What you can expect:
Program
Nice, a Mediterranean city with a myriad of stories. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was not yet part of France. However, the two did share connections in certain areas. This was the case with justice. Although Nice had its own legal system, France assigned a chief executioner, a bòia, to the city. No great enthusiast for the city and its system, he was nevertheless valued for his healing powers, which were considered magical at the time. Perhaps a little too talkative, but approachable nonetheless, he knows more anecdotes than you might think about the city, whose stones and gates still hold a few secrets. Join him on a journey into the heart of the historic district of the French Riviera's capital. You'll hear stories about unexpected places, told by this bumbling executioner who, despite his profession, has a friendly demeanor.
Get to Know Your Guide/Character:
Joseph François Desmorest is an executioner. And not just any executioner! His nickname echoes the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror: Sanson. This pseudonym comes from his master: Charles Henri Sanson, the guillotine expert who cut off nearly 3,000 heads, including some of the most “famous” ones. Enough to send shivers down anyone's spine... After these experiences, Joseph François also wanted to become chief executioner. He was transferred to Nice in 1798. Not particularly fond of the local climate, he repeatedly requested a transfer... to no avail. His affable nature earned him many stories about the area. Something of a chatterbox, this self-proclaimed expert went to prison in 1804 for spreading gossip or exaggerated truths. Join him after his release, and you will see that he is not scary at all. Just listen to him, and you'll discover that these tales aren't so far from the truth.
5 rue de l’ancien Sénat, Nice
Old Nice, particularly Rue Jules Gilly, the executioner's wash house, the executioner's vegetable garden, Rue de la Poissonnerie, Rue Droite, Rue Benoit Bunico, Rue du Vieux Moulin, Rue Mascoinat, Place Rossetti
Rossetti Square in front of Sainte Reparate Cathedral, Nice
/
Visite passionnante du Vieux Nice de 1804 sur les traces d’un excellent guide incarnant à merveille son personnage de ‘gentil bourreau’. La promenade est riche en faits historiques et anecdotes, livrés avec patience, gentillesse et humour. Je recommande avec grand enthousiasme pour découvrir des aspects de Nice que même les habitués de la ville (re)découvriront.
La visite effectuée par Maxime était vraiment intéressante avec un dimension historique ludique et passionnante.
Très belle découverte de l’histoire de Nice grâce à un très bon guide conférencier.
A faire !
Très agréable visite gorgée d’anecdotes de Nice des 18 et 19eme et de la région. Notre guide est scrupuleux d’éviter tout anachronisme !
Extraordinaire balade historique dans le vieux Nice de 1804 ! Guidé par un bourreau très particulier personnifié par Maxime, qui se révèle être un puits de connaissance extrêmement sympathique ! Je recommande vivement cette promenade !