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From April 5 to September 28, 2025 , the Charles Nègre Museum of Photography in Nice presents the exhibition ""Seas and Mysteries"" , a striking dive into the underwater world of photographer and diver Laurent Ballesta.

Presented as part of the Biennale of Arts and the Ocean, this exhibition is directly aligned with the program of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 2025) in Nice. Ballesta reveals the fragility and richness of ecosystems, inspiring wonder and respect—a true call to action for marine conservation.

An extraordinary photographer

Known for his extreme dives and his unprecedented photographs of the seabed, Laurent Ballesta is a key figure in underwater exploration. He was notably the first to photograph a living coelacanth, a prehistoric species long considered extinct. His expeditions, grouped under the nameGombessa, combines science, technology and art to reveal the beauty and fragility of the underwater world.

A three-dimensional exhibition

The exhibition "Seas and Mysteries" takes us through three spectacular marine worlds. In the icy waters of Antarctica, Ballesta captures the surreal light beneath the ice, revealing wildlife that few have had the chance to observe. On the other side of the globe, in Polynesia, he documents the spectacular phenomenon of grouper reproduction, attracting hundreds of sharks each year in a ballet as impressive as it is fragile. Finally, the exhibition returns to the Mediterranean, where Ballesta conducted dives to depths of -190 meters off the coast of Nice, revealing an often overlooked world of cliffs, Posidonia seagrass beds, and rare fish.

An invitation to contemplation… and preservation

Through 53 striking photographs, "Seas and Mysteries" confronts us with the raw beauty and complexity of the underwater world. The exhibition also serves as a warning: In the face of climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of resources, these invisible worlds are more vulnerable than ever. In this respect, it resonates directly with the issues raised by UNOC 2025, and underlines the urgency of a collective commitment to preserving the oceans.

A moment to experience in Nice this summer

Located in the charming setting of Old Nice, just a stone's throw from Cours Saleya, this exhibition is also a wonderful opportunity to take a contemplative break in the heart of the city. Extend your visit with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais or a quiet evening in our garden... and let yourself be inspired by the depths.

Practical information:

📍 Location: Charles Nègre Photography Museum , Place Pierre Gautier, 06300 Nice
📅 Dates: Until September 28, 2025, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
🎟 Price: €5 (€4 for groups)

The documentary film Planète Méditerranée (Arte, 2019), retracing one of Laurent Ballesta's expeditions, is also screened every day in the museum auditorium.

World Bicycle Day, celebrated annually on June 3rd, is the perfect opportunity to (re)discover Nice in a different way. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or simply curious to experience the city at a different pace, Nice is one of the few major cities where you can fully enjoy the day... without a car. Its seaside cycle paths, charming pedestrian routes in Old Nice, an efficient public transport network, and mild climate all year round make the Côte d'Azur capital a dream destination for eco-conscious travelers.

Here is an itinerary idea for a 100% pedestrian and cycling day.

🌞 9 a.m. – Breakfast under the orange trees

Start the day at a terrace café in Old Nice, or in our garden if you're staying at the Nice Garden Hotel. Fresh fruit, coffee, and croissants—the dolce vita begins here.

🚶‍♀️ 10 a.m. – Bike ride on the Promenade des Anglais

Rent a bike (with the Vélo Bleu app) and follow the sea from Rauba-Capeù to the port of Nice. If you feel like it, you can also stop for a morning swim at the public beach of Opéra or Carras or, for the more motivated, continue to Villefranche-sur-Mer for a breathtaking view of the bay.

🎨 11:30 a.m. – Cultural break at MAMAC or Palais Lascaris

Nice's museums are often accessible on foot or by tram (Lines 1 & 2). The MAMAC will delight lovers of modern art, while the Palais Lascaris is a baroque gem.

🥗 1 p.m. – Locally sourced lunch

Head to a restaurant that promotes local and seasonal products, like ""La Table Alziari"" in Old Nice, or a quick lunch at the Libération market (accessible by tram).

🌿 3 p.m. – Green break at Castle Hill

Take the elevator or walk up to admire one of the most beautiful panoramas on the Côte d'Azur. It's also an ideal place to relax in the shade of the pine trees.

