 Where
is exactly Nice France?
South
East France, on the Mediterranean Sea. Latitude: 43 degrees, 39 minutes
north Longitude: 7 degrees, 12 minutes east. Capital of Alpes-Maritimes
department, Nice is the most famous resort on the French
Riviera.
Although
the economy depends mainly on the tourist trade, the electronics
industry as well as other manufactures are important. The old
port of Nice handles both commercial fishing and passenger service
to Corsica.
The new port, west of the
city, engages in more commercial shipping. Nice is home
to the France's second busiest airport, it's probably one of
the easiest destinations to fly into in France,
specially with Easyjet from anywhere in Europe. |
 The geopolitical situation
of the Alpes-Maritimes, which, in the past, has been coveted by many
a kingdom, forced its inhabitants to repair to isolated sites, often
perched up high in defensive positions, as exemplified by the many
villages around Nice and Grasse, which seem to cling to their rocky
spurs. Up in the highlands behind Nice, the little town of Contes
still has remains of its ramparts, with a postern gate and rampart
walk.
 Coaraze (see photo right >>), now the haunt of craftsmen of many trades:
leather, pewter, engraving and silk-screen printing, jealously harbours
a collection of sundials, signed in particular by the writer and
poet Jean Cocteau.
In the Red gorges area, to the north-west of the Alpes-Maritimes, Péone
reigns supreme along the banks of the Tuébi torrent. Its alpine
and Italian-style houses nestle up against the Penitents' Rocks, huge
standing stones, tall and pointed. The village is full of chapels and
places of worship, and each year, in June, it celebrates the shepherds'
fête.
Those who set off to discover the French Riviera will not
be disappointed for it has many cultural treasures to offer. Take,
for instance, the many works of art on display throughout the museums
along the Cote d'Azur, a telling
sign that the world's greatest ever artists are still kept in thrall
by its azure dreams. Corinne Tonarelli
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