Nice, France. La Baie des Anges. La Promenade des Anglais. Famous names and places many travelers’ dreams are made of. For those who have been lucky enough to visit and spend quality time in Nice, no explanation is needed. They know. For those who haven’t yet, let me tell you the story of my long-lasting friendship with that beautiful girl, la fille du sud. You can find her on the shore of the Mediterranean sea. She has been blessed by the Gods, (whoever they may be,) with expansive blue skies, unlimited access to bountiful produce, a rich history straddling two cultures, and more scenic and heart-stopping sights than one can envision. Bienvenue à Nice, the ruling queen of the French Riviera. My favorite trips always include at least one great city. I visited three during my French summer vacation this month, Paris, Lyon, and Nice, all so beautiful, with unique personalities. There is a reason the trip ended on the coast. Nice, France holds a special place in my heart.

Nice France

Many years ago, my personal life was unraveling, and I saw no way out. On a whim, I decided to return to Nice, a city I had not seen for many years, on my own. I hoped the trip would take me back to the happy summers of my childhood, spent on the shores of the Mediterranean, in France and in Spain. I hoped for a break. From the moment I saw her through the window of the airplane as we started our descent towards the Bay of Angels, I was hooked. I remember thinking I had never seen so many glorious colors, vivid promises of happier times ahead. Nice, France, had me at “Hello.” She seemed so happy, so radiant in the summer sun. The sight of her immediately lifted my spirits. It was, indeed, the beginning of a beautiful friendship, as illustrated in all the enthusiastic stories I wrote on my blog in the summers of 2011, 2012, and in the years that followed. For long intoxicating days and nights, as I explored the city and surrounding areas, I relished every moment, every step I took in le Vieux Nice, (the old town,) along the harbor, on the Promenade des Anglais, every interaction with locals. I savored every slice of Socca, a local snack, and every glass of Rosé. In Nice, France, for a few magical days each year, I found freedom, a renewed sense of independence, the peace I had craved for. “You will be all right. Everything will be all right,” Nice whispered in my ear, shrugging it all off, so carefree, so mesmerizing, How could I not believe her?

Nice, France

I went home that first year, and I was not all right. More challenging times, more upheavals were to come, but I kept returning, for strength, for inspiration, for laughs. I found true companionship in a busy, touristy, city on the French Riviera. How funny is that? And so, this summer, after several years of turmoil – You were right, Nice. I bounced back. I am going to be all right, – I planned to pay a visit to my old friend, for a reunion of sorts, a celebration of good things to come. I booked a wonderful apartment (details at the end of this story,) like always in the old town, above le Cours Saleya, the city’s most popular market in the daytime, and a favorite night-time spot, when restaurant and café terraces sprawl out, alive with the sound of conversations and laughter.

Nice. France

On the evening of July 14th, the French National Holiday, I was in Paris with my family, and we watched the traditional military parade on the Champs-Elysées we had taped earlier that day. We felt relieved that in spite of terror threats, the 2016 Euro soccer competition had wrapped up peacefully and successfully for France, after a tumultuous 2015. Then text messages started coming in, from friends and relatives who knew I was headed to Lyon, then Nice, the next day. “Did you hear about Nice? A guy in a truck attacked people on la Promenade des Anglais.” The familiar sinking feeling returned. Not again. Charlie Hebdo. Le Bataclan. So many other tragedies all over the world in between. Too many to count. The new normal, still unacceptable. And now Nice. I was asked if I would cancel the trip, if I would be returning to Paris, my adoptive city, after visiting Lyon over the weekend. I considered it very briefly, not knowing if it’d be easy to reach Nice with increased security. There are worse things in life than having to spend extra days in Paris as a tourist in the company of dear friends and loved ones. Then, quickly, I made my decision. I would go to Nice, if they’d let me. I had to check on my girlfriend and make sure she and her people were all right.

Nice, France

I reached the coast three days after the July 14 attack, after a rewarding visit in Lyon (Lyon deserves her own story, and will get it later.) The first thing I saw when I left the train station as I waited for the tram, were three young men’s faces, smiling at me from flyers posted all over the city walls: “MISSING- Have you seen this person?” Then their name, a description, their country of origin (they were all out of town visitors.) Finally, the sentence: “Last seen, High Beach, Promenade des Anglais, evening of July 14th.” I realized later these three young men were among the victims, many of them children, whose bodies had not yet been identified. As the tram made its way towards the old town, I spotted the French and international media, blocking half the elegant Place Masséna. Hiding in the shade from the summer heat, reporters were waiting for the scoop, the story worth sharing, and, I understood later, for the ceremony and tribute scheduled the following day, on Monday July 18.

