Photo: Scenic View Nice Provence France

The scenic view of Nice in Provence, France as seen from the Parc du Chateau shows both the old and new towns as well as the waterfront.

The scenic view of Nice in Provence, France is best seen from the Parc du Chateau, a peaceful park on a hill 92 kilometers above the city. The long-gone chateau dated back to the 12th century, but was destroyed by Louis XIV at the start of the 18th century.To reach the Parc du Chateau visitors can take the 'ascenseur', the elevator, at the Tour Bellanda, but there is a fee for this route. There are steps from the Rue Rossetti and two lanes, Rues Segurane and Rondelly for the energetic folk.Nice in Provence was first developed, by the Greeks, as a trading port in the 4th century BC. Named Nicaea, 'giver of victory', over the centuries the city has been attacked by Saracens, Turks and even the French. Finally in 1860 a treaty between Napoleon III and the king of Sardinia Nice became a French city.From the Parc du Chateau the Old Town, Vieux Ville, and the modern area are clearly defined. Bordered by the sparkling, blue Mediterranean Sea it is easy to see why Nice has attracted the rich and famous and the bourgeoisie for years, even Queen Victoria enjoyed the charm of Nice.The Old Town of Nice, Provence has much to offer, the Cours Saleya, an outstanding food and flower market, the Cathedrale Sainte Reparate in the Place Rossetti, and numerous charming shops, restaurants and sidewalk cafes can be found along the fascinating streets, such as the Rue du Marche and the Rue de la Prefecture.Along the seafront, the Baie des Anges stretches for over 7 kilometers, unfortunately there is little sand, but the gravel is smooth and the beach is divided into private (for hotel customers) and public areas for bathing.Nice in Provence is probably the best city to visit on the French Riviera on the Cote d'Azur. It has charm and character and visitors can find either peace or excitement, whatever their preference.City of Nice waterfront and Old Town seen from the Parc du Chateau, Riviera, Provence, Cote d'Azur, France, Europe.