NICE, UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Although the Nice Côte d’Azur region is renowned the world over for its buildings and landscapes, the city was mainly shaped by the Belle Époque. A period that has left us with an extraordinary architectural heritage, making Nice a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the “winter resort city of the Riviera”. Let’s take a closer look at these unique buildings lining the streets and coastline of the French Riviera.

Villas in Nice

Located mainly on Nice’s hills and seafront, the vast majority of villas date from the turn of the 20th century, with some fine art-deco, modernist and contemporary examples dotting the Nice landscape.

The oldest, the Villa Furtado-Heine, known as the “Officers’ Villa”, was built in 1787 by Lady Penelope Rivers on the Promenade des Anglais.

The Villa Marichu and its art-deco spirit dominates the Cap de Nice.

On the rocky slopes of the Mont-Boron, the Château de l’Anglais fascinates with its whimsical exotic style and neo-classical rotunda.

Its eclectic architecture and botanical garden classify the building as a Historic Monument.

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Hotels and palaces on the Côte d’Azur

Praised for its beauty and climate, the Côte d’Azur has been a destination that attracts many privileged travellers in search of sun in the heart of winter since the late 18th century.

It was with improved transport and shorter stays that hotels were gradually built.

Since 1913 the famous hotel Le Negresco has been writing its unique and timeless legend on the Promenade des Anglais.

This Palace was declared a Historic Monument in 2003 thanks to its architectural splendour, which has remained intact.

Equipped with a magnificent royal lounge, its mythical glass roof and its collection of works of art, the 5-star Hotel has been awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label since 2015.

Continuously active in their modernity, Le Negresco Hotel is among the first palaces to be committed to a voluntary environmental policy and has been awarded the European Ecolabel, which certifies the implementation of environmental protection measures.

The “amenity” building

A characteristic feature of the town centre urban landscape, the ornate facades of amenity buildings are reminiscent of those of hotels, as they share the same objective of attractiveness. They are often referred to as “palaces”. Friezes, frescoes, mural decorations and domes adorn the Palais Paschetta, the Palais Alice, the Palais Juliette and the Palais Mozart. These corner buildings are typical of the Belle Epoque period and showcase the skills of Italian craftsmen. On the Promenade des Anglais, the Couronne imposes with its large green space and the polychrome mosaics that adorn its façade. Today, these buildings are an integral part of the identity of the city of Nice and the heritage of the Côte d’Azur.

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Nice, a place of sociability

Places of sociability are testimony to the human and historical values that have shaped Nice.

A dozen or so places of worship for cosmopolitan communities are thus part of the urban landscape.

Places of entertainment also shape the image of the city centre and the coast.

Witness the private beaches on the Promenade des Anglais, the concert hall at the Château de Valrose or the casino at the Palais de la Méditerranée.

The fresco on the grand ceiling of the Nice Opera with its mythological sky and adjoining decorations classify the building as a Historic Monument.

Many department stores and luxury boutiques still retain their historic shop windows. Like the former “À La Riviera” department stores’, which is still very close to its original state with its vast central atrium.

Anchored on the rocks, the diving board at La Réserveis a true icon of modern architecture in the art deco style.

Featuring a delicate spiral staircase, the elegant three-storey structure rises its proud whiteness above the big blue.

Nice, UNESCO World Heritage Site

As you can see, Nice is blessed with an exceptional heritage. Since 27 July 2021, the winter resort town on the Riviera has seen its riches recognised universally.

Nice, inscrite sur la liste du Patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO

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