La Croix de Marbre (The Marble Cross) – Is the name of the neighborhood where most foreigners (particularly the English) originally stayed during the 18th and 19th century during the winter. The name comes from the marble cross at 27, de la rue de France. It was originally made of wood, and was placed by the Récollets who lived in …
In 1945, more than 75,000 American GI’s (“Government Issue”) came to “ultraswank” Nice for Rest and Relaxation, filling the city’s 42 luxury hotels. According to Life Magazine (July 9, 1945), what they were most excited about were the girls, “American wacs, American nurses and friendly French girls.” Most of the French women did not know English, but it didn’t seem …
After Vichy, the Italian army arrived in Nice. It was November 11, 1942, and the Niçois were preparing for a celebration of Armistice day at Place Massena. The Italians around noon began to rain down from the air pamphlets and by the end of the day, the first Italian troops had arrived. Trucks sometimes painted with the Arms of Savoy, …
This is the pharmacie Mercier on ave. Jean Médecin and rue Pastorelli. You probably have walked by it many times without ever thinking about its place in history. This pharmacy belonged to the grandfather of Michèle Mercier, the famous actress. René Mercier was the inventor of Mercier ointment and other renowned cosmetics made in Nice.When the Gestapo arrived suddenly in …
This is a photo of the buildings of 38 and 40 rue Victor Hugo in Nice. On 9 February, 1944, the Gestapo showed up at the apartment of Ludwig Baum and his 34-year-old daughter Greta. Ludwig indicated to Greta that she should try to escape, so she ran up the spiral staircase in their 5th floor apartment to the roof …
Via Nissa is the historic research partner of Knight Frank on the Côte d’Azur. Their latest publication has just been released. Our work is featured on pages 8-9.
Via Nissa adds the history to the properties which allow realtors to market their products to journalists, creating a buzz, publicity and higher property values. In this case, we worked with the exclusive property agent Knight Frank Riviera, a wonderful group to work with and who understands the importance that the true history can bring to the value of a …
When one thinks of visiting Bellet, the wine region in Nice, one might be thinking of wine tastings – but even the enjoyment of the scenary and the taste of wine doesn’t really count as a Via Nissa Experience. In order to make your visit to Bellet unforgettable, we believe it must be far more than just tasting wine (which …
Have you ever noticed this plaque, 7 rue Mascoïnat? Do you know the history that links the Knights of the Order of the Hospitallers and Old Nice? The tragic expulsion of the Jews from Rhodes? Robert Levitt goes back in time… to the 16th century. In the year 1522, a bloody siege took place of the Island of Rhodes. The …
Nathalie is a professional athlete, woman’s bodybuilder and biking model who competes throughout Europe. Nathalie works with clients of Via Nissa who are seeking any kind of athletic engagement including personal training. Nathalie is a professional athlete, woman’s bodybuilder and biking model who competes throughout Europe. Nathalie works with clients of Via Nissa who are seeking any kind of athletic …
