nice

Nice is a city and commune on the French Riviera, the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Câ€\u009ccôte d’Azur region of southeastern France. It sits on the Mediterranean coast at the mouth of the Baie des Anges and is the principal city of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis. The city proper has around 340,000 residents, with a larger metropolitan area.

Nice has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. January average lows are around 6–8°C, while July temperatures commonly reach the mid-20s Celsius. Rainfall is most frequent in autumn and winter, but the city generally enjoys a high number of sunny days.

Historically, Nice was founded as Nikaia by ancient Greeks around 350 BCE. It passed under Roman control and later became part of the Savoyard state in 1388. It remained with the House of Savoy until 1860, when it was ceded to France by the Treaty of Turin. The 19th and 20th centuries brought rapid growth as a popular resort for European travelers.

Culturally, Nice is known for its historic old town (Vieux Nice), the Promenade des Anglais, and Castle Hill overlooking the sea. The Cimiez district hosts the Matisse Museum and the Chagall Museum. The city is famous for Niçoise cuisine, including socca and salade niçoise, and for events such as the Nice Carnival and various cultural festivals. The local economy relies heavily on tourism, services, and the port, with transportation provided by Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, tram lines, and rail connections to the French and Italian rivieras.