1830-2007: 177 years of history to probably witness the final configuration of Place Masséna. It was well worth a celebration. Thousands of locals gathered on a Saturday morning on the new pavements of the square. The weather was beautiful. The sun was shining. The previous day’s rain had cleared.
The spectators listened to Jacques Peyrat’s speech, his historical reminders, anecdotes, and his pride in being at the origin of this beautification. “For twelve years, I have told you every time I can meet you, I am committed to reconnecting with the beautiful and great history of the city of Nice […] This history is rich enough to be magnified for the service of the women and men who were born here or have chosen to live here. It is with great pride and honor, that I stand before you today,” said Jacques Peyrat. On the stage, specially erected for the event on the north side of the square, backing onto Avenue Jean Médecin, he rejoiced over the completion of two years of work and the aesthetics of the square. It has been returned to pedestrians. Flanked by pine trees, adorned with a thousand lights with its neoclassical candelabras, it is easy to imagine it bustling with activity in the coming weeks and months. The space lends itself to this. It’s up to the locals and merchants to make it their own. The works cost €14,500,000, fully funded by the city of Nice. But when you love, you don’t count the cost!
Aware of the nuisances caused by the excavators, jackhammers generating dust, and consequently a decrease in business turnover, Jacques Peyrat had a comforting word for everyone who had suffered due to the redevelopment of Place Masséna: “I wish to thank and congratulate the merchants of this square and the entire population of Nice for their patience they have shown. I am aware of the nuisances created. I thank you for not letting me feel it too much.” These diplomatic words triggered applause from the crowd.
The speech ended with more applause when Jacques Peyrat, like a prophet, commanded the water to burst forth from the Fontaine du Soleil. A few seconds later, a jet of water rose from the other side of the square. The festivity could continue with a buffet animated by André Ceccarelli, followed in the afternoon by a concert from the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra featuring local tenor Franck Ferrari and the chorus from Nabucco’s “Chorus of the Slaves,” and in the evening by a concert from Hélène Ségara.
Throughout the rest of the day, the people of Nice strolled across this square, admiring the powerful jet of the fountain on the south side of the square. Children and adults alike roamed fearlessly over the tracks and the two paved roads that now, and for a long time to come, intersect Place Masséna. The square was indeed closed to traffic and only a few tourist buses could test the road. However, this was not the case for the tramway, for even though Place Masséna is now adorned with its finest assets, just a few inches away, one can still see the remaining construction work.
As night fell, cooling the pavements and revealing the square in another light. The new street lamps generously illuminate the space, and the Fountain of the Sun lights up. The square takes on a second life, that of night and its festivities which we hope will be numerous, given the size and, of course, if the authorities allow it. At least that was the case last night during the concert. This square is open to everyone, young and old for a long time. Now, we eagerly await the other inaugurations!
Link: [article on Hélène Ségara’s concert](https://www.nicepremium.fr/article/helene-segara-un-concert-sur-les-rails-de-massena-a-nice..2119.html)
