Looking for summer holiday inspiration? Sitting on the southern coast of France—a hop, skip and a jump from the Italian border—Nice embodies the old-world Riviera elegance that the Côte d’Azur is known for. However, it’s more than just designer shops, coral-blue waters and beautiful weather.

Transport
While the city centre is just a 15-minute drive from the airport, make sure to get a €6 bus ticket instead of a taxi which will set you back almost €40. In fact, stay away from taxis for the whole duration of your trip unless you intend to bankrupt yourself. Luckily, Nice is a city that is meant to be walked. Its year-round warmth and compact size means everywhere is within strolling distance.

Activities
While the narrow streets of Le Vieux Nice (Old Town) have much to offer, the nicest walk in the city is along the Promenade des Anglais; one of the most famous stretches of seafront in France. Those walking it can pull up one of the many sea-facing pews dotted along to admire the view or alternatively, descend the steps to one of the sea-level restaurants. The promenade also has a dedicated lane for bikes, roller skaters and the occasional Segway.

At the east end of the Promenade, there is a short hike up Castle Hill— the highest point in Nice, which delivers panoramic views of the Mediterranean. In an expensive city like Nice, these strolls—costing nothing—are a bargain. The main square, Place Massena, is overlooked by pastel-coloured buildings and checkered with black and white tiles. It opens out to a ream of fountains shooting water from the ground, in which children delight daily.

Food and drink
The vibrant street life buzzes on sundown. Hundreds of atmospheric restaurants light up, boasting terraces that overspill with guests enjoying large plates of seafood while watching the world go by. However, if fruits de mer aren’t your thing, delicious Indian cuisine and authentic Chinese food are on offer too, at The Indian Lounge and Panda Chine respectively. For an after-dinner treat, stop into Gelateria Azzurro for the ‘best gelato in Nice’. Flavours abound from pistachio to crème brûlée, and from lavender to Nutella.

Culture
In terms of culture, Nice doesn’t fall short. The city became a hub for artists in the early 20th century, attracting both Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall, for which the city now has two museums: the Musée Matisse and the Musée Chagall.

Markets
Lastly, a trip to Nice is not complete without a visit to one (or more) of the markets that take place under the famous green and white striped awnings. Browse the Flower Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and the Brocante Market on Mondays. Or satiate yourself with market produce and fresh baguettes from the Fruit & Vegetable Market, which is there every day (except Monday). What more could you want from a trip to the South of France?

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