In Nice we also found the most beautiful olive grove, with the old old trees standing silent and impressive.
The Olive tree is one of the most beloved, sacred trees and its place is firmly rooted in Ancient Greek tradition and mythology.
Traditionally, the Olive tree is a symbol of peace and friendship, this association began in ancient Greece, as early as the fifth century.
We constantly hope for peace in this world. During this silent walk, some rays of sun hit a friend (a palm tree?) in one of the trunks in quite a spectacular way – and it felt almost like a sign. May peace come to us all – soon.
This week, it is Patti’s turn to lead us – and she has chosen Cityscapes.
Being a country girl, I always fear these themes. Even if I have visited many cities, I mostly photograph their gardens and parks, art and architecture – details. As my latest visit was to Nice – I will try with something more from that visit. It was a city in change.
Nice is not just a place, it’s a feeling.
– Unknown
In 2022 Nice was voted the greenest city in France, with 50% of its surface covered by wooded areas. The reclaiming of greenery from concrete has its goal set to one tree for every inhabitant by 2026, and then the green area will be 20 ha. The carnival was held at the beginning of the green ”river” of reclaimed land, and we saw some really big buildings being teared down for this ambitious ecological plan.
The city overviews were taken from Castle Hill. And the two smiling girls were carnival guides – who handed out some welcoming acacia twigs to every guest. I found Nice to be a very smiling and friendly city.
If you have been to Nice, I am sure you have walked Promenade des Anglais along Baie des Anges. Everybody does. Maybe not all 7 kilometers, but a fair bit.
At the end of the 18th century, many Englishmen started spending their winters in Nice, and 1820 was an especially cold winter. Many beggars tried their luck in Nice, and some of the rich Englishmen suggested they could earn their living by building a promenade along the sea. The idea of ”Promenade des Anglais” was born.
When the French celebrated their National Day here on July 14, 2016, there was a terrorist attack where hundreds of people were injured and 86 people lost their lives. This week we learned that Navalnyj had just died in a Siberian Gulag, and people showed their grief, sympathy and protest in flowers, candles, texts and photos on the monument of the attack.
The beautiful olive tree, by Laurent Bioso, in Old town Nice – an image of strength and resilience.
The glass construction of the railway station involved cranes and workers all over the place, and was contrasting their green ecological plan with trees, parks and wooden playgrounds.
Finally – we had some delicious food! Excellent restaurants and lovely personnel – here are two of the best!
Nice is proving that heaven is a place on earth. But with better cuisine.
– Unknown
At the outskirts of the city, in St Jean-Cap-Ferrat, we had the most delicious ice-cream I have ever tasted…but sooo expensive. We could have bought a whole dinner for that money. But…….
In Nice, every day is a new adventure waiting to happen. – Unknown
Surprisingly, we found Sir Winston Churchill standing at his easel in the harbour, carefully painting the beautiful scenery. The artist, Paul Rafferty, wanted the statue to be placed where Churchill often painted his beloved French coast.
A big thank you for posting so many circular wonders last week! Amazing creativity – and some of you pointed out that suddenly you saw circles everywhere! I hope you have stopped spinning by now…I am trying to…
This week we’re showcasing cities, large and small – what are the features of your chosen city? Show us images that are part of your overall impression of the city. If you want, focus on two cities, and compare their features. Thank you for broadening the theme, Patti! Please be sure to link to Patti’s original post and include the “lens-artist” tag.
Next week, it’s Tina’s turn to lead LAPC #292, so be sure to visit Travels and Trifles next Saturday at noon EST for her inspiring post.
Until then, be kind and have a great week!
We had missed that in Nice they do not close their museums on Mondays – but on Tuesdays. Instead we went to Phoenix Parc near the airport, a short train ride and we were there.
Many flowers and some animals – a sunny and relaxing walk! One of the peacocks decided to show off his beauty – and we had a hard time figuring out if his front or back was the most attractive part of him…
The flamingos were spotted from down under the foliage, pruning and prancing…
So, feathers and flowers – another lovely day in Nice!
