Nice

Nice is the cultural capital of the French Riviera, a city that combines Italian warmth with French elegance in a setting of extraordinary natural beauty. The Promenade des Anglais, sweeping along the Baie des Anges for seven kilometers, is one of the most iconic waterfronts in the world — lined with palm trees and Belle Epoque hotels, it has been the Riviera's defining image since English aristocrats first came to winter here in the 18th century. Vieux Nice, the old town, is a vibrant labyrinth of narrow streets, baroque churches, and colorful facades where every sense is engaged. The Cours Saleya market — flowers, fruit, vegetables, socca (chickpea pancakes), and pissaladiere (onion tart) — is the beating heart of Nicois life and one of the best open-air markets in France. Castle Hill (Colline du Chateau) offers panoramic views over the old town, the port, and the coastline stretching toward Monaco — the climb is rewarded with one of the most photographed vistas on the Mediterranean. The city's artistic heritage is exceptional: the Matisse Museum houses the largest collection of the artist's work, the Chagall Museum presents the most important permanent collection of this master's paintings, and the MAMAC (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) features works by Yves Klein, Niki de Saint Phalle, and the Nice School. For dining, Jan (one Michelin star) and Flaveur (one Michelin star) represent the new wave of Nicois gastronomy, while traditional restaurants like Chez Pipo (serving socca since 1923) and La Merenda (no phone, no reservations system, just extraordinary Nicois home cooking) keep the city's culinary roots alive. Nice is also the natural base for exploring the entire Cote d'Azur — Monaco, Eze, Antibes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and Cannes are all within easy reach. Stay at the Hotel Negresco, the grande dame of the Promenade whose art collection rivals many museums, or at the Hyatt Regency for a contemporary take on Riviera luxury.

Highlights