This visit was going to be different.

Nice, France

Media circus

i stayed away from la Promenade des Anglais, the tributes, the flowers, for the next three days. Instead, I looked at people in the heart of le Vieux Nice. There, on Monday July 18 at noon, I stood next to two restaurant waiters for the minute of silence observed around the country. I listened to conversations. I heard the Niçois’ grief, their concerns, and above all their anger, at the murderer, and at the French government that seemed so powerless at protecting the country. Yes, Nice and her people were upset, and I was too. I would not presume to understand how the victims’ families and friends felt. Half of them came from other countries. Like me, they had arrived in Nice, France, for a good time, on their vacation, to fulfill a dream maybe. They had met chaos, pain, and even death. Pourquoi? Why? As the days passed, and the official tributes unfolded, the media frenzy continued around the world. I avoided that too, as much as I could. It was unmistakable: Nice was a little quieter. Some restaurant tables stayed empty at night, even on popular Cours Saleya. There were people on the famous pebbled beach, just not as many. Some tourists had clearly canceled their visits out of fear.

Beach

Early morning beachgoers

They needn’t have. The city was secure. The police, the Gendarmerie, and the army, heavily armed, could be seen patrolling streets in the summer heat. I greeted them every chance I got. So did other people, including waiters at restaurant terraces, occasionally joking with a young soldier and offering him to swing by later, for a free drink, “pour l’Apéro.” The soldier typically did not respond, but acknowledged greetings and smiles with a nod.

Nice, France

During that week, I never felt fear. I was home, where everything is familiar and reassuring. I realized once again, just as I have many times over the last 35 years following terror attacks in Paris, that risk is all around us, everyday, everywhere we go. We all need to make a choice: Are we going to stop traveling, exploring, and enjoying ourselves because *something* could happen? Are we going to hide, even as we fully realize we are not safe at home either? Are we going to give the fanatics, the lunatics, the cowards, the hypocrites, the failures-to-launch of the world the satisfaction? I think not. I love France. I love Europe. I love travel. I will not change or cancel my plans. Not only will I keep traveling, I will also continue sharing the lifestyle I – and millions of others – are attached to, on this blog, on Instagram, and with the French Girl in Seattle Facebook community. We are small, but we are mighty. The word gets out fast thanks to social media. If I can convince just one person to not cancel their trip, to go to Paris, Nice, or anywhere else, especially in France this year, to live their dreams while supporting the local economy, then mission accomplished.

Apéro, favorite time of day. Place Rossetti, Nice

Apéro, favorite time of day. Place Rossetti, Nice

Nice, France is waiting. She has not changed. Even bruised and battered, she remains lively, fascinating, and too beautiful for words. So let’s use photos, shall we? Le Vieux Nice, the old town, is still the magical place, it always was, not quite France, not quite Italy either. This is where you go for some shade during the hot afternoon hours, or for a good time in the evening.

Nice, France

Nice, France

Nice, France

Place Rossetti

Nice, France

For a change of pace, and to watch locals and visitors at play, head to the beach, stroll along la Promenade des Anglais, or go to the most elegant part of town, la Promenade du Paillon, la place Masséna and the pedestrian-only streets of the shopping area.

Nice, France

Come to FGIS, petit chien! You know she loves Frenchies!

Nice, France

Promenade du Paillon

Nice, France

The blue chairs, Promenade des Anglais

If you thought Nice, France was captivating in the summer sun; wait until you see her dressed for the evening.

Nice, France

The harbor, Nice at sunset.

Nice, France

Promenade du Paillon

Nice, France

Place Massena, “Conversation in Nice.”

Place Massena 2

Place Masséna, Fontaine du Soleil, Nice

If you believe food, drinks and life are best enjoyed #enterrasse, then Nice, France is for you. You have many outdoor spots to pick from, even if if you are sitting in the privacy of your own balcony with a view.

Nice, France

Mediterranean fare at restaurant du Gesu, le Vieux Nice. With the mandatory carafe de Rosé.

Nice, France

Best thin-crust pizza in the old town? Bar du Coin, Vieux Nice.

Best ice cream in Nice? Chez Fenocchio. Salted caramel, of course.

Best ice cream in Nice? Fenocchio. Caramel au beurre salé or confiture de lait? How about both?

Nice, France

Chez moi. Colline du Château, Méditerranée and Marché Saleya: Can’t beat that view!

The choice is yours, les amis. For me, it’s an easy one. I hope that over the next few years, most of my travels lead me back to la fille du sud, my girlfriend, la belle Nice, and to France.

A bientôt.

