Capital of the French Riviera and home to artists and celebs alike, Nice is packing heat.

A busy Old Town runs into new streets lined with boutiques and cafes, all sitting behind a sparkling beach. It’s Time to say Bonjour to Nice…

Beach

Nice has some world-class shopping, historic buildings and actually interesting museums, but when it boils down to it, it’s all about that coastline. It’s not yer classic powdery sand mind, but the tiny white pebbles glitter in the sun and don’t get stuck in your crack like the finer stuff.

The main strip is ideal for an afternoon of sunning or a dip in the sea but for something a little special head down the coast to Coco Beach. Find a free rock to lie out on and watch the locals picnicking on fresh fruit and cheap wine.

La Reserve is closer to the town center and has an old diving board where teenagers (and eejits) leap off into the blue. This is also the best sunset spot in the city.

Eat

Oliviera is a mecca for Mediterranean cuisine, and the country’s best olive oil. Have a tasting sesh with owner Nadim and drizzle Bouteillan all over the house special (grilled aubergine, goats cheese and juicy red peppers). Buy a bottle of your fave to take home.

Le Bistrot d’Antoine’s a good option for a low key traditional meal. Sit in the heart of the Old Town and people watch over roast duck or a juicy steak.

Drink

French is best spoken with a few pints of beer or a half bottle of wine inside you. Les Distilleries Idéales does a Happy Hour, for four hours (!) to get you