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Nice and Grasse

UNESCO World Heritage
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  4. Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the Côte d’Azur

The dazzling, sun-drenched Côte d’Azur is also renowned for its prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Discover its magnificent landscapes and history between Nice and Grasse.

Visit Nice, capital of Riviera Tourism

A UNESCO-listed site July 2021, designated “Nice, Capital of Riviera Tourism”, this stunning Riviera town is world renowned as one of France’s most beautiful cities.

An iconic destination par excellence, Nice has evolved around the leisure industry and was initially a coveted winter tourism hub until the late 19th century. The wealthy bourgeoisie flocked to the “Winter Parlour of Europe”, boasting a temperate climate and gorgeous scenery ranging from olive and orange groves to dazzling Mediterranean sea views…

Various travel diaries also contributed to the city’s renown, including a work by Scottish writer Tobias Smollett published in 1766 entitled “Travels Through France and Italy”. The city was an entertainment hotspot too: bedecked in their tuxedos and long dresses, holidaymakers paraded at the theatre and opera house, or relaxed at the local library. They marvelled at the Nice carnival, fairs and other traditional celebrations. Summer tourism took off from 1920 onwards. The fame of the city’s ever-blue sunny skies and healing, crystal-clear Mediterranean waters stretched far beyond the French border and Nice soon became a favourite stop-off on the Côte d’Azur.

A walk in the heart of Unesco Nice

What are the top things to do in Nice? From the port to the historic quarter, you’re bound to come across at least one remarkable heritage site in this harmonious, ornamental and flower-filled city, hovering between land and sea.

Head to the mythical Promenade des Anglais, baptized in 1844 when walks along the sea front had become very fashionable. Just imagine Queen Victoria strolling with her court along the hotels and palaces of Colline de Cimiez hill, including the Excelsior Regina Palace where she stayed… Open your eyes and observe the many cosmopolitan influences found in the architecture of Nice’s palaces, chateaux and Saint Nicolas Cathedral.

Pay tribute to the perfumes of Grasse

Grasse… Its name alone conjures up the mythical perfumes that earned the town a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity listing in 2018 for its “Skills related to perfume in Pays de Grasse“. And of course, this prestigious distinction is also a way to protect the town’s magnificent natural heritage of mimosa, violet and jasmine fields, which flourish here thanks to the region’s microclimate.

Behind Grasse’s celebrated perfumery savoir-faire lie a host of traditional skills, including perfume plant growing techniques, selection and processing of raw materials and the art of composing one-of-a-kind perfumes. In other words, Grasse perfume reflects the absolute mastery of traditions dating back to the 16th century. The figures say it all: the perfume industry in Grasse comprises no less than 64 firms employing around 4,600 staff.

To discover

Cité Radieuse Marseille UnescoCité Radieuse Marseille Unesco
©Cité Radieuse Marseille Unesco
Discovering the UNESCO sites of Provence
There are over 1100 UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites worldwide. France has 45 and Provence is also home to some marvels which help put it even more on the map. Architectural...
Promenade des Anglais
Promenade des Anglais
The iconic Promenade des Anglais is a real jewel in Nice, known across the world. The people of Nice and holidaymakers use it for a walk, exercise or a simple moment of escape,...
Ancien Hôtel Régina
Ancien Hôtel Régina
The Régina is a historic hotel nestled on the hill of Cimiez which was part of the heyday of Nice tourism between the late 19th century and the 1930s.
Molinard Perfumery La Bastide
Molinard Perfumery La Bastide
Come experience this magnificent family mansion and discover the different steps to perfume production, with life-sized automated displays and interactive games.
Fragonard Perfumery - Historic perfume factory
Fragonard Perfumery - Historic perfume factory
This very beautiful factory established in a 19th century building sits in the heart of the old town where our perfumes and soaps are crafted everyday. It is one of the oldest...
International Perfume Museum
International Perfume Museum
Dedicated to one of France’s most prestigious traditional trades, the museum is the first public establishment devoted to the stewardship and promotion of the international...
Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Patriarcat de Moscou
Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Patriarcat de Moscou
An unusual monument to discover in the centre of Nice. Inspired by traditional Moscow churches, Saint-Nicolas Cathedral is part of the city's Baroque and Belle Epoque architecture.
carnaval
©Litchi Cyril
Nice Carnival, showtime on the Cote d’Azur!
The “Carnaval de Nice” brings together hundreds of thousands of festival-goers every winter in the capital of the Côte d’Azur. Don’t miss this 2-week,...
The Walls and the Old Town of Briancon, FranceThe Walls and the Old Town of Briancon, France
©The Walls and the Old Town of Briancon, France|Fotolia
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Alps
In the Hautes-Alpes region, the fortifications of Briançon and the stronghold of Mont-Dauphin were listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2008. These two must-see...
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