With its mix of real-city life, old-world opulence, year-round sunshine, vibrant street life and stunning seaside location, no place in France compares with Nice.
==================================================================(in the cultural capital of the French Riviera in southeastern France) The seaport city of Nice, a Mediterranean tourist center, and capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department of the Provence–Alpes–Côte-d’Azur région, is located on the Baie (bay) des Anges, 20 miles (32 km) from the Italian border.
+ Founded by a colony of Greek mariners around 350 BCE, the city of Nice was conquered by the Romans during the 1st century CE, and became a trading station. The town was held by the counts of Provence during the 10th century, and in 1388 passed under the protection of the counts of Savoy, who held it until 1860, when Nice was ceded to France by the Treaty of Turin.
+ The Paillon River separates the new town to the west from the Old Town, the harbor, and the commercial district to the east. The Old Town stands at the western base of a granite hill known as Le Château. The harbor, begun in 1750, is now used mainly by ferry services to Corsica and by sailing craft. The most striking part of the new town is the Promenade des Anglais, which originated in 1822 as a path along the shore, stretching 2.5 miles (4 km) along the waterfront.
+ Nice has a long history of tourism both in summer and winter, and it is one of the city’s principal economic activities. Apart from the beaches and yachting harbor, tourism is stimulated by Nice’s cultural facilities, shops, and architectural heritage. In addition, many events and festivals are organized each year, notably the Carnival of Nice, but also including the open tennis tournament.
+ The city is nicknamed Nice la Belle, meaning "Nice the Beautiful," which is also the title of the anthem of Nice. Through the ages, Nice has changed hands many times. Its strategic location and port significantly contributed to its maritime strength.
+ The natural environment of the Nice area and its mild Mediterranean climate came to the attention of the English upper classes in the second half of the 18th century. In 1931, the city's main seaside promenade, the Promenade des Anglais ("Walkway of the English"), was inaugurated by Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught; it owes its name to visitors to the resort. These included Queen Victoria along with her son Edward VII who spent winters here, as well as Henry Cavendish, who discovered hydrogen.
+ The clear air and soft light have particularly appealed to notable painters, such as Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Niki de Saint Phalle and Arman. Their work is commemorated in many of the city's museums, including Musée Marc Chagall, Musée Matisse and Musée des Beaux-Arts. International writers have also been attracted and inspired by the city. Frank Harris wrote several books including his autobiography My Life and Loves in Nice. Friedrich Nietzsche spent six consecutive winters in Nice, and wrote Thus Spoke Zarathustra here.
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