Nice, France - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

wpgflamesfan · 03-15-2010, 12:03 AM

Looks like i'll be headed over there to do my 2nd semester next year (january-may) and then i'll probably hang out for a few weeks once the semester is over. Anyone have any recommendations on things to see, places to visit, where to eat, bars to go to, etc?

Berger_4_ · 03-15-2010, 12:12 AM

Ah, I thought this was a thread that was going to make fun of France. Since this is about the city, and not cheese-eating surrender monkey's I'll be on my way.

SebC · 03-15-2010, 02:33 AM

My recommendation, if you're doing a semester there anyways, is to see other places when you get the chance, like after your semester is over, or even weekends/long weekends if you keep your eyes open for cheap flights.

Rathji · 03-15-2010, 06:36 AM

My only recommendation is don't take any military strategy course while you are there.

As for things to see, eat and do? I hear French girls are nice. Bring a hedge trimmer though.

NBC · 03-15-2010, 07:17 AM

FYI, most of the beaches on the French Riviera are either big slabs of cut out stone or pebble. If I can remember correctly the beach at Antibes is sand.

May is a busy time in the area due to the Monaco GP (16 May) and the Cannes Film Festival (same time period). Lots of money floating off the coast in huge yachts and sailboats. Great place to be if you got some serious cash.

Cap d' ail is a nice spot, plus you aren't more than a 2hr train ride to Provence.

Have fun.

Kybosh · 03-15-2010, 07:28 AM

Nice itself isn't all that big but I always got a kick out the library they have downtown. I called it the biblio-tête.

Also, despite what you may have heard, Marseilles is a cool city and worth exploring.

Nage Waza · 03-15-2010, 07:40 AM

I have spent time there and I don't think you need to know much before you arrive. You are going to be surrounded by students, I am sure they can tell you whatever there is to know about things to see. I am envious you are going!
I know the area is very expensive but if you catch some parties in the yacht scene you could get set up for life. I wound up on two boats for parties, one of them owned by one of the largest fashion names in the world and the other was a nearly cruise ship sized yacht owned by a single person (I think it was the massive yacht in the James Bond movies). Some other guy had a yacht that looked like a pirate ship that even had cannons that panels would open up to reveal. I don't recall what I did to schmooze into those parties, but I am sure you will figure out what bars to go to.
If you get a chance to sneak into Eden Roc you will likely run into some famous people. Last time I was there, a coke and sandwich ran over 50 bucks, so be careful.

Table 5 · 03-15-2010, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

Pizza, eat a lot of it

I would highly recommend trying out this one great place called Père Jean.

speede5 · 03-15-2010, 08:05 AM

Dieppe, Normandy, but you would need a car. Italy is close too. Never been to either but that would be on my list.

BlackEleven · 03-15-2010, 08:13 AM

Nice is great, nice beaches. I imagine its a lot better if you have a tonne of cash though. A lot of rich people live in and around the area.

The Cote du Rhone region, which is wine-making country, is not far north. You can do a wine tour if you're interested in that. Bordeaux and Barcelona are within distance to do a weekend trip.

Take a trip to Monte Carlo and check out the casino. Definitely check it out if you're there during F1 time.

troutman · 03-15-2010, 09:09 AM

Alps - Grenoble, Chamonix

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamonix

Blois - castles, ex Chambord

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blois

Dordogne - Sarlat, Lascaux (cave paintings)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dordogne

Reims, Epernay - champagne, gourmet food

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champagne_(wine_region)

Strasbourg:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strasbourg

Carcassonne, UNESCO World Heritage Site:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcassonne

Sancerre, wine

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sancerre

Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magny_Cours

Suzles · 03-15-2010, 09:13 AM

Take money - a LOT.

3 Justin 3 · 03-15-2010, 09:17 AM

Go to the beach and scout some nice French ass.

Mark · 03-15-2010, 10:00 AM

In the area, I really enjoyed going to Nimes. Decent Roman buildings (still use coliseum for concerts and bull fights) and just a good feel to the town.

Coys1882 · 03-15-2010, 10:09 AM

Wear a beret with Rusty embroidered on it. French girls love them!!

FurnaceFace · 03-15-2010, 10:25 AM

By the end of your semester I expect you'll have done most of the local area and will have some others who want to travel with you so you can do the backpacking thing for as long as you have money. Even if you're alone, go do it, you'll meet people in the hostels who you can travel with and have a great time just seeing things.

Even if it means you put your life on hold for awhile, just go and travel. Working and "getting a life" will always be there for you when you get back, having the opportunity to travel around for an undetermined amount of time won't be.

chemgear · 03-15-2010, 10:59 AM

Obviously totally on the other side of the country but I'd at least find time to check out Normandy if you're a war/history buff. It's neat to see Canadian flags every where.

Personally, I think every Canadian should spend time time at: