Tourism & Culture
Nice Harbour
Port Lympia, named after one of Nice's rivers flowing into the Mediterranean sea, was open for navigation in 1751 and extended to its final size and shape 129 years later.
Additional Port extensions were completed towards 1975 enabling large cargos, cruise liners and ferries to dock. Daily regular services depart from Nice to Corsica's main Ports: Bastia, Ajaccio and Porto Vecchio.
Several Mediterranean cruises stop at Nice, the nearby Villefranche sur Mer, and Cannes. Nice Port Authorities are offering a shuttle service from Nice Harbour to Nice International Airport. Journey: about 30 minutes to cover 5 miles or 8 km.
Its picturesque inner Port section harbours yachts, fishing and excursion boats as well as a deep sea diving school. It is framed by beautiful Italianate façades of 18th Century Genoese palaces with the lush Castle Hill and Mont Moron as a backdrop.
Nice Port Festival
Organized by the Nice Chamber of Commerce and Industry, « Lou Festin Dou Pouort » is held every year at the beginning of September to promote regional traditions. This popular "Fete" is a melting pot of folk music, singing, popular dance, local art, kraft and cuisine.
At the « village des chefs » several local restaurants introduced their savoury tasters, wholesome dishes and gourmet delicacies, les Vignerons de Bellet promoted their best wines whilst local bakers and patissiers paraded the tasty results of their skills under the patronage of the slow food movement.
For this particular occasion the Port area is completely pedestrianized. Entry is free to all the shows: entertainmnents for children and adults, Theatre plays, pop concerts, folk dances all choreographead by the lazer beams bobbing on the water and impressive fireworks lighting Nice's sky in an unforgettable late summer evening.
Last year as many as 20.000 visitors were provided with 18 food and drink stands, 350 tables and chairs for 2500 of them. Nice Port Festival is a joyful event for families wanting to rediscover their traditions within the plendid setting of Nice Harbour.
