Regina

In the heart of Cimiez, a tranquil neighborhood overlooking Nice, stands the magnificent Regina. It’s not just a building. It’s a whisper of Belle Époque grandeur, a testament to a time when royalty graced the French Riviera. Queen Victoria, a frequent visitor to Nice, desired a residence fit for a queen. And so, between 1895 and 1897, the Excelsior Regina Palace rose, a testament to her influence and the city’s burgeoning reputation. Imagine opulent bas-reliefs, glass marquees, and picturesque attics adorning the white façade. The Regina, originally a luxury hotel, hosted Queen Victoria not once, not twice, but three times. The very crown atop its distinctive dome was a collaboration between architect François-Félix Gordolon and none other than Gustave Eiffel, a symbol of the prestige the Regina commanded. The Regina’s story, however, extends beyond royal visits. Its vast 400 rooms eventually transformed into 98 apartments. The Regina stands today not as a forgotten relic, but as a living testament to its rich past. Its park, a vibrant green space, features a marble statue of Queen Victoria at its southern entrance, a constant reminder of the regal presence that once graced these grounds. The Regina’s legacy lives on, a captivating blend of history, architecture, and royal allure.