Memory book, evocations of his family, his father, his grandparents, Patrick Allemand presents us his vision of his city, his Nice—a very well-chosen title. The author speaks to us about his roots; it’s important to know where a man comes from to truly understand him. A child of the Mediterranean, he reveals his memories to us.
His book is somewhat like a photo album where he comments on old black and white or sepia snapshots. The Nice of yesteryear that he didn’t experience firsthand, except through stories told by grandmothers and grandfathers. His father, a model from whom he seems to have drawn inspiration. His youth, the athlete, the cycling champion.
Patrick Allemand revisits his city, guiding us through its neighborhoods, the popular ones where the social fabric has changed. The outlying areas that have become suburbs. The city is transforming; Riquier is no longer the place of labor with its factories and depots. Then, he continues his tour, telling us about the Ruhl, the municipal casino, the Palais de la Méditerranée, the Medecin era, then Peyrat, then Estrosi. Very objectively, he highlights the achievements of the various municipalities. This is not a political agenda.
Patrick Allemand reveals to us his city, its transformations, its secret gardens, the places he loves to visit. This book is a wonderful guide to Nice.
To pick it up, leaf through it, stroll through the squares, streets, old town—Patrick Allemand has managed to forget the politician and elected official he is, to remain objective and above all to avoid the trap of controversy. My Nice, a book where the author shares his confidences with us, but hush, you have to read it to discover and appreciate them.
Thierry Jan
