Nice Belle Époque: The Birth of the French Riviera

Explore Nice and learn about the Belle Époque, a short period of optimism, prosperity, and cultural flourishing in Europe. Begin your tour at Place Masséna, and continue to Jardin Albert I, a place where Europe's elite came to participate in what was known as la vie mondaine. Visit the Casino Jetée-Promenade site, a symbol of the Riviera's new lifestyle: elegance, leisure, and spectacle. Discover on the Promenade des Anglais why wealthy British and European families started wintering on the Riviera. Go in front of the Hôtel Westminster and Hôtel West End, which together tell the story of the birth of luxury tourism in Nice. Learn about the first palace hotels of the Riviera, the pioneer of luxury hotels. Discover the story of the Negresco, the immigrant who built Europe's most famous hotel. See the Palais Meyerbeer, a Belle Époque palace for the wealthy. Conclude your tour at Boulevard Victor Hugo, where you can read Belle Époque architecture.

1. 1

   Place Massena

   Pass by

   Begin your tour at Place Masséna, where Nice transformed into a modern French city. Learn about the urban transformation, including the creation of wide boulevards, elegant squares, public gardens, luxury shopping, palace hotels, and the railway station.

2. 2

   Le Jardin Albert 1er

   Pass by

   Continue to Jardin Albert I, a place where Europe's elite came to socialize, display their wealth, and participate in what was known as la vie mondaine (high society). Learn about the social life of the Belle Époque, the art of "promenading," fashion as social language, music in the gardens, and why public gardens became so important.

3. 3

   Promenade des Anglais

   Pass by

   Discover on the Promenade des Anglais why wealthy British and European families started wintering on the Riviera and how the Riviera was created as a health destination. Learn about the first luxury industry, the Russians on the French Riviera, and the artists and writers who lived in Nice.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   Pass by

   Discover the story of the Negresco, the immigrant who built Europe's most famous hotel. Learn about the building of the ultimate palace, the impact of the First World War, and the hotel's second life.

5. 5

   Boulevard Victor-hugo

   Pass by

   Conclude your tour at Boulevard Victor Hugo, where you can read Belle Époque architecture. Learn about the historical period during which architects combined several earlier styles while embracing modern engineering and new decorative ideas.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.