🛍️ 5 p.m. – Ethical shopping or handmade souvenirs

Stroll through the designer boutiques in the pedestrian center or the craft markets (especially the one on Cours Saleya).

🌅 7 p.m. – Sunset at Mont Boron

For the more adventurous, a final bike ride or bus ride will take you to Mont Boron Park. The view of the city at sunset is simply magical.

🌙 8 p.m. - Evening: dinner on the terrace or chic picnic

Back in the city center, end the day with a local dinner: socca, pissaladière, and a glass of rosé. For a more relaxed option, take your lunch with you for a picnic on the beach or in a park.

Between turquoise water, legendary pebbles and a Mediterranean atmosphere, the beaches of Nice each have their own personality.

Here is a little guide to finding your corner of paradise according to your desires:

🔹 For families

Centenaire Beach or Carras : easy to access, supervised in summer, with non-smoking areas and sometimes children's games.

Practical and safe to spend the day without stress.

🔹 For couples

Castel Plage (private) or Plage de la Réserve (semi-wild) offer a romantic setting with breathtaking views.

Ideal for a sunset picnic or lunch with your feet in the water.

🔹 For nature lovers

Coco Beach : a cove without services, with direct access to the rocks and the sea.

Perfect for snorkeling or a quiet moment, away from the hustle and bustle of the Promenade des Anglais.

🔹 For those who want the comfort of a private beach

Private beaches like Blue Beach , Ruhl or Opera Plage offer mattresses, parasols, showers and restaurants.

We pay there, but we stay there for hours.

🔹 For a 100% Nice experience

Try a morning swim from 7 a.m. with the regulars or a winter sea bath for the more courageous!

May 21, 2025 marks European Maritime Day , an initiative that annually highlights the strategic importance of seas and oceans for Europe. This awareness-raising day is particularly relevant this year in Nice , which is preparing to host the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) from June 9 to 13, 2025 .

A single objective: preserving our marine future

Europe and the UN are converging towards a shared ambition: to protect marine ecosystems , promote a sustainable blue economy and strengthen coastal resilience in the face of climate change. Taking place just a few weeks apart, these two events lay the foundations for an essential dialogue between institutions, researchers, citizens and professionals... including those in the tourism sector .

🌊 Major environmental issues

UNOC 2025 aims to accelerate the implementation of theUnited Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, dedicated to preserving oceans and marine resources. This summit addresses crucial challenges:

• plastic and chemical pollution,
• overfishing and loss of marine biodiversity,
• ocean warming and acidification,
• rising sea levels.

These are all issues that concern not only public policy, but also businesses, coastal residents, travelers... and the tourism sector.

🏖️Why does this also concern travelers and tourism stakeholders?

For a coastal destination like Nice, the future of the ocean is not an abstraction, it is a daily issue :

• 🌍 Tourism depends on a preserved marine environment
• 🌱 Visitors are increasingly sensitive to sustainability
• 🔄 Professionals in the sector must adapt: eco-friendly actions, sustainable offers, public education

The conference will thus be an opportunity to promote local initiatives, to discover responsible tourism experiences and to become concretely involved in the preservation of the Mediterranean .

📍 Practical information for visitors to Nice

🗓 Dates: June 9-13, 2025
📌 Location: Acropolis Convention Center
👥 Expected audience: 10,000 participants from around the world
🎟️ Numerous events open to the public: conferences, exhibitions, workshops, ""Ocean Village"" public space

🧭 What to do in Nice during UNOC 2025?

Take advantage of your stay to explore:

• the Nice coastline in slow tourism mode,
• museums and gardens around the theme of the sea,
• sustainable excursions in the hinterland or the Cap Ferrat marine park,
• local gastronomy on a short circuit.

👉 Also read: Official calendar and information on the UN website

From May 22 to 24, 2025 , the Monaco Grand Prix is more than just a race: it's an experience you have to live at least once! Luxury, adrenaline, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean make this event a legend on the Formula 1 calendar. If you're staying on the Riviera during this period, here's everything you need to know to enjoy this legendary experience.

🗓️ Key dates for the 2025 edition

• Thursday, May 22 : Free practice for F1 and other series (F2, Porsche Supercup)
• Saturday, May 24 : F1 Qualifying
• Sunday, May 25 : The race!

