This was my first glimpse of Nice as we came in on an excursion with our cruise line. The plan was to do a sight seeing drive thru the city and then get off the bus and tour a french flower market on foot.
As we drove thru the city, I was surprised to see this Russian Orthodox Cathedral in the middle of Nice. Turns out, it was built in honor of a Russian Czar’s son who died there.
The bus dropped us off on the boardwalk right next to the pebble beach of the French Riviera. I was imagining something a little more glamorous. I try not to have expectations about a place, but sometimes I can’t help it.
Did you know that Thomas Jefferson has ties to France? He was minister to France from 1785-89.
Turns out we were late for the flower market, so they were already setting up for the evening outdoor dining. Our tour guide decided to do a walk around the old town for all those interested and we thought that sounded like a good idea.
The outdoor cafe was lovely with all the fresh seafood and adorable little dogs.
This area looked like the perfect place to spend the evening with friends, family, food and French wine.
Off we went to explore the old town with all of its beautiful buildings and history.
I have a fascination with old doors and Nice provided several. This one in the middle with the marker over it has been there since 1623. The owners initials, religion and the year are all marked in it.
We passed a few stores with their goodies on display, like these bath salts and colorful soaps. I could have stood there and smelled them for hours, picking just the right one.
Couldn’t resist this picture of someones laundry hanging out to dry. When you live in the middle of these old cities, you must be prepared for all the tourists constantly wondering around. I guess you just get used to it and hang your laundry for everyone to see.
We didn’t have long in Nice, France. But it was a “nice” day none the less. Sorry, couldn’t resist.
This post linked to Friday Postcards, Amaze Me Monday, Mosaic Monday, Inspire Me Wednesday & Weekend Wanderlust
It looks like Nice was a nice stop for history lovers. I've often thought that a cruise would be a good way to explore Europe for the first time. Do you feel that the cruise allowed ample time to explore the ports?
You're right about the French Riviera. I always imagined something glamourous as well.
I think cruising is a great way to explore Europe. Sure, there are times when you wish you had longer in a port, but those are just the places you go back to on the next trip. 🙂
Nice is nice and has some picturesque corners! I've been there in March and believe the the beach looks better empty! Cannes is far more glamorous but again nice weather isn't always guaranteed and makes all the difference!! #weekendwanderlust
I love your pun 😉 Too cute. I had very similar feelings of Nice when I visited this summer. I loved your pics and knowledge. Great post!
Thanks so much! 🙂
I also stopped by in Nice on trip in May and I was only really there for a day but I loved it! The weather was perfect and the waters were so blue – I've never seen anything like it!
It's been more than 20 years since I've visited Nice, and I've forgotten how nice it is. Your photos are bringing it all back. I do remember that there were topless bathers at the beach, though.
Hi Sonja,
Johnny and I went to Nice once and had lunch outside a cafe. Wonderful trip! Isn’t it fun finding blues to share?
Happy Blue Monday!
Your post makes me want to visit Nice! Lovely. Happy Monday!
Nice looks like a great place to visit. Love the old houses and architecture. Eating in that marketplace would be a fun experience.
Beautiful views of the city and that pebble beach is interesting.
Had a chuckle over the "laundry." 🙂 What gorgeous photos of a beautiful place! Loved seeing and learning about the Russian Orthodox Church. I didn't remember that Czar Nicholas's son died there. Really wonderful that they built such an amazing tribute to him!
Really stunning views of the Cathedral. Love the soap collection as well. Thank you for linking in with the "Through My Lens" photo meme.
Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography
The gal I sat beside on the bus trip I wrote about told me if I go back to Europe, France is the place to visit. Your peek at Nice is inspiring but I don't know about a pebble beach but I can imagine the heavenly scent from all those soaps.
Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday Sonja.
What a colorful and interesting post Sonja. Delighted to have found you at Amaze Me Monday. I'll pin it to my travel board. Hope you'll check out my post too. Reasons Journal Writing is Good. Happy travels dear one. Nancy A.
Thanks, Nancy…I'll check it out. 🙂
What a lovely post you must have had a great time there. And from what I can see you took in all the sights as evidenced in the last photo.
😉
Great pics! The one thing I didn't expect was the onion-domed Russian church. I've only ever passed through Nice (it's a great airport connection from London) but one of these days we should stay put and explore the city. #fridaypostcards