A Guide to Nice’s Pub Crawl History: Tracing the Evolution of the Scene

When you think of Nice, you may envision the promenade or the beaches, but what many visitors may not realize is the city’s rich pub crawl history. From the glamorous 1920s to modern times, Nice has been home to many iconic bars and pubs that have played a significant role in the social scene of the city.

The Early Years

In the early 1900s, Nice was a magnet for the wealthy and cultured. The celebrated Hotel Negresco opened in 1913 and became the go-to destination for the city’s elite. The hotel’s bar, Le Negresco, offered unparalleled views of the stunning Baie des Anges and quickly became one of the most popular establishments in the city.

The 1920s saw a boom in the pub crawl scene. The American-style bar, Wayne’s, opened its doors in 1924 and quickly became the place to be seen. The bar’s innovative designs and live performances drew in a diverse crowd, making it a hub for artists, musicians, and writers.

The Golden Age of Cocktails

In the 1930s, Nice was the epicenter of the global cocktail culture. The Negresco’s head bartender, Ada Coleman, invented the Hanky Panky cocktail in 1925, which became an instant classic. The trend of craft cocktails caught on, and soon the city was home to numerous cocktail bars that experimented with exotic ingredients and concocted creative mixes. The legendary Blue Bar, located in the historic Beau Rivage hotel, was the city’s most glamorous cocktail bar and played host to stars such as Louis Armstrong, Charlie Chaplin, and Grace Kelly.

Modern Times

Nice’s pub crawl scene has continued to evolve in modern times. The 1980s saw the emergence of Irish pubs, with Hop Store and Ma Nolan’s becoming the most popular hangouts in the city. In recent years, the city has seen an uptick in the number of microbreweries which serve up locally-brewed beers and ciders. The city’s craft beer bars, such as La Crieé and La Capsule, have become popular hotspots among both locals and tourists.

In conclusion, Nice has a rich pub crawl history that has seen the evolution of the city’s social scene over time. From the elegant bars of the 1920s to the modern-day craft beer scene, the city’s pubs have always reflected the changing times. For visitors to Nice, be sure to imbibe in the city’s historic and modern-day pub crawl culture.