It’s been a century that the Negresco has presided over the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice. This French Riviera landmark “has long proved irresistible to the great, rich and notorious,” says The Telegraph in detailing the celebrity patrons of the legendary luxury hotel. Looming like a ship on the glittering Baie des Anges, Le Negresco has sumptuous rooms decked out with antiques and art from the Louis XIII period until today.
To mark its centennial, the palace hotel threw quite the party last year, and the celebrations continue into 2013. On Facebook, hotel fans have the chance to win a weekend stay with a special anniversary photo contest. The two restaurants, La Rotonde and the Michelin-starred Le Chantecler, are serving up a special anniversary menu, vintage Champagne, and a selection of rare spirits (think 100-year-old Armagnac). In the spring, the Negresco will play host to the “les Journées des talents” (the Days of Talents) to honor the many artists who have graced the hotel over the years. For more information, visit www.lenegresco.com.
Note: If you’re headed to Nice this winter, don’t miss the city’s Carnival celebration, the biggest one in France. While the rest of us bemoan the grey, cold days of winter, the Riviera celebrates with a trio of fêtes- including the Lemon Festival in nearby Menton (February 16- March 6) and the Fête du Mimosa in Mandelieu-La Napoule (February 15-24). For more information about these fabulous winter festivals, check out our press conference coverage.