Nice, France, has more than just beaches. DW explores the rich history, vibrant culture and delicious food that make the city on the French Riviera a must-see destination.
00:01Starting with a walk along Nice's most iconic attraction with its sweeping sea views, palm tree-lined paths, and just look how blue the water is.
00:10Stretching seven kilometers, the Promenade des Anglais is a picture-perfect path for joggers, cyclists, and beachgoers alike.
00:18It's named after the wealthy English visitors who funded its construction in the 1820s.
00:24It is so hot today, all I want to do is jump in.
00:26And just a few steps inland is another local icon.
00:32This is the colorful flower market of Nice. Open-air markets are a big part of southern French life.
00:39But it's not just about the flowers here. I'm also looking out for something tasty.
00:43Corsellea has been a bustling marketplace since 1861 and remains open Tuesday through Sunday year-round.
00:50Locals and visitors come for fresh produce, Provençal specialties, and colorful flower stalls.
00:56It's even listed as one of France's exceptional markets by the National Council of Culinary Arts.
01:02And I found what I was looking for. Saka from Chez-Tereza. A local favorite here in Nice.
01:10This crispy chickpea pancake is hot, savory, and costs three euros.
01:14Tastes like chickpeas. Very peppery. It's like a sophisticated version of a salty crepe or a galette. It's good.
01:26I head deeper into the Old Town. A maze of winding alleyways and colorful facades.
01:32The layout hasn't changed much since the 1700s. Today, it's filled with cafes, shops, galleries, and restaurants.
01:43Right in the Old Town is Chez Acciardo, a staple in the city and a beloved family-run restaurant.
01:50Niceoise, right?
01:52Niceoise cuisine is a Mediterranean mix of French and Italian influences, featuring fresh vegetables, olives, anchovies, and seafood.
01:59In fact, the region's culinary traditions are on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list.
02:07So I'm going to be trying the classic salade niçoise and the pis salade, which is a pizza with anchovies and onions.
02:17The onions are really soft and a little bit sweet, and that's a really nice contrast with the really salty anchovies. Tastes really good.
02:25Now that I've had some lunch, I'm on the search for something sweet.
02:31In the heart of the Old Town is Place Rossetti. Here you'll find the 17th century Cathedral Saint Reparate, a registered historic monument since 1906, with classic Baroque architecture.
02:44The square is lively and welcoming, filled with cafe terraces and shaded awnings.
02:51But what makes this spot so popular is this legendary ice cream shop. They've got nearly 100 flavors and I kind of want to try them all.
02:58The ice cream shop Finocchio is a family-owned business that has been making ice cream since 1966.
03:05I went for a scoop of fig and a scoop of lavender ice cream.
03:08This is exactly what I need right now.
03:15Now that we're fueled up, I want to dive into Niçoise's rich art scene. The city is full of galleries and museums.
03:29The Marc Chagall Museum is a few bus stops from the center and is dedicated to one of the 20th century's most visionary artists.
03:38It's set in a garden and houses the largest public collection of Chagall's work.
03:43Inside is an explosion of color.
03:45Chagall's vivid biblical-themed paintings reflect his Belarusian Jewish roots, his spiritual worldview, and the modernist movements of his time.
03:58After immersing myself in Chagall's world, it's time for one last unforgettable view of the French Riviera up at the Colleen du Chateau.
04:06The Castle Hill is about 93 meters above sea level.
04:18Oh my gosh, I think we made it. The things you do to get a pretty view.
04:26Colleen du Chateau, or Castle Hill, was once home to an 11th century fortress protecting the city, which was demolished in the 18th century.
04:33Today, it's a historic site and public park for people to enjoy.
04:40Wow, you can pretty much see all of Niçoise from here. It really is a beautiful view.
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