Apartment from market

All photos by French Girl in Seattle. Please do not use without permission.

Nice, France

Among the tributes to victims, especially children, a small paper bag, from a local boulangerie, with a map of France, and a croissant.

Nice, France

“Don’t touch our kids! Being French is a privilege that must be earned.”

Véronique - France with Véro
Véronique of France with Véro

Véronique of France with Véro

Vero shares her homeland weekly on social media with virtual tours, photo essays, live events and other publications at France with Vero. Learn more.

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36 Comments

  1. CLAUVEL on July 30, 2016 at 3:26 pm

    Je partage vos approches.
    Rémy Clauvel

    • French Girl in Seattle on August 1, 2016 at 7:01 am

      Merci Rémy.

  2. Keith Smith on July 30, 2016 at 3:47 pm

    Quel poste belle. J’aime la France. Jamais été à Nice, ma ville préférée St Cere, Département Lot.

    • French Girl in Seattle on August 1, 2016 at 7:00 am

      Le Lot est magnifique Keith. Merci de votre visite.

  3. CLAUVEL on July 31, 2016 at 12:03 am

    Véronique : Vous êtes extra . Congratulations. Félicitations. Continue as usual.

    • French Girl in Seattle on August 1, 2016 at 6:56 am

      Merci de ces encouragements, Remy! I am planning to “continue as usual.” 🙂

  4. Cherie Moore on July 30, 2016 at 3:38 pm

    Excellent and so interesting, as always. Beautiful photos. It is such a pleasure to travel vicariously with you. Merci beaucoup!

    • French Girl in Seattle on August 1, 2016 at 7:00 am

      Thank you for following FGIS, as always, Cherie. It’s almost time for your trip to la Belle France I believe.

  5. Paul Robinson on July 30, 2016 at 3:49 pm

    I actually cried at one or two of the reports, and that’s no me hie! Born and bred in Northern Ireland I thought I was used to this carnage, but no, the soft side gave in. But as you say don’t let them win, carry on, visit this beautiful city, and strip of wonderful beaches, coastline, and wonderful bars, restos, and hotels. You could be run down accidently by a bus, car, or lorry anytime, at home or abroad. Little risk kiddos, c’mon come and see beautiful France. Five years in the north, a few visits to the Morbihan (south Bretagne), first visit for three weeks to my wonderful in laws, like second parents in La Térriér, beside La Tranche sur Mer, in the Vendée (yes as in the yacht race), and a honeymoon in Paris, not long after several attacks or attempts, never cooled my love for this country, or travelling and exploring. C’mon in the water is lovely. Chances of being caught up in anything other than a traffic jam minimal biloutes!

    • French Girl in Seattle on August 1, 2016 at 7:00 am

      Bonjour Paul. Great to read you again, Biloute! 😉 Thank you for the personal témoignage. It’s very special to me that an Irish guy loves France and her people so much. Bonne semaine dans le Nord (you know that region also holds a special place in my heart…)

  6. Dreamer on July 30, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    Véronique, I loved your posting. If I were limited to just one vacation destination, I would pick Nice.

    • French Girl in Seattle on August 1, 2016 at 6:58 am

      Then my happiness is complete. Merci. 🙂

  7. lindy watson on July 30, 2016 at 4:09 pm

    Thank you for your reassurances, will pass your message on.
    a bientot

    • French Girl in Seattle on August 1, 2016 at 6:58 am

      Please do. Thank you for your visit.

  8. Jean on July 30, 2016 at 7:39 pm

    My husband and I are continuing with our plans for a two week vacation to France in October. We’ll definitely make Nice one of our destinations. I really enjoy your posts and photos.

    • French Girl in Seattle on August 1, 2016 at 6:57 am

      Merci beaucoup Jean. I wish you a wonderful trip in la Belle France!

  9. Brenda Castiel on July 30, 2016 at 10:01 pm

    Thanks so much for your beautiful post. I love Nice too.

    • French Girl in Seattle on August 1, 2016 at 6:57 am

      You’re welcome. You’ve been to Nice. You know. 🙂

  10. Taste of France on July 31, 2016 at 4:21 am

    This is a very thoughtful, touching post, full of love. #enterrace!

    • French Girl in Seattle on August 1, 2016 at 6:56 am

      Merci beaucoup. I started following your excellent blog. I can’t believe I had not noticed it before! Thank you for your visit.

  11. Susan Shubnell on July 31, 2016 at 8:57 am

    Thank you for your very informative posts and wonderful photographs. What a beautiful.tribute to Nice ! I visited Paris , Normandy , and Avignon last autumn. I hope I can return to France and see Nice.

