For the 27th consecutive year, the European Heritage Days take place on September 18 and 19, 2010. This is an opportunity to discover or rediscover the treasures of Nice’s heritage. The 2009 edition was themed “heritage accessible to all”. Frédéric Mitterrand, the Minister of Culture and Communication, chose to pay tribute to great people this year through the theme: “Great Men: when women and men build History” to honor figures of national or local history. Initiated by Jack Lang, then Minister of Culture in 1981, these Heritage Days allow for economic development in France, one of the most touristic countries in the world. And Nice also boasts one of the most beautiful historical heritages, notably through its libraries, cultural, and religious buildings.
Discover the Notre-Dame Basilica
Since June 13, 2010, the Basilica of Notre-Dame of the Assumption, located on Avenue Jean-Médecin, now has three bells, reviving the ancient Christian tradition. One of the three bells was cast in Nice, highlighting the annexation of the County of Nice to France 150 years earlier. The other two were manufactured in Annecy. Located in Haute-Savoie, this city has one of the last French bell foundries, the Paccard Foundry. Built immediately after the annexation of Nice to France, between 1864 and 1868, the religious building is inspired by the Gothic Church of Saint-Serge in Angers, constructed in 1879. This style has become a symbol of French national art. The basilica opens its doors to you for two days. Come in large numbers.
