Nice, France from Sunday 5 September to Wednesday 8 September 2010

• Welcome
• Dates & Deadlines
• Venue & Contacts
• Committees
  • ESPEN 2010
  • Central ESPEN
    • Executive Committee
    • Scientific Committee
    • Educational Committee
• Programme
  • Main Topics & Time Schedule
  • Programme Overview
  • Programme Day by Day
• Abstracts
  • Rules and Guidelines
  • Abstract awards and Travel grants
• LLL Courses
  • What are LLL Courses ?
  • Overview
  • LLL Courses Registration Fees
  • Detailed LLL Courses Programme
• Registration
  • Procedures
  • Registration Fees
  • LLL courses Fees
  • Payment
  • Other Registration Guidelines
• Accommodation
• Secretariat
• Congress Information
• Access & Transportation
• Social Events & Excursions
• General Information
• Sponsoring & Exhibition

About Nice

It is worth taking the time to discover Nice in depth: wander through the narrow streets of the old town and stroll along the famous "Promenade" before entering into the heart of the city with its rich architectural, cultural heritage, and its parks and gardens.
In addition to 150 ornamental lakes and fountains, Nice has a total of 19 museums and galleries, 32 classified historical monuments, 300 ha of parks and gardens, and woodland and green areas. To which Nice owes its fame and glory ! This superb sea-front boulevard, always decked with flowers follows the curve of the "Baie des Anges". Originally a path just two metres wide, it was an Englishman, Reverend Lewis Way, who had it built at his own expense in 1820. The locals immediately named it the "Chemin des Anglais". In its final form, two lanes of traffic separated by flower-beds and palmtrees, the "Prom" was inaugurated in 1931 by the Duke of Connaught (son of Queen Victoria). Continue to the Place Masséna, the heart of the city! On the northern side, elegant buildings in a rich red colour, and to the East, a view of the Tuscany style hillsides. Whilst wandering through the old town, take a look at the "ogival arches" and its shops dating back to medieval times. They have been carefully restored, especially in the Rue du Pont Vieux and Rue de la Préfecture. You can also see many examples of stone lintels on the facades of private houses. Do not miss to climb on the Castle Hill: only a few sections of wall remain of the ancient castle, but from this flower-filled park up on the hill there is a unique view of Nice and the surrounding area: an artificial waterfall, and the ruins of the former cathedral dating back to the 11th century. And year round explore theatre, concert, opera, ballet, variety shows, galas, exhibitions… a city to discover!

Climate and Clothing

Nice has a Mediterranean climate: the city enjoys mild temperatures most of the year; rainfall is very moderate and mainly concentrated during autumn and winter (September to March). At the beginning of September, temperatures range between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 76°F).

Communication

For international calls to France, dial the international code +33 and the correspondent’s number (without the 0).

Credit cards / Cash machines

Credit cards are widely accepted in Nice by numerous hotels, restaurants, shops and petrol stations. The accepted credit cards are indicated by their logos displayed on the exterior facade of the respective business (usually on the entrance door). Cash machines are easily available in most areas. Be prepared to present a picture ID when using a credit card.

Currency

The local currency is the Euro (EUR/E). 1E = 100 cents. Banks and post offices are the most reliable places to change travellers’ cheques and generally offer the best rates. Credit cards are widely accepted in France and the exchange rate is usually better than for cash or travellers cheques. It is advisable to find out what the commission is before proceeding with the transaction.

Customs

Please mind the following regulations when importing tobacco products from neighbouring countries: When coming to France by car or ship, the ceiling of 25 cigarettes continues to apply. Limited quantities also apply when you arrive by plane from one of the adjoining countries.

Electricity

France has 230-volt AC, 50Hz current. Visitors will need an adaptor for electric appliances, whereas North Americans need a transformer in order to use their 110/125V appliances.
16A / 230V / 50Hz

Emergency numbers

Call free (only from within France)
Fire 18
Police 17
Ambulance (SAMU) 15
European SOS 112

Language

French is the official language in Nice. English and Italian are common in hotels and tourist places.

Opening Hours

Most shops are open from 09:00 to 19:00.

Public transportation

Nice inaugurated the first line of its tramway (T1) on November 24, 2007. The line runs for 8.7 km and stretches from the northern tip of Nice, Nice-Nord (Boulevard Comte de Falicon) near the Ray Stadium and the A8 motorway, all the way to Pont Michel in the Saint Roch neighborhood (www.tramway-nice.org).
The Nice train station is located in the heart of the city (www.sncf.fr).
Bus service is also an excellent way to get around Nice. The network is extensive and serves the entire city (www.lignedazur.com).

Safety

Nice is no more dangerous than other cities in western countries. However, beware of pickpockets, who are a constant and serious problem on the Côte d'Azur. They operate usually in teams in any crowded areas like buses, train stations, and tourist sites. You are strongly advised not to carry anything valuable in your pockets. Beware also of gangs that prey on the beaches: stealing unattended bathers belongings is routine and common.

Keep your car doors locked and make sure that purses, cameras or other expensive items cannot be seen from the outside. The streets around the railway station are not recommended at night.

Taxis

The concierge of your hotel can call a taxi for you, or you may want to call the following taxi company: +33 (0)4 93 13 78 78. Switchboard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Night rate from 7pm to 7am.

Time

France follows Central European Time (CET) which is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). At the time of the Conference, summer daylight saving will be in operation which is two hours head of GMT.

Tipping

Service is normally included in restaurant, hotel and taxi bills, so any further tip should only be given for good service. It is common, however, to round up the bill.

Travel Insurance

A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is recommended. The Organising Secretariat as well as ESPEN will not be held liable for illness, accidents or thefts suffered by Participants or Accompanying Persons during the Congress or their stay in France before, during or after the Congress. Participants are strongly recommended to seek insurance coverage for health and accident, lost luggage and trip cancellation.

VAT

The standard V.A.T. rate in France is 19.6%. There is a reduced V.A.T. rate of 5.5%. The reduced VAT rate applies to tourism services, food and agriculture. Everybody who visits France as a tourist and who is not a resident of an EU country is eligible for the VAT reimbursement. Note that value added tax in France is almost always included in the price that is indicated in shops. Your acquisition must have cost at least EUR 175.01 to be eligible for V.A.T. refund. More information at www.globalrefund.com

Visas

If you are an EU citizen, you must either present a passport or an ID card valid for the duration of your stay in order to enter France for tourist visits of up to three months. Citizens of other countries must have a valid passport. Some non-EU citizens are required to produce a visa. Please contact your travel agent or the nearest French diplomatic authority for further information. Should you need a letter of invitation to obtain an Entry Visa, please contact MCI (see page Contacts section). Please note that we cannot enter into correspondence with the French authorities on your behalf and any invitation letter does not imply any financial liability on our part.