Nice Facts

The famed Promenade des Anglais, hugging the pebbly shores of Nice, is often the image of the city that immediately springs to mind. But there is also an old town hiding many picturesque treasures and a modern, bustling city center. Unassumingly tucked into the eastern part of town, Nice's port exudes its own peaceful charm, and the various hills - Cimiez to the northeast of Vieux-Nice, and Mont-Boron to the east of the harbor - make up green and tranquil districts blessed with stunning panoramas. Arénas in the west and Promenade du Paillon northeast of the old town are the main business and conference centers, while the rest of the area is primarily residential.

Sea Front

This is perhaps the best...

...in the 19th century, but it's solidly middle class today, and far less glamorous and expensive than Cannes. It's also the best excursion center on the Riviera, especially if you're dependent on public transportation. For example, you can go to San Remo, "the queen of the Italian Riviera," and return to Nice by nightfall. From the Nice airport, the second largest in France, you can travel by bus along the entire coast.

Nice is the capital of the Riviera, the largest city between Genoa and Marseille. It's also one of the most ancient, having been founded by the Greeks, who called it "Nike," or Victory. Because of its brilliant sunshine and relaxed living, it has attracted artists and writers....