Avenue Jean-Médecin, Main commercial avenue in central Nice, France.
The thoroughfare stretches approximately 0.75 mile (1.2 kilometers) from Place Masséna to the main railway station. Trees line the wide sidewalks, while multi-story buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries form the flanks. Tramway tracks run through the center of the roadway.
Construction began in 1864 under Sardinian rule as a connection between the old town and the railway station. Following annexation to France in 1860, it bore various names, including Avenue de la Gare. The current designation was adopted in 1966 to honor Mayor Jean Médecin, who served from 1928 to 1965.
This thoroughfare serves as the city's primary shopping corridor, linking the historic center with newer districts. Residents use it daily for errands, while restaurants and cafés along the route provide gathering spots for locals. The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Nice stands at the northern end.
Tram lines 1 and 2 operate daily from 4:30 AM to 1:30 AM, with stops along the entire route. Most shops open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM. Public restrooms are located inside Centre Commercial Nice Étoile in the middle of the thoroughfare.
The art installation L'amorce du bleu projects blue light patterns onto building facades along a section of the thoroughfare after dark. French artist Yann Kersalé created the permanent work, which translates the color of the Mediterranean Sea into the urban environment.
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