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Nice is the capital of France’s Côté d’Azur. It is a buzzing cosmopolitan city that is sought after by city slickers and beach bums. Nice is the place to be seen slowly sipping on a bottle of Perrier underneath a coloured umbrella. It is the place to flaunt your new dress along the promenades, the place to show off your new skateboard trick while cruising down the boardwalk at Baie des Anges. The shores are pebbled and the water is blue. You could say it’s about time you spent your holidays in Nice.

Essentials in Nice

It is also a city of culture and art. Nice is home to some major pieces of art, including a large collection by Matisse, a French artist who spent his later years here. There are Roman ruins to explore, Russian cathedrals, and romantic pedestrian streets. As far as cooking goes, there is everything from the typical Parisian art café to the family-friendly restaurant where French cuisine is served the same way French grandmothers served it generations ago. If you can find it, it’ll be in Nice.

Monument aux Morts: Built completely out of white stone, this large sculpture pays homage to the dead in Place Guynemer. It is imposing yet thought-provoking. There are more than 3500 names inscribed onto the large urn of France’s soldiers and war victims. It is located at the base of Castle Hill and across from the port.

Observatoire de Nice: This star-gazing observatory was first opened in 1879 by Raphael Bishoffsheim. Gustave Eiffel designed the main dome. It houses a 76cm refractor telescope which was the biggest in the world at the time the observatory opened. It is now called the Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur.

Promenade des Anglais: This walkway is equally lovely as it is famous. It was built in the 18th century after hoards of beggars fled the north and headed to Nice during a particularly harsh winter. The English vacationers there put them to work building this magnificent walkway along the seaside. Today it is a popular meeting place for walkers, cyclists and skateboarders. Pull up a chaise bleu and laze by the seaside, watching the people pass.

Matisse Museum: The Matisse Museum is located on the hill of Cimiez and is not far from the Hotel Regina where Matisse once lived. The museum first opened in 1963 and is one of the best museums in the world for seeing artworks left by Matisse. The collection consists both of paintings and drawings.

Rue de France: This street is a pedestrian friendly part of the city. It is the place to find all of your Côte d’Azur souvenirs, clothing shops, news stand, bookshops and especially a café au lait. This area is also one of the most popular places to go out and dine.

Find more information on nicetourisme.com.

Accommodations in Nice

Don’t be surprised that the French Riviera books up quickly, especially in the summertime. You have to book hotels in Nice and sometimes even flights at least half a year in advance if you want to catch a good deal. Rates also rise during festivals and events; good weather too plays its part. Outside of Nice there are plenty of smaller bed & breakfasts and family-run hotels.