Located on the scenic shores of the French Riviera, Nice offers something for everyone, thanks to its endless sunshine, sandy beaches and wonderful landscapes. A stroll down the famous Promenade des Anglais is a great way to soak up the best seafront sights, and you can even rent bikes, skates or scooters to explore the four-kilometre stretch.
However, the city's real essence is found in the old town of Vieux Nice. This narrow network of meandering alleyways remains largely unchanged since the 1700s and is full of boutiques, brasseries and bars. The undeniable highlight is the daily flower and food markets of the Cours Saleya, where you can sample local specialities such as pissaladière (onion tarts) and pan bagnat (a bread roll packed with a Nicoise salad filling). On Mondays, a flea market selling furniture and trinkets is held in the square.
Although Nice's coast is mostly made up of pebble beaches, the turquoise waters are still perfect for a swim. If you do prefer a sandy beach, take a jaunt to the nearby towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes or Cannes. Offering soaring views over the Baie des Anges and the rest of the city, the Colline du Chateau makes for a great vantage point.
Nice is also renowned for its museums, including Musée Matisse, Musée Masséna and the Museum of Modern Art. For those wishing to experience the glamour of nearby Monte Carlo, you can catch an express train from Nice to Monaco in around 20 minutes.
