Maintaining much of its old-world glamour as well as a chic modern appeal, the urban yet peaceful
Côte d’Azur, Nice offers a haven for sunseekers and an exciting prospect for high-rollers looking for a good time. Bewitching continental visitors since the 1900s, this destination is a must for anyone looking for a
luxury holiday in the French Riviera.
For those wanting to soak up the
city’s illustrious nightlife, there’s nowhere better than Vieux Nice (Old Town). Considered the area’s headquarters for evening activities, you can either choose to have a refined night of drinks by the water’s edge or get a little wilder with some of the high-end nightclubs on offer at the Promenade des Anglais.
For a relaxing next-day pursuit after a spectacular night out, shopping is a must on any Nice agenda. Not only does the
city offer the very best in bespoke and
boutique retail outlets but its markets are something famed throughout France. Particularly famous is its heavenly-smelling morning flower market at Cours Saleya. Other fabulous little street stalls can be found at Carré d’Or, Avenue de Suède and Rue Paradis.
A must for historians the world over, the classy city of culture offers a plethora of museums on everything from art to human palaeontology so you can enjoy a different exhibition viewing every day of the week. While most museums charge an entry fee of €10, if you’re really into the idea of visiting them all, a seven-day pass is available for €20 – talk about value for money!
Speaking of art museums, anyone with even a mild interest in the works of Matisse, Picasso or Chagall should make Nice a spot to hit on their bucket list. With museums, galleries and iconic landmarks either dedicated to the artists or of their own creation are peppered throughout the destination. Particularly recommended is Matisse’s self-proclaimed masterpiece The Rosary Chapel.
WINGED BOOTS WISDOM
A little cultural difference you might need to know about the French is that when someone offers you something, saying ‘merci’ (thank you) indicates refusal instead of acceptance, whereas ‘oui, s’il vous plait’ is the generally accepted term for ‘yes, thanks’.