Nice boutique shuts after 168 years

It is the end of an era in Nice, with one of its oldest specialist family boutiques set to shut its doors for the final time after 168 years in business.

Maison Bestagno, on Rue de la Préfecture, first began selling and repairing umbrellas in 1850 - but current owner Gino Bestagno, a descendant of the shop's founder, has decided that the time has come to retire - and there is no one to take over the store.

He has welcomed the likes of Brigitte Bardot, Albert I of Monaco and Claudia Cardinale to his unassuming boutique in the centre of old Nice.

Until the 1970s, the store made and repaired umbrellas and parasols, but in recent years it has shut down its manufacturing operation, and concentrated on the sale and repair of 'Made in France' items.

The store's remaining umbrellas will be auctioned off - and some could fetch as much as €3,000, FranceBleu Azur reports.