The Promenade des Anglais in Nice is a
fitting Côte d’Azur address for the five-star Hotel Negresco. Since its
opening in 1913, this belle époque gem has welcomed royalty and
celebrities like Princess Grace of Monaco, The Beatles and Salvador Dali. A
visit to La Negresco’s Bar for a pre-dinner cocktail gave me the perfect excuse
to explore the public areas of this luxury seaside hotel.
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| Hotel Negresco, Nice |
Guests approaching the hotel entrance on
the Promenade des Anglais are greeted by a sculpture of jazz great Miles Davis by Niki de Saint Phalle.
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| Hotel Negresco Entrance on the Promenade des Anglais |
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| Miles Davis, by Niki de Saint Phalle (1999) |
While sipping on a Green Melon in La Negresco’s Bar I admired the fine walnut panelling, 16th century
tapestries and collection of art. June’s ‘cocktail of the month’ is made with
Midori melon liqueur, Martini Bianco white wine, Monin vanilla syrup, pineapple
juice and lime juice. The tasty drink, served exclusively at the Negresco, was
reasonably priced (22€) for such a grand setting.
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| Green Melon at La Negresco's Bar |
In fact the Hotel Negresco is a listed
historic building. The feature I was most eager to see was the extravagant chandelier
with over 16,000 Baccarat crystals, designed for Tsar Nicholas II of Russia by
Gustave Eiffel (yes, the same man who built the famous tower in Paris). When
revolution broke out in 1917 the Tsar could no longer take delivery of the
chandelier and it found a new home beneath the Royal Lounge’s glass dome.
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| Royal Lounge, Hotel Negresco |
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| The Glass Dome and Chandelier |
Another piece by Saint Phalle adds a whimsical
touch to the classic décor of the lounge. Nana
Danseuse (Jaune), one of a series of Nana sculptures, kicks up her
heels and appears to be headed for a refreshing dip in the nearby Baie des
Anges, Bay of Angels.
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| Nana Danseuse (Jaune), by Niki de Saint Phalle (1995) |
This summery cocktail, enjoyed with new friends at the magnificent Hotel Negresco, was a
highlight of my stay in Nice.
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