🎟️ Tickets and practical information available on the official website:
👉 https://monaco-grandprix.com

🚗 A legendary circuit

The Monaco circuit is the narrowest and most technical in the championship. It runs through the city: from the Monte-Carlo casino to the tunnel, passing through the famous Fairmont hairpin bend.

🚥 Why this event is unique

• Ultra-technical urban circuit: 3.3 km of tight bends in the streets of Monte-Carlo
• Glamorous atmosphere: movie stars, luxury yachts, private paddocks and exclusive parties
• A legendary race: no room for error on this historic track inaugurated in 1929

🔍 Unusual anecdotes

• The record for most victories is held by Ayrton Senna with 6 triumphs.
• Monaco is the only circuit where F1 testing starts on Thursday instead of Friday.

• Some spectators watch the race from private balconies or the decks of yachts moored in the harbor.

📍How to get there from Nice?

🚆 Train: 25 minutes from Nice-Ville train station to Monaco. Remember to book in advance.
🚌 Special shuttles: Several bus connections are in place.
🚗 Car: not recommended, the city is closed and parking is extremely limited.

💡 Tip : Leave early in the morning and plan your return to avoid rush hour.

💡 Tips for visitors:

• Book your tickets as soon as possible on the official F1 website or through authorized providers.
• Wear comfortable shoes: you will be walking a lot.
• To avoid the crowds, opt for the Thursday trials, which are more accessible and just as spectacular.
• Stay in Nice, in a more peaceful setting, while remaining close to the event.

🧳 Where to stay during the Grand Prix?

Monaco sells out months in advance. Fortunately, Nice is the ideal solution for:

• Sleep in a quieter environment 🌿
• Take advantage of lower prices 🏨
• Get to Monaco easily 🚆

The Nice Garden Hotel, right in the city center, welcomes you in a chic and flowery atmosphere. A 5-minute walk from the train station , our 3-star hotel is perfect for quickly accessing the circuit while recharging your batteries between two adrenaline-fueled days.

⚠️ We still have a few rooms available for the Grand Prix weekend .
➡️ Book now to guarantee your place!

The 2025 Cannes Film Festival kicks off this Tuesday, May 13th, and like every year, it attracts movie stars, art enthusiasts, journalists, and curious onlookers from around the world. Until May 24th, the Croisette becomes the beating heart of world cinema.
But did you know that you can experience this excitement while enjoying a relaxing stay in Nice, just 30-40 minutes from Cannes?

🎬 What not to miss this year

• After nine times in competition and winning a Best Actress Award, renowned French actress Juliette Binoche will chair the jury for the 78th official competition, marking a new stage in her film career.
• This is the first time that the festival has focused on a first film, for the opening film, "Partir un jour" by Amélie Bonnin , a French dramatic comedy, which will be presented as a world premiere.
• After almost 60 years in film, Robert De Niro will receive the honorary Palme d'Orat the opening ceremony, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cinema.
• The official selection includes works by renowned directors such as Wes Anderson, Richard Linklater, Ari Aster, Julia Ducournau and Joachim Trier.
• Directorial debuts from Scarlett Johansson ( Eleanor the Great ) and Kristen Stewart ( The Chronology of Water ) will be featured in the Un Certain Regard section, highlighting new talent behind the camera.
• Tom Cruise will be back with the final installment of the Mission: Impossible series . Those looking for some clues about the plot of The Final Reckoning will have to be content with this quote.   : " Our lives are the sum of our choices ." To unravel the mystery, we will have to wait for the team's appearance on the red carpet on the 14th.   may.

🌴 Why stay in Nice during the Festival?

• Fewer crowds, more charm: Nice offers a more peaceful alternative, far from the hustle and bustle of Cannes.
• Easy access : The direct train from Nice station takes you to Cannes in about 35 minutes, if you choose the car, the hotel can book a taxi for you.
• Mediterranean atmosphere : Palm trees, beaches, colorful alleys... everything invites you to relax.
• Well-deserved rest : Between two screenings, enjoy the calm of our flower garden, a stone's throw from the sea.

🏨 We still have some availability at the Nice Garden Hotel for this period.
Don't delay in booking to combine glamour and serenity on the Côte d'Azur!

