Nice: The Promenade Des Anglais

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Nice. The world’s attention once again turned to Nice following the horrific attack on Bastille Day, when a truck driver ploughed into the pedestrians up to 2km and then proceeded to shoot at the pedestrians. 80 people have died in the attack with more injured and the French government has been forced to extend the state of emergency which was declared 8 months ago, following the attack that killed 130 people in Paris. The Promenade des Anglais, the scene of the latest tragedy, is the city’s main seaside promenade. Translated into the ‘Walkway of the English’, the Promenade hearkens back to the second half of the 18th century, when the English aristocracy, attracted to the natural beauty and the mild mediterranean climate of Nice, enjoyed …show more content…

Throughout its long history, the city has changes hands many times, due to its strategic location and port, that has contributed significantly to its maritime strength. For centuries, Nice was the dominion of Savoy, or the House of Savoy- a state in the northern part of the Italian Peninsula and a constituent of the Holy Roman Empire. The city then became a part of France from 1792 to 1815, when it was returned to Piedmont-Sardinia, or the Kingdom of Sardinia, which was a state in Europe from the early 14th century to mid 19th century. The Kingdom of Sardinia is also the predecessor state of modern day Italy, and was acquired by the Duke of Savoy in 1720. The city was once again reannexed by the French in 1860. Thanks to its beauty, Nice is called ‘Nice la Belle’ or ‘Nice the Beautiful’ which is also the title of the unofficial anthem of Nice, written by Menica Rondelly in 1912. Terra Amata, an archaeological site that bears evidence of early use of fire is located in the area. Nice attracted not only pleasure seekers, but those who sought inspiration such as Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Nike de Saint Phalle and …show more content…

While its beaches are made entirely of pebbles, it has not been a hindrance to beach-goers nor sunseekers. Several beaches offer comfortable and luxurious services, so that the pebbly beach would not get in the way of the visitor’s enjoyment. Lockers, hessian carpets that lead up to the water and protect the bare feet of the visitors from the scorching pebbles and waiter services are some of the services offered by these hotels. Nice has a healthy mix of old and new fine art. The Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporian has a permanent collection of contemporary artwork from the Nice School and New Realism and Pop Art, while the Gallerie Jean Renoir features the work of young upcoming local artists. The Musée Matisse features the artist’s paintings, drawing, engravings and personal effects, while the Musée National Message Biblique Marc Chagall displays a collection of biblically themed

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