Archive for the ‘Cote D’Azur’ Category

One wonders why the Palais Lascaris in Nice situated at 15 rue Droite, Nice, is so difficult to find, because after all, it happens to be the place (palace!) where Victor Hugo was born. But the preconceived idea of a grand Palace on the lines of Versailles soon fades away, when you see this 17th century edifice. This was built to hold the family and court of The Count of Lascaris-Vintimille, a great noble in the court of the Dukes of Savoy and sheltered them until the revolution, when it was allowed to decay in solitary splendor. In 1942, Nice bought it and decided to restore it to its previous glory. It is now a noted historical monument.

Going by the architectural tastes of the 17th century, you can expect baroque, frescoes made up of mythological themes, Stucco panels and other priceless masterpieces, Aubusson and Flanders carpets and a picturesque staircase, where you can stand, look up and imagine pretty marquises , comtesses and duchesses floating down towards you in powder, patches, laces and silks. Naturally, you need a pretty vivid imagination to do full justice to this building. And lovers of music are definitely going to appreciate the around 500 different musical instruments ranging from the 15th century “saqueboute” to the 20th century saxophone found here.

Those who enjoy a bit of “eye of Newt and tongue of frog” (Joke!) can visit the apothecaries shop, — – on the first floor- built in 1738. If you are lucky, you may hear them being played at the concerts, held here often.
The admission was supposed to be totally free, but the site says that there is a tariff ranging from the EUR2.5 – EUR80 for groups, information on the site! You could check that out by ringing 04-93-62-72-40. The Palais is closed on Tuesday. The timings from Wednesday to Monday is from 10 to 6.

These are the bus numbers taking you to the Palais Lascaris – 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 14, and 16. You may want to confirm, before you go there, because these numbers may be subject to change. Vive La France!