Laura De Nale’s Top 5

1. NICE BY BIKE

As well as the efficient cycle paths in the region (a series of cycle paths along the coast links Nice to neighbouring cities), the Community has for the last few months been offering a system of self-service hire bicycles, the so-called Vélo Bleu, which allows you to get around the city ecologically. There are 90 stations around the city for a total of 900 bicycles which can be left at any one of the 1500 deposit points scattered throughout the city. The bikes are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week all year round, but only for people who subscribe to the service and for a maximum of 24 hours at a time. There are weekly, monthly or annual subscriptions but day-long single use is also possible, for which you can sign up directly at one of the stations using the touch-screen. The cost of hire is charged monthly to the account of the card supplied when you sign up.

2. 150 YEARS OF ANNEXATION TO FRANCE

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the annexation of Nice to France: it was June 14th 1860 which saw the city become French, as well Savoy, as compensation for the help given by France in the Italian Risorgimento. The annexation was later ratified by popular vote among the citizens (which the Italians say was carried out for the love of France). This date is celebrated every year but this particular year the 14th was followed by four days of celebrations under the slogan “1860, Nice chooses France... 2010 France celebrates Nice”, complete with concerts, exhibitions, theatre shows and fireworks.

Video. The 150 year anniversary. Special edition. (duration: 4 minutes)

3. OPEN-AIR MUSEUM ON THE TRAM

Every Friday at 7pm, you can take part in a guided tour, in English and French, of the works of contemporary art present in the city, along the tram route. These works, which help to transform the urban landscape and introduce a note of modernity into the city, were created by some of the prominent figures from the contemporary art scene, commissioned by the city of Nice. The “Conversation in Nice” in Massena Square is perhaps the best-known work: it’s a series of crouching figures (Buddhas) installed on top of pillars which, at nightfall, light up in various colours and give the impression of being suspended in mid-air. The tour ticket (transport included) costs €10 and you need to sign up for it at the Tourist Office.

4. THE OLYMPIC ECO-STADIUM

With the Olympic Nice Stadium, expected to be completed by 2013, Nice is aspiring to create the world’s first eco-stadium, a model of integration and sustainable development in the heart of the Côte d’Azur. Thanks to its round structure and its proposed architectural and technical devices, the project promises to integrate perfectly into the Saint Isidore quarter. The particular characteristics of the project include: retractable stages for maximum flexibility of the space, and to allow the spectators to be near the pitch for football matches; the national museum of sport; numerous underground parking areas to fully exploit the area covered by the stadium; a three-dimensional structure built of wood covered by gradated seating (which will save 3000 tons of CO2 emissions compared with a traditional structure); a single system of natural air-conditioning; the installation of 16,000 square metres of solar panels which will allow the stadium to produce more energy than it consumes; a system to re-use rainwater; and a translucent cover which will give off a natural light and will light up at night.

5. EVERGREEN: LA PROMENADE DES ANGLAIS

It’s the most lively place in the city : a path a few kilometres long which follows the beach, used as an open-air gym. The Prom, as the inhabitants of Nice call it, is the perfect place to go for a walk, go jogging or ride your bike : the sea and the spectacular view of the coast act as side-dish to the training of the sporty types. The promenade, perfectly smooth and tarmaced, has become the favourite spot of skaters and rollerbladers. For lazier people, it’s possible to undertake a much more relaxing activity : contemplating the blue sea at the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges), sat on one of the various seaside benches, known as chaises bleus.

Video. Massena Square by night (duration: 1 minute)