The balmy Mediterranean weather, dynamic culture and fun nightlife have made
Nice the darling of the
French Riviera. This is not just a holiday resort but a real city which is full of life and character. If you are planning to
travel to Nice, one of the first things you should do is take a stroll along the
Promenade des Anglais, so-called because it was built by the English in the 19th century who came to spend the winter in
Nice. Stretching the 7 kilometre length of the Bay of Angels, this palm-fringed walkway has the beach on one side and the charmingly faded glamour of the 19th century
palaces such as the Negresco on the other side. With the old port at one end, the promenade is perfect for jogging, roller-skating, cycling or just strolling: there is always lots going on here.
The clarity of the air and unique quality of the light in
Nice has attracted many painters over the years, and, thanks to this, the city is chock-full of art. The
Matisse Museum and the
National Chagall Museum each contain top-notch collections of these artists' work.
Lose yourself in the narrow streets of the colourful Italian-style historic old town, for some delightful wandering amongst
traditional and specialist shops and private art galleries.
In the Cours Saleya square you'll find a vegetable and flower market every day, except Mondays when there is a flea-market selling antiques and all kinds of bric-à-brac: hone your haggling and bag yourself a bargain.
For more nature and all things green, you can frolic freely in the
Phoenix Floral Park and at the
Château de Nice.
The
Nice Jazz Festival is one of the biggest jazz events in Europe. Each year more than 500 musicians perform, and around 75
concerts are held on three stages. Great legends of jazz such as Jimmy Cliff, Gilberto Gil, Miles Davis and Charlie Mingus have all performed there in the past.
The city really comes alive during the
Nice Carnival, an 18-day extravaganza which culminates in setting fire to the "king", the effigy of that year's parade, on the quai des Etats-Unis, and a magnificent firework display.
Highlights of Nice's sporting calendar include the
Nice Ironman (formerly the Nice Triathlon). This is a must see event as the athletes toil under the Mediterranean sun, give them some encouragement, or perhaps just watch as they pass, while sipping your cocktail...