Located on France’s southeast coast, Nice combines the romantic and lively charm of a seaside city with delicate, ancient qualities, which attracts millions of tourists from around the world every year.

Nice comprises both modern and old quarters, with the latter often regarded as the soul of the city.

Among the top attractions are charming parks decorated with statues and artworks. Notably, Massena Square, the largest in Nice, lies between the old and new quarters, featuring a central fountain and a 7-meter statue of Apollo that represents scenes from Greek mythology.

During their walk in the old town, PM Chinh and his spouse visited the Lascaris Museum, a unique cultural landmark reflecting southern France’s history and art.

The museum was originally a 17th-century mansion belonging to the influential Lascaris-Vintimille family. With its magnificent Baroque architecture and hand-painted ceilings, the palace was listed as a historic monument in 1946 and turned into a museum in 1970.

A highlight is the extensive and rare collection of over 500 antique musical instruments, one of France and Europe’s largest, spanning the 17th to 19th centuries and showcasing the development of European classical music.

Violins, violas, and cellos crafted by renowned makers such as Antonio Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù demonstrate the period’s peak craftsmanship. The museum also displays folk instruments from Europe, Africa, and Asia, highlighting cultural diversity.

Besides musical instruments, the museum features decorative artworks including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, embroidered carpets, and antique furniture. The rooms at the museum were restored to their original state with hand-painted ceilings and plaster decorations, offering an authentic Baroque palace experience.

PM Chinh expressed admiration for the museum’s precious collection, especially the 500 musical instruments that connect the past, present, and future.

Moved by these artifacts, he affirmed culture as an intrinsic strength that inspires generations and contributes to the country’s rapid, sustainable, and green development.

On the same afternoon, PM Chinh visited the family of Vo Ba Luan, owner of a Japanese restaurant in the southern French coastal city of Nice.

Warmly inquiring about their family, hometown, and business, the Prime Minister praised Vo Ba Luan and his family for their determination and perseverance, encouraging them to continue upholding the spirit of resilience and striving forward. He urged them to abide by local laws and, when possible, support fellow Vietnamese, especially students and young people, in the spirit of solidarity and mutual support.

He expressed his hope that Vo Ba Luan and the broader Vietnamese community in France will continue to grow stronger as a contribution to promoting a positive image of Vietnam and its people to the world, and serve as a bridge between the two nations.

The Government chief also called on the Vietnamese Embassy to continue providing effective consular support and citizen protection, particularly in assisting overseas Vietnamese facing hardship or unexpected difficulties.

PM Chinh arrives in Nice for UN Ocean Conference and France visit

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation arrived in Nice on June 7 afternoon (local time), commencing a five-day working visit to France, where he will attend the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) and carry out a series of bilateral activities.

Vietnam, France deepen strategic partnership through PM Chinh’s visit

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh heads to Nice, France, marking his first visit since Vietnam and France elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in October 2024.