Nice Geography:

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