Nice the Beautiful

One of the oldest human settlements in the world, Nice is named after the Greek goddess of victory, Nike. Home of the Marc Chagall Museum and gateway to the French Riviera, “Nissa la Belle” or “Nice the Beautiful” is a must-see destination on the Mediterranean. Nice has historically been a part of Italy, Provence, and France at different points, historical variations that have impacted on the Jewish community as well. In 1342, the Jews of Nice were made to wear a distinguishing “badge.” In 1647, attracted by the free port, the city became home to the Marranos of Portuguese origin. At times confined to a ghetto, at others living throughout the city, the Jews of Nice have developed their own language over time, Judéo-Niçois, a combination of the local French dialect and Hebrew. 

Nowadays the community is served by two main synagogues (Ashkenazi and Sephardi) and a plethora of community services. Enjoy lunch at Le Leviathan, explore the artistically valuable Chagall Museum, and stroll along the Promenade des Anglais to experience general and Jewish Nice in all its beauty!