If it’s Friday, it must be France …
“La Chaise” ~ symbol of Nice ~
“La Chaise” or The Chair”, a sculpture by Nicoise artist Sabine Geraudie, has become the symbol of Nice since 2014 and is prominently displayed on the Promenade des Anglais. It makes me smile each time I pass it. And yes … I do have a large number of photos of this pleasing work of art … can’t help myself!
Sea-blue chairs have graced the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais in one form or another since the 1950’s. Today their look is iconic as generations of Niçois and visitors from everywhere have spent time sitting, relaxing, chatting, snoozing, and contemplating life … or not … in one of these enduring symbols ~ in the sun or the shade, every season, on the edge of the always mesmerizing Mediterranean Sea.
The history of these surprisingly comfortable resting places, like most things French, is colourful and you can read about it here. They disappeared for a few years after 2003, but public demand assured their return. Today “the Prom” wouldn’t be the same without them.
The 4 km sweeping boulevard along the Baie des Anges with its biking and walking lanes is one of the loveliest seaside walks to be found, dare I say (attempting to be unbiased …) in the world. In many ways the Promenade des Anglais defines the city.
Here’s another vantage point with la colline du chateau/castle hill in the background. From every perspective, this is a chair that pleases.
Click here for more background on the blue chairs of the Promenade des Anglais.
Margo Lestz always has the details, history and quirky facts! Read about “the Prom” here.
On another topic, have you been watching the Tour de France? There are only a couple of days left before the grand finale in Paris. Even if you aren’t a diehard cycling fan, watching the coverage is a wonderful way to spend time in the various regions of France. Today they are in the Alps near Grenoble.
Bon weekend, everyone!
Reading about Nice makes me want to return–it’s been about 15 years since our last visit, when we stayed at nearby Vence. It was our first trip to France, which became a love affair, and we are now happy to call France home!
Well, Ken, I would say you are overdue for a visit to Nice and surroundings. It’s not that far a road trip from your new home. I’m envious of your move to France and wish you only the best with all of your endeavours! I’ll be happy to mention Lost In Provence whenever I can. Great idea to make your short videos!
I loved Nice and “The Prom.” So glad to hear the chairs are back. Thanks for the history! Also, a side trip up to Saint-Paul-de-Vence was one of my favorites as I’m an artist and writer. So much there to soak in. Thanks, Patricia!
Valerie, I can certainly see why you would feel so connected to this part of the world. Time for a return trip?
Will be in Paris for two weeks for Christmas and New Year’s, Patricia. Can’t wait! I’m already connecting with friends there. Will be the first time in Paris at that time of the year. Any suggestions? Kirsten at WriteonThyme told me to go to Notre Dame on Christmas day to hear the choir.
My first trip to Nice was in the early 1980s, visiting Parisian friends who had moved there. I loved the old Nice best. Over the years the area became busier and busier, but the beauty is still there. The blue chairs match the sky and sea! Bon weekend, Patricia.
Evelyne, I have not visited your website in far too long and just popped over now. (Too busy, is simply not an acceptable reason … désolée) Your site looks wonderful, professional, inviting and informative. How lovely to see your books are reaching so many readers and you are settling into the writing community. Brava!
Nothing more rejuvenating than the open vista along the seafront Patricia, I so love towns and cities that haven’t been allowed to gate off access to the view of the beach and sea and provide such a walkway that allow its community and visitors to mingle on a regular basis. Always something to remember the day by. I’m glad they put the chairs back!
Yes, the openness and access to everyone is one of the things that makes the Prom so special. Friends who visited this summer were surprised (and pleased) to see that there was no fencing, even though there are places where one could tumble over 5 feet. Their comment, “It’s nice to see the French trust people to use their own common sense and don’t put fences everywhere.” I’ve noticed that in many places there, unlike some in North America where unattractive fencing has been put in place due to “safety regulations”. (p.s. I’m so sorry I didn’t get to see you this summer! 2016!)
I always feel smug when I recognize a place. We live on the Med but near Spain and are so grateful for each day. Your photos are beautiful and a reminder of a great couple of days.
Thanks so much for your kind words. It’s always a pleasure to see photos that bring back good memories! Lucky you to be living on the Med. Spain is beautiful too! I’ll be there for three weeks in September and look forward to that. It’s been six years since my last visit to my sister-in-law who lives just south of Granada.
Lovely bit of information….I never knew this about Nice and I’ve not seen the sculpture before…nice post:)
Thanks, Roger. Somehow this simple sculpture speaks volumes to me … it’s whimsical, yet meaningful. As cities go, Nice is tops on my list.
I’ve been to Nice, once for two and half days. It was after ten days in paris visiting my dad and step-mom. It was beautiful and BK – before kids. My wife was pregnant when we were there – maybe a month or so. We stayed in bed and breakfast where the proprietor didn’t speak a word of English and my French was very shaky. We spent time on the pebbled beaches and took a road trip along the coast into Italy. It was a great time. I look forward to travelling back someday and taking in the farmer’s market in late May with all of the beautiful vegetables and fruits. Oh my, the memories.
Thanks for sharing that, Clay. You have wonderful memories … one of the great by-products of travel 🙂 I hope you travel back there someday too!