There is something particularly special and personal about the circle and how its curves comfortably rule every aspect of our lives.
― Kat Lahr
I spent a week in Nice and surrounding villages – and was greatly inspired by the art and architecture as well as the ongoing Carnivals. Last time we visited was in 1976…a long time ago. Honestly, I didn’t recognise anything at all, but loved what I saw. And the food was delicious.
A feast of colourful life filled our days. In fact I found so many lovely circular items, old and new, that I decided this challenge would be about Circular Wonders. For you to interpret the way you find most interesting!
This carnival in Nice is an old tradition. In 1294 it was first mentioned in writing, in 1873 it was the first carnival procession in France, and in 1876, flower floats were introduced. Today the Nice Carnival is the grandest and most important carnival (more than two weeks of festivities) in the Mediterranean area.
As the old towns and small towns here usually do, Saint Paul de Vence, Menton and Eze, offered lovely cobbled streets and wonderful art galleries, big and small. Fondation Maeght was impressive, and the Chagall museum in Nice was of course well worth a visit.
In my gallery below, the included Chagall is from his Bible series. Fête du Citron (with 140 tons of fruit used for uncountable circles…) in Menton had an Olympic theme. And every morning tables were beautifully laid on the beach – emanating strong spring vibes to a cold Swedish soul.
Wander into the center of the circle of wonder.
– Hongzhi Zhengjue
The next gallery is from the Opening Parade (this year the theme was Pop Culture) and the Flower Parade. Among the flower floats I recognised many fairy tale themes. When I said we were going to the ”Flower Parade”, an elderly French gentleman kindly corrected me – Bataille des Fleurs! Oh well, that sounded just perfect in French.
A circle is a round straight line with a hole in the middle.
– Mark Twain
Circles, half circles…skirts, dresses, hairdos, flowers, umbrellas, candy, and even a nose. Most impressive of these circular wonders, were the cycling musicians from the Netherlands – and they circled throughout the whole parade, lead by a biking conductor! There were all instruments from drums to trumpets and horns – and no one fell off his/her bike… some admirable skills there.
Come out of the circle of time
And into the circle of love.
– Rumi
Et voilá – I will end with some non-carnival flowers found in Nice, Menton and Eze. We had such a fun, lovely and uplifting week. And the icing on the cake was that –
Viveka (My Guilty Pleasures) and I chatted for a couple of hours and had a rosy drink while discussing the festivals and our outings around Nice. Unfortunately she had booked one week later than us, so this was only a short meet before we left.
Cheers!
Now we are looking forward to seeing your fantastic circles and half circles! Be sure to link to my original post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Hope you want to join in!
Big thanks to John, for last week’s brilliant lessons about tools of composition – inspirational posts en masse! Next week it is Patti’s turn to host, so please visit her beautiful site for more inspiration.
Do you love dragons?
Warning – I do and always have…So, the night light carnival was absolutely mezmerising. Ever since I first read about dragons, I have loved them. My daughter played with dragons and built dragons instead of dolls or cars. I still love animated movies with dragons in them. Spirited Away (Hayao Miyazaki on Japanese myths of old) and How to Train your Dragon (charming and clever), both have much to teach us. Fun, inspiration and wisdom in one. I hope to see them again with little Myra.
Time for the Light festival then. Promenade des Anglais looked wonderful in the sunset. But now – let’s get started!
The Carnival King arrived in confetti showers. At least 10-15 meters tall. Impressive.
Then another king came along – you all know who he is!
This car was obviously every year in the parade. I don’t recognise the animals or drivers. Do you?
Now – my dragons! Some skilled building here and I don’t want to know how many hours’ work. Look at the details. He walked, moved his body parts separately, sent flames and smoke, and juggled artists from his neck and head.
We climbed down the stairs to see him from ground level too. What a treat! My little grandchild looked at the movie clip I sent, and was at first a bit scared, then fascinated. I hope she will love dragons too. My fascination still burns. It is good to keep the child in you even as a grown up.
Leya 
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