October 26, 1856, became an important date in the history of Villefranche, Nice, and the entire Côte d'Azur. On this day, the recently widowed Russian Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna disembarked from the Sardinian frigate "Carlo Alberto."

From early morning, a huge crowd gathered at the pier and along the way to Victor Square. The Empress greeted the residents, met with local administration representatives, got into a carriage, and headed to Nice, of which she had heard about its favorable climate. Troops stood along the way to the Avigdor villa, and a military band played the Russian anthem.

After resting, the Empress received a delegation of ladies. In the evening, the royal orchestra held a concert in the villa park, and all city institutions were decorated with illuminations. The corvette "Olaf" arrived with a crew of 360 men for the needs of the Empress.

Local newspapers reported that the city had begun a new life, and many high-ranking individuals would now come to pay their respects to the august guest. The city was indeed transforming.

The Sardinian King Victor Emmanuel arrived to visit the Empress, leading a squadron of six warships. He was greeted with a cannon salute from coastal batteries and the guns of the Russian frigate. Newspapers noted that "the roar was unimaginable." A bright celebration was organized in the city for all residents, with a military band playing, and a ball with entertainment took place in the park.

The Empress was visited by relatives: Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna, Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolaevich, her daughter Olga Nikolaevna with her husband, the King of Württemberg. In the spring of 1857, the commander of the Russian fleet, Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich, visited Nice. Balls, formal lunches and dinners, holidays, and concerts were held, featuring the most famous singers and musicians.

During the winter of 1856-1857, Russians rented almost all the housing in Nice. They also purchased a stretch of coastline in Villefranche, which became a base for the navy. A stone jetty was built for unloading coal, and a hospital for sailors was established.

Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna contributed to the development of Nice. She often walked to Villefranche Bay to visit her ships. Thanks to her initiative and support, a wide road was built from Nice to Villefranche, named the Boulevard of the Empress.

Alexandra Fyodorovna allocated funds to complete the construction of the railway along the coast. She also donated generously to the poor and helped establish a mutual aid fund in Nice. Upon her departure, numerous gifts and souvenirs were distributed. Crowds gathered along the entire route to the corvette from which she sailed away.

In 1859, the Empress returned to Villefranche on the 40-gun frigate "Svetlana." Due to poor health, the cannon salute had to be canceled. She went to Nice to the villa "Orestis," owned by Countess Orestis (Natalia Chikhacheva).

As in her first visit, the Empress actively engaged in charity, contributing to the mutual aid fund and the St. Cross Hospital, as well as helping the poor and sick.

Later, Empress Maria Alexandrovna, Emperor Alexander II, and other members of the royal family visited Nice. Following the Russian court, European monarchs and princes began to spend their winters on the Mediterranean coast.

Nice soon transformed into a Western European "branch" of the royal court. Hotels baked Easter cakes and advertised themselves as a place where Russian aristocracy stayed.