By the end of the 18th century, English and Russian aristocrats flocked to Nice. This theme tour takes visitors in the footsteps of the city's winter visitors of the "Belle Epoque".

The tour starts in the Mont Boron district which boasts several remarkable villas. Among the elegant homes overloooking the sea, there is the striking "Chateau de l'Anglais" with its orientalist inspiration, pink facade and crenellated tower.
Then proceed to the hill of Cimiez where the English colony built luxury residences like the Regina Palace and Grand Hotel Victoria. Nearby, in the park of Château Valrose, former home of Baron Van der Wies, is an amazing wooden iba from Siberia.
Returning to the city centre, go to Saint Nicholas' Russian Orthodox cathedral. The tsarina Maria Feoderovna built a chapel here in memory of her son, the Grand Duke Nicholas. The church is a splendid example of Russian religious architecture.
Continue westward to discover the Jules-Chéret Fine Arts Museum in a former private home that once belonged to the Ukrainian Princess Kotschoubey. Nearby there is another typical Belle Epoque "folly", Château des Ollières, now a hotel.
Return to the centre of town on Promenade des Anglais and the Hotel Negresco, a listed historic monument typical of the luxury hotels of the Belle Epoque.

Architectural evolution from neoclacissism to eclecticism : foreign communities in Nice (British, Russian, American). From Place Masséna to Hotel Negresco. Every Friday afternoon. Centre du Patrimoine 75 quai des Etats-Unis Tél : 33 (0) 492 00 41 90 E.mail : centre.patrimoine@ville-nice.fr contact : Françoise Vernet Price : 54 Euros for a groupe (15 pax minimum) Duration : approximately 2 hours others "heritage" guided cultural tours

Fédération des guides interprètes Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur
Tél : 33 (0) 493 88 10 23
Fax : 33 (0) 493 88 33 38

Mission Patrimoine
Palais Lascaris
Vieux-Nice
Tél : 33 (0) 493 62 72 42