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The name originates from the tendency of wealthy Englishmen to
take holidays in Nice in the late 18th century. When a particularly bad winter brought
thousands of rural poor to the town the wealthy English proposed putting them to work on
the promenade. As well as the promenade and beautiful beaches, visitors to Nice may enjoy
the architectural delights of buildings such as the palatial Hotel Negresco (built on the
promenade in 1912) or St. Nicholas' Russian Orthodox Cathedral, one of the finest Russian
Orthodox cathedrals to be found outside Russia. Such foreign influences provide strong
evidence for the alluring climate and atmosphere of Nice.
Monaco:
The principality of Monaco is a small sovereign state at the eastern end of the Riviera.
The city-state is famous for, the casinos of the Monte Carlo region of Monaco; the Monaco
Grand Prix fixtures and rally; and the marriage of the Hollywood legend Grace Kelly to
Prince Rainier III, ruler of Monaco until 2005. For any tourist visiting Monaco one of the
major attractions must be the Monte Carlo Casino; Charles Garnier, the architect of the
Paris opera house, built this stunning building in 1878. The neo-classical design of
the interior, including 28 Ionic columns made of onyx and marble floors, delivers a visual
feast that consummately vindicates the building's international reputation.
As well as the casino any culture aficionados must not miss the Prince's Palace, the
residence of the Griamldi family, the rulers of Monaco since 1297. This uniquely located
Palace was built on the site of a fortress built by the Genoese in 1215. A visit takes one
on a journey through history from the time of the Guelfes and the Gibelins to the
Napoleonic period. For those wishing to sample the "high life" or indulge in the
rich cultural heritage of the region, Monaco is the ideal destination on the Riviera.
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