    • French Girl in Seattle on August 1, 2016 at 6:55 am

      I hope you can, too. Merci de votre visite.

  12. Marlène on August 1, 2016 at 12:02 am

    Je suis de Nice et vis à San Francisco. MERCI !!! Poste très touchant.
    Superbes photos qui représentent tellement bien ma si belle ville. #apéro

    • French Girl in Seattle on August 1, 2016 at 6:54 am

      Et votre message me touche particulièrement. Merci de votre visite, Marlène. Bonne continuation à San Francisco.

  13. Ralph Moohouse on August 1, 2016 at 3:37 pm

    What a touching article that expressed what most of us feel about Nice [& Paris] particualry when you spend a lot of time in both places – such special places each in their own way. I will share on my blog etc if I may. In fact I’d love to ‘borrow’ a couple of photos [with due recognition] if possible Thanks. Ralph

    • French Girl in Seattle on August 1, 2016 at 8:32 pm

      Thank you Ralph. Yes, please feel free to borrow photos, as long as you give credit. And thank you for asking. 🙂

  14. Marielle on August 8, 2016 at 2:11 pm

    Sieu Nissart … Je suis Nicoise et j’habite a Seattle egalement. Je me demande meme si je suis la seule ici? J’etais sur la Prom le 14 Juillet avec mes enfants pour des vacances tellement attendues. Il faisait plus froid que d’habitude. Le vent s’etait levé et on craignait qu’ils annulenent le feu a cause du vent. Le feu a ete magnifique et s’est termine en Blanc-Bleu-Rouge. La suite, on la connait. Nice est restee Belle mais il etait difficile d’en profiter. La promenade, notre promenade a ete souillee. Les nicois partagent une profonde blessure collective.

    Merci pour votre belle declaration d’amour a Nice. Vos photos sont maginifiques. Je partagerais avec mes amis americains.

    • French Girl in Seattle on August 8, 2016 at 9:50 pm

      Chère Marielle. Merci de votre message. Il me touche tout particulièrement.

    • Marielle on August 8, 2016 at 2:13 pm

      Faute de frappe ou correcteur … Bleu-Blanc-Rouge bien sur

  15. annette charlton on August 12, 2016 at 3:43 am

    I have found your blog via Oui In France, what good luck! What a different trip your last was from the previous ones to Nice. I am glad you could take positives from the visit away with you. Annette

    • French Girl in Seattle on August 12, 2016 at 5:44 pm

      Bienvenue, et merci Annette. All my trips to Nice have been wonderful ones. This one may have been different, but it was still one of my favorite ones. A bientôt.

  16. Dave on September 10, 2016 at 1:35 pm

    Bonjour! Merci pour cet article merveilleux. Nice has become something of a 2nd home for me over the past few years, staying for 3 months then traveling around France and Italy from there. So, a trip to Normandie or Cinque Terre meant coming home … to Nice. I love the people, the food and the surroundings. Did I mention the food?
    Un signe de la main de Victoria, BC, juste en face de l’eau. Dave.

    • French Girl in Seattle on September 10, 2016 at 8:52 pm

      Merci de votre visite, Dave! We are practically neighbors 😉 I am glad you share my passion for Nice. Some people don’t always understand when I describe that marvelous city… until they visit of course. A bientôt.

  17. Debby Woods on June 20, 2017 at 7:59 am

    Enjoyed your post and great photos! I live in Villefranche sur Mer part-time ..hope to meet you the next time you are in Nice. Also, liked your Eze post in 2011.

  18. Lindsay Marie on July 2, 2017 at 8:47 pm

    I’m a California girl living in Seattle’s east side but Nice has also always been my love. When I was 21, I stayed in Genoa for a summer but took many day trips up to Nice. It’s just so beautiful – the architecture, the sea, the colors and light. I would feel like crying when I had to leave. I also really liked Monaco. The beach there had very soft sand and fish would swim around your feet since they put fish food along there I think! Can’t wait to go back. Next time I want to stop by Menton and villefranche Sur mer. Thanks for your blog. I was lead to it looking to see if Seattle can grow the kind of strawberries I had in Paris!

    • French Girl in Seattle on July 15, 2017 at 7:08 am

      Thank you for stopping by Lindsay. I know there are many Nice lovers out there, and it’s always special for me to hear from them. Unlike you, I do not enjoy visiting Monaco (I once wrote a blogpost about it ;-)) but Villefranche, Menton, Eze Village, are all great options on the coast. As for strawberries, my favorite ones come from the southwest, les gariguettes or la Mara des Bois in particular. I wish you good luck finding their match in Seattle. 😉

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