"The Grand Tour" a Nice Travel Page by allaboutnice

Most of the details of this tour have been covered in my travel tips under 'must see'. This photo shows the route that the bus takes.

The tour would be too far to do by foot - a fair few miles are covered plus a couple of hills - Mont Boron and up into Cimiez.

I didn't have my zoom camera last year so some of the photos are not too wonderful - I am tempted to re-do the tour this year and try and improve some of the shots.

I really enjoyed this tour. Even on familiar roads, the extra height from the upper deck offers a new perspectives and vistas, as well as a good nose into the gorgeous villas on Mont Boron.

There have been some changes for 2004 and these have been outlined in my travel tips under 'must see' - the 'New and Improved Grand Tour 2004'.

The map shows the new stops along the route, allowing you to hp on and hop off. Passes can now be bought for two days to take advantage of the new changes.

Plug yourself into the commentary and sit back and enjoy. There are plenty of photo opportunities. I was worried about the sun beating down on us but in fact the movement of the bus generated a lovely breeze.

The photo shows a bit of Place Garibaldi, a formal attractive 18th century square. You can just see the church - the Chapelle du St Sepulcre. Under the stone arcades are two excellent fish restaurants, the famous Grand Cafe de Turin and the smaller Chez Pistol (in my restaurant tips)

Place Garibaldi will be pedestrianised in the next few years and be part of the new tramway. It links the Old Town with the modern city.

The tour takes you past the Port of Nice, giving you a chance to gawp at the gorgeous boats moored here. You can just the the Colline du Chateau or Castle Hill to the right. The Port is lined with beautiful ochre and terracotta-coloured buildings. There are several restaurants lining the three sides of the Port plus boat trips from here all the way from San Remo to St Tropez. There are also a couple of places that offer dives and scuba tuition. Details on my website: www.allaboutNice.com

This building, called 'La Tete Carre' which means 'the square head', is an office block. It houses the administrative offices of the libraries. Nice place to work. When you are up close you can see the office windows through the mesh that appears to be solid from a distance.

In the distance you can see MAMAC - the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. This museum is well worth a visit. Don't miss the opportunity to go to the very top and onto the roof for some wonderful views and photos. Nice shop too in the entrance for original gifts and postcards.