Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- paris_yank:go:nice:place_massena [2026/01/20 13:10] – [Place Masséna] parisyank
+++ paris_yank:go:nice:place_massena [2026/01/21 07:35] (current) – [What to Do] parisyank
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-====== Place Masséna ======
+====== Place Masséna, Nice ======
-Place Masséna is the main square and beating heart of Nice, France, located at the center of the city where Old Nice meets the modern districts. The square was designed by Joseph Vernier in 1843-1844 and named after André Masséna, one of Napoleon's most distinguished generals who was born in Nice.
+Place Masséna[([[wp>DokuWiki|Place Massena]])] (French pronunciation: [//plas masena]//) is a historic square in Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France. It was named for André Masséna. Its layout was designed by Joseph Vernier in 1843-1844.
-===== Location and Layout=====
+Place Masséna is the main square and beating heart of Nice, France[([[https://frenchriviera.travel/place-massena-nice/|Place Masséna]] French Riviera Travel)] located at the center of the city where Old Nice meets the modern districts. The square was designed by Joseph Vernier in 1843-1844 and named after André Masséna [([[wp>DokuWiki|Andre Masséna]])], one of Napoleon's most distinguished generals who was born in Nice.
-The square sits at a strategic crossroads where several key areas converge: to the south lies the Old Town (Vieux-Nice) and access to the famous Promenade des Anglais, to the north is Avenue Jean Médecin (the main shopping street), and to the east and west stretches the Promenade du Paillon[1][4]. The square was actually built over the Paillon River, which was covered in the 19th century after frequent flooding—the river now flows beneath the city center[1].
+===== To Know =====
-### What to See
+====Location and Layout ====
+The square sits at a strategic crossroads where several key areas converge: to the south lies the Old Town [[Vieux-Nice]] and access to the famous [[Promenade des Anglais]], to the north is Avenue Jean Médecin (the main shopping street), and to the east and west stretches the Promenade du Paillon[(#1)] The square was actually built over the Paillon River, which was covered in the 19th century after frequent flooding—the river now flows beneath the city center[(#1)]
-**The Square's Design**: Place Masséna is instantly recognizable by its distinctive black-and-white checkerboard pavement that covers the entire surface, and the striking red-ochre buildings with Italian architecture that frame it[1][3].
+===== to See =====
-**Fountain of the Sun**: In the semi-circular southern section stands this impressive fountain featuring sculptures of the planets (Earth, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and Saturn) surrounding a large statue of Apollo in the center, created by French sculptor Alfred Janniot[1][7].
+  * **The Square's Design**: Place Masséna is instantly recognizable by its distinctive black-and-white checkerboard pavement that covers the entire surface, and the striking red-ochre buildings with Italian architecture that frame it[(#1)]
-**"Conversation in Nice"**: Perhaps the most eye-catching feature is Spanish artist Jaume Plensa's installation of seven illuminated statues of kneeling figures perched on tall poles above the square. These represent the seven continents coming together in harmony and are spectacularly lit in different colors at night[3][4][5].
+  * **Fountain of the Sun**: In the semi-circular southern section stands this impressive fountain featuring sculptures of the planets (Earth, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and Saturn) surrounding a large statue of Apollo in the center, created by French sculptor Alfred Janniot [(#1)]
-### What to Do
+  * "**Conversation in Nice**": Perhaps the most eye-catching feature is Spanish artist Jaume Plensa's installation of seven illuminated statues of kneeling figures perched on tall poles above the square. These represent the seven continents coming together in harmony and are spectacularly lit in different colors at night(([[https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187234-d195902-Reviews-Place_Massena-Nice_French_Riviera_Cote_d_Azur_Provence_Alpes_Cote_d_Azur.html|Review Place Massena]] Trip Advisor)) 3  5.
+===== to Do=====
+  * **Shopping**: The square connects to two major shopping districts—Avenue Jean Médecin with high street brands like H&M, Zara, and the Nice Etoile shopping mall, plus the pedestrian Zone Piétonne[(#4)]
+  * **Events**: The square serves as the main venue for major public events including the [[Nice Carnival]], [[Nice Jazz Festival]], and [[Christmas Festivities]][(#1)]
+  * **Explore** the [[Promenade du Paillon]]: This park stretches east and west from the square, featuring the Water Mirror fountain (popular with children in summer), playgrounds, the Albert I Garden, and various sculptures and monuments[(#1)]
+  * **People-watching**: With its palm trees, stone pines, and pedestrian-friendly layout, it's an ideal spot to relax and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere[(#2)]
+Place Masséna truly serves as the perfect starting point for exploring Nice, with easy access to all the city's major attractions[(#1)].
-- **Shopping**: The square connects to two major shopping districts—Avenue Jean Médecin with high street brands like H&M, Zara, and the Nice Etoile shopping mall, plus the pedestrian Zone Piétonne[4][5]
-- **Events**: The square serves as the main venue for major public events including the Nice Carnival, Nice Jazz Festival, and Christmas festivities[1][7]
-- **Explore the Promenade du Paillon**: This park stretches east and west from the square, featuring the Water Mirror fountain (popular with children in summer), playgrounds, the Albert I Garden, and various sculptures and monuments[1][5]
-- **People-watching**: With its palm trees, stone pines, and pedestrian-friendly layout, it's an ideal spot to relax and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere[2][3]
-Place Masséna truly serves as the perfect starting point for exploring Nice, with easy access to all the city's major attractions[1].