Ascension Day is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a well-deserved break under the Mediterranean sun. With its mild temperatures, cultural events, and laid-back lifestyle, Nice is a prime destination for a long weekend in May.

🌴 Why choose Nice for Ascension Day?

• Ideal climate: In May, Nice enjoys long, sunny days (temperatures around 22-24°C).
• Easy to access: Only a 2-hour flight from major European cities and well-served by train from Paris or Lyon.
• Spring atmosphere: Flowers in full bloom, turquoise sea and lively terraces.

🎉 What to do in Nice during Ascension Day weekend?

Our suggestions:

1. Stroll through Old Nice and the Promenade des Anglais

Discover the colorful alleyways, Provençal markets like Cours Saleya, and enjoy a local ice cream or socca.

👉 Old Nice is full of charm with its ochre facades, its small artisans, and an authentic atmosphere that smells of the South.

2. Enjoy the May events in Nice

• May Festival (at the Parc des Arènes de Cimiez): typical Nice celebration with dancing, traditional music and local specialties.
• Exhibitions and museums: the MAMAC, the Matisse Museum and the Palais Lascaris host temporary exhibitions in May.
• Nice Book Festival (if the dates coincide).

3. Relaxing on the beach

Public or private beaches, sunbathing or swimming: the Mediterranean is yours! Generally, in Nice at the end of May, the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea is between 18°C and 20°C.

👉 It's not very warm yet, but enough for a refreshing swim, especially on sunny days. The more chilly locals often wait until June, but many visitors enjoy swimming there as early as May.

4. Day trip

• Stroll through the colorful streets of the old village of Villefranche-sur-Mer, then relax on the beach overlooking one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
• Explore Eze, a hilltop medieval village with its exotic garden and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
• Hike to Mont Boron for breathtaking views of the Bay of Angels.

🏨 Where to stay?

For a stay combining peace, a flowery garden and a warm welcome, our 3-star hotel, the Nice Garden Hotel , in the heart of the city, welcomes you in a chic and peaceful Mediterranean atmosphere.

Every May 1st, France is filled with the delicate scent of lily of the valley, a small white flower synonymous with luck, happiness... and spring weekends. Whether you're a curious tourist or a Frenchman seeking authenticity on the Côte d'Azur, discover the origins of this tradition and how to make the most of it in Nice for an unforgettable stay.

🌿 A French lucky tradition

In France, offering a sprig of lily of the valley on May 1st is a gesture of happiness and friendship that dates back to the Renaissance. Charles IX is said to have given this flower to his court to bring them luck. Since then, lily of the valley has become a symbol of spring, joy, and renewal .

👉 Note : This day is also Labor Day in France, a public holiday when many businesses close... except florists!

🌞 May 1st in Nice: a taste of summer before its time

In 2025, May 1st falls on a Thursday, perfect for a long weekend . And the weather is shaping up to be summery, with sunshine and mild temperatures. The perfect opportunity to combine culture, nature, and relaxation in an idyllic setting.

📍 Where to see or buy lily of the valley in Nice?

• At the flower market on Cours Saleya (Old Nice)
• At small pop-up vendors in the streets (authorized on this day)
• In the craft shops around the Albert 1er Garden

🏖️ What to do in Nice during this long weekend?

Here are some activity ideas to make the most of your stay:

🌺 Stroll through the flowering gardens

The Nice Garden Hotel 's garden is a haven of peace in the heart of the city. Here, you'll rediscover the spirit of May Day: flowers, calm, and nature.

🌊 Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais

On foot or by bike, enjoy the sun-drenched coastline. Ideal for an ice cream break or lunch on a terrace.

🖼️ Visit open museums

Even on public holidays, some Nice museums remain open, such as:

• The Matisse Museum
• The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC)
• The Lascaris Palace

🧺 Chic picnic by the sea

With a baguette, local cheese and a sprig of lily of the valley, it's the French Riviera in all its splendor!

💡 Did you know?

• Lily of the valley is poisonous if ingested, but is harmless in a vase.
• In France, anyone has the right to sell lily of the valley in the street on May 1st, without authorization, as long as it is in small quantities and without an installation.

May 1st in Nice is more than just a holiday: it's a French tradition. Whether you're a fan of French traditions or simply looking for a sunny weekend on the French Riviera, Nice welcomes you with a touch of happiness.