TouchScreenTravels logo

TouchScreenTravels

Our Touch, your Travels…

This is a preview of the full content of our Provence’s Best app.

Please consider downloading this app to support small independent publishing and because:

  • All content is designed for mobile devices and works best there.
  • Detailed in-app maps will help you find sites using your device’s GPS.
  • The app works offline (one time upgrade required on Android versions).
  • All advertising (only present on Android versions) can be removed.

The app will also allow you to:

  • Add custom locations to the app map (your hotel…).
  • Create your own list of favourites as you browse.
  • Search the entire contents using a fast and simple text-search tool.
  • Make one-click phone calls (on phones).
iOS App Store Google Play

Coventry's Cannon

The not very PC Colonels reminder to his wife!

If you're enjoying a stroll around Château Hill just above Vieux Nice at noon don't be alarmed if you hear a loud explosion!

An explosive device is discharged from the top of Château Hill at lunchtime every day. This is a rather odd tradition which the Niçois follow daily and apparently one the Authorities like to keep going.

Late Lunch

Back in 1860 a certain Sir Thomas Coventry, a colonel in the British Army became very annoyed with Lady Coventry. Apparently she didn't always remember to prepare his lunch in readiness for his return each day.

Not very P.C.

The irritated colonel came up with the neat idea of having one of his men fire a cannon every day on the stroke of noon so that the errant Lady could jump to it and get lunch on the table in time for hubby's return!

The tradition has been maintained but nowadays there is no actual cannon, just an explosive device. However, if you do hear what sounds like a cannon being fired at noon then make for one of the many local restaurants and have a nice lunch in the rather pompous colonel, or more to the point, his long-suffering wife!

Practical Info Practical Info icon

Département: Alpes-Maritimes.

Vieux Nice (Old Town)

Nice In-A-Day

Highlights of central Nice on foot or by bike

Text © Paul Shawcross

Image by Photo by By Alfo23 - Gita Colmar 28