Le Palais de la Méditeranée: A Nice Place

Luxury Casino and Resort: Nice's Le Palais de la Méditeranée is nearly midpoint to two of the world's most desired lavish locations, Monaco and Cannes. The internationally acclaimed luxury casino/resort has over a 75-year history and has provided accommodations to the most distinguished people of the planet. Situated on the Promenade des Anglais, the resort's decorum is Mediterranean cool with its linear art-deco styling, synthesizing two generations, the 20th and 21st centuries, to the apex of tranquility. The casino's slot-machines area has a lavish Egyptian motif, while the gaming room embodies the casino/resort's roots with a decadent 1930's France look.

Of the 188 rooms and suites offered, over 100 of the those provide breathtaking sea views. The rooms are light and airy with color combinations of blue, ochre and saffron. LCD flat-screen televisions, ADSL and WIFI Internet access are in all of the rooms. The facilities include a full spa and exercise area complete with a sauna and Turkish baths. There also is an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. Various water sports from snorkeling to fishing to deep-sea diving to sailing, fishing, or yachting are easily accessible too.

Aside from the beautiful, balmy Mediterranean beach scene, Nice has numerous parks, museums, vineyards, cultural, restaurants, and shopping to peruse, such as Carpeaux Square (park), the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum), and the Matisse Museum. For fabulous shopping visit the Novelles Galleries, Nice Etolle, or Rue de France. Despite being a highly charged area for luxury-loving travelers, the city still clings to its medieval heritage. Its narrow, winding roads are filled with wonderful shops and small restaurants. The Promenade des Anglais has been a favorite place for leisure strolls since the Victorian times. The casino/resort is 10 minutes from the airport. If you are so inclined, a very fast train to Paris is also nearby. But what's the rush?

For fine dining on the premises, the Padouk offers up a scrumptious Mediterranean cuisine. The view from the terrace of the restaurant offers an angle on the Baie des Anges that cannot be had from any other vantage point on the Côte d'Azur. Le Palais de la Méditeranée is a marvelous casino/resort to stay while experiencing the French Riviera. It is ideal for vacations and business activities. Il est splendide et extraordinaire!

For LxM James Rothaar