monastère. The Monastery
of Cimiez is an exceptional site where a church,
cloister and garden are impeccably maintained by the
Franciscan monks who have lived here since 1546. The
elegant, Niçois exterior gives way to a spacious,
gothic interior adorned with Renaissance paintings by
Louis Brea and an ornate Baroque altar-piece in gilded
wood. The magnificent garden, bursting with fragrant
roses in May and June, is beautifully manicured and
affords a mesmerizing view over Nice, the mountains
of the back country and the dazzling Mediterranean Sea.
 |
Musée
des Beaux-Arts |
You
may have thought to stop at the kiosk Chez Tintin,
a tiny, take-away stand at 33, Avenue Malausséna,
for a picnic lunch of pan-bagnat, a succulent
salad Niçoise sandwich, and a rich slice of tourte
aux blettes (sweet swiss chard tart). If not, then
you may want to try the convivial Auberge de
Theo, a family-owned restaurant serving copious
portions of Niçois and Italian cooking. After
lunch, take bus number 15 down the hill and back into
town where you can choose from a late afternoon nap
on the beach or a jaunt to either the Musée
d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain or the
Musée des Beaux-Arts. If you
have a car, this would also be the perfect time to explore
the magnificent coast from Nice to Monaco, or in the
other direction towards Antibes and Cannes. If you prefer
a trip inland, the hills just behind Nice offer a chance
to explore the numerous picturesque villages nestled
in the curves of an exceptionally windy road. Just ten
kilometers from the city center, the old town of Falicon,
with its charming, multicoloured houses and paved stone
streets, is home to Parcours Live Restaurant,
an innovative and panoramic restaurant featuring fine
cooking showcasing the region’s best products.
For a trip back in time, opt for the 30-minute drive
to the artistic village of St. Paul de Vence,
where dinner at the legendary Colombe d'Or
will add a touch of magic to your sunny séjour
in Nice.
(Updated:
04/13/06)
|