Last July 27, UNESCO listed Nice as a World Heritage site, recognizing the relevance of a project that began in 2012 under the presidency of Jean-Jacques Aillagon, to whom Christian Estrosi had entrusted this mission.
Last night, on the occasion of the ceremonies for the 77th anniversary of the Liberation of Nice from Nazi occupation on August 28, 1944, the Mayor of Nice, accompanied by the same former Minister of Culture Jean-Jacques Aillagon, the French ambassador to UNESCO, Ms. Véronique Roger-Lacan, who played a major role in managing and succeeding this project, and in the presence of diplomatic representatives who participated in UNESCO’s evaluation commission, as well as civil and military authorities, elected officials, and a large audience, celebrated in the gardens of Villa Masséna this prestigious recognition that allows Nice to engrave its name in “universalism,” as highlighted by various speakers during their speeches.
If Christian Estrosi, both moved and radiant, wanted to remind that “this result, we have built, hoped for, and achieved, over ten years of effort!,” a new historical chapter opens with this inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
A chapter that will strengthen the “culture of tourism” that has given this city its international renown, and which has allowed it to become, over time, a city open to populations from diverse backgrounds.
It is this characteristic that constitutes its value and must be the foundation of its future development.
