In September 1943, the elegant facade of the Hôtel Excelsior in Nice became a chilling symbol of Nazi persecution. The Plaque commémorative de l’hôtel Excelsior, across from the hotel, reminds us of this dark history. This plaque commemorates the thousands of Jewish people interned at the Excelsior. The hotel’s proximity to the Nice-Ville train station made it a strategic location for Alois Brunner, a top aide to Adolf Eichmann. Brunner transformed the Excelsior into his headquarters. He orchestrated raids across Nice, arresting Jewish individuals regardless of nationality, age, or health. Even being circumcised was enough to warrant arrest. The Plaque commémorative de l’hôtel Excelsior serves as a sobering reminder of this tragic period. For about 80 days, the Excelsior became a holding place for over 2,000 Jewish people. They were registered, then transported from the nearby train station to death camps. The plaque reminds us of the suffering endured within those walls. It acknowledges the families who once sought refuge in Nice, only to face unimaginable horror. The plaque ensures their story is never forgotten. The Excelsior, once a symbol of luxury and leisure, became a symbol of pain and loss. The Plaque commémorative de l’hôtel Excelsior compels us to remember this history. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a solemn warning against the dangers of hatred and intolerance.
Monument à la reine Victoria Statue
A wave of floral scents. A gentle breeze rustles through nearby trees. We stand before the Monument à la reine