Guide to Nice

'Shopping, sights and a touch of south coast sparkle, Nice has got it all.'

It's difficult to know where to start when describing Nice. It's a city which has almost everything. There's the glitz and glamour you'd expect from the Cote d'Azur but there's also architecture, art, ancient ruins, winding streets, watersports and so much more besides. Only 25 miles from the border with Italy, Nice is unlike anywhere else in France. It's got Italian influence all over it. And the British have played a part too, building the famous Promenade des Anglais in 1822. This is as good a place as any to begin checking the city out, perhaps pausing for a drink in one of the cafes looking out across the glistening Mediterranean. The six-domed Russian Orthodox Cathedral is one of the city's sightseeing highlights, while the Matisse and Chagall museums in Cimiez quarter are other popular stopping off points. Old Nice is a labyrinth of narrow streets, tall houses and colourful squares with shops selling antiques and local specialities. The area has recently been restored, bringing the best from buildings such as the St Reparte cathedral. But the real must-sees are the shops. Shopping is a key activity, whether in the boutiques or markets. Once you're all shopped out though, you could spend the rest of the day doing anything from waterskiing, to hiking. All before induldging in an evening of culture at the opera, ballet or theatre. Alternatively, stroll back along the Promenade des Anglais to sample the city's vibrant nightlife. Nice is also well-positioned for trips to Cannes, St Tropez or the countless historical villages close by. But with so much in the city itself, you might not find the time.

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