Come along on a journey of discovery. 24 doors. 24 stories.

Throughout December, I open one real door each day and tell the story behind it. Along the way, I discover both well-known and lesser-known places in this city and small pieces of its past.

I’ve taken the idea of the traditional Advent calendar — opening one little door each day in the lead-up to Christmas — and transferred it to my adopted home, Nice. The closer we get to Christmas, the more of the city we will discover together.

I have long been fascinated by how tangible history can be: an old wall that has surrounded a fortress for hundreds of years, wood polished smooth by countless hands, streets walked by an unimaginable number of feet. I touch these places, pause for a moment, and try to imagine who was here before me, who walked these paths, who touched these same stones.

When imagination turns into curiosity and I begin to research, projects like this are born. I am not a historian — I see myself as a storyteller. I share what I discover: my fascination and my enthusiasm. And I have plenty of both 🙂

This Advent calendar takes place mainly on Instagram. Here on this page, I gather all the posts and reels in one place. I’m not an Instagram pro, so please forgive me if not everything is perfect — I’m figuring it out as I go along myself.

Until December 24th, I will add a new reel here each day. This article will grow organically and become a little more diverse with every passing day. Walk through the streets of Nice with me and join me on this journey of discovery.

I wish you a wonderful Advent season! 🎄

Francesca

UPDATE: Over the first twelve days of December, I researched and shared a small story each day. I’ve decided not to continue this pace through December 24. Instead, I’ll keep posting regularly on Instagram and return my focus here on the blog to longer-form content, something that has taken a back seat over the past couple of weeks.

Take good care of yourself and listen to your own rhythm, especially during the often hectic pre-Christmas season.

Francesca

## December 12th – 12 Boulevard Victor Hugo

In Nice, André Gide found peace and distance from the literary life of Paris. The city became a place of focus and quiet reflection.

## December 11th – Place Masséna

Place Massena is the vibrant heart of Nice, a square once divided by the Paillon River and now a space where history, Italian heritage, and modern art come together in a single, sweeping view.

## December 10th – 38 Rue Ségurane

Friedrich Nietzsche spent several winters in Nice, walking and writing in the clear Riviera air. The city became a quiet companion to his thoughts, a retreat where some of his most significant ideas began to take shape.

## December 9th – 15 Quai Rauba Capeu

From his atelier in the Hôtel Suisse, Raoul Dufy discovered the light that would shape his art forever. In this reel, you’ll see how Nice and his later years shaped the work he left behind.

## December 8th – Avenue Thiers

Behind this door begins the story of Nice’s first railway station. When it opened in 1864, the city became truly accessible for the first time, and modern Riviera tourism began to take shape.

## December 7th – 7 Rue Saint François de Paule

Behind this door lies one of Nice’s oldest and most beautiful shops: Maison Auer, a confectionery founded in 1820 where time seems to stand still. Today I’m taking you inside this little Belle Époque gem and sharing the treats I finally got to try 🙂

## December 6th – 6 Rue Bonaparte

Behind this door begins a story that’s easy to overlook: Napoléon Bonaparte’s time in Nice, long before he became the man the world would come to know.

## December 5th – 5 Rue de l'Hôtel de Ville

Behind this door lies more than it first appears. Watch the reel to uncover its story.

## December 4th – 4-6 Rue Saint-François de Paule

Behind this door is a night that changed the city. Where the former theatre burned to the ground in 1881, today stands the Opéra de Nice.

## December 3rd – 3 Place Rossetti

Behind this door begins the legend of Sainte Réparate. After her death, her body is said to have drifted across the Mediterranean in a small boat to Nice, where it was found by fishermen. A dark story that continues to live on in the heart of the old town today.

## December 2nd – 2 Quai Papacino

Today’s door leads us to a place steeped in history in Nice: this is where Giuseppe Garibaldi was born, even though the original house no longer exists.

## December 1st – 1 Place Charles-Félix

Today’s door takes us to a very special place in the life of Henri Matisse: his apartment and studio, which for many years served as his retreat in Nice.

This Advent calendar is meant as a quiet journey through the streets of Nice — step by step, door by door. Until Christmas, this collection will continue to grow, gathering new little stories along the way. It’s lovely to have you here, taking the time to discover them 🎄

Francesca

Image credits:

Nice – An Advent Calendar of Stories

## December 12th – 12 Boulevard Victor Hugo

## December 11th – Place Masséna

## December 10th – 38 Rue Ségurane

## December 9th – 15 Quai Rauba Capeu

## December 8th – Avenue Thiers

## December 7th – 7 Rue Saint François de Paule

## December 6th – 6 Rue Bonaparte

## December 5th – 5 Rue de l'Hôtel de Ville

## December 4th – 4-6 Rue Saint-François de Paule

## December 3rd – 3 Place Rossetti

## December 2nd – 2 Quai Papacino

## December 1st – 1 Place Charles-Félix

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