Nice

Azure coast, belle époque promenades and Michelin-starred dining.

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera and one of the great Mediterranean cities — a place where Italian and French influences blend under brilliant southern light, producing a culture of outdoor living, excellent food and a strong independent identity. The city was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia until 1860, and its Italianate architecture, especially in the Vieux-Nice quarter, reflects that history. The Promenade des Anglais, the wide boulevard running for 7 kilometres along the Baie des Anges, is Nice's great civic space — used for running, cycling, strolling and sunbathing throughout the year. The beach (pebble rather than sand) below it is where the whole city comes on warm days. The Vieux-Nice neighbourhood, with its bright orange and ochre buildings, narrow streets and excellent markets (Cours Saleya is superb in the morning), is endlessly explorable. Nice's cultural scene exceeds expectations. The Musée Matisse and the Musée National Marc Chagall both sit in beautiful hilltop settings. The Colline du Château offers panoramic views over the city and harbour. Nearby Monaco is 20 minutes by train; Eze, Antibes, Cannes and the Provençal hinterland are all easy day trips. Nice's cuisine — socca (chickpea pancake), pissaladière (onion tart), salade niçoise in its authentic form — is excellent. The climate is exceptional year-round, with over 300 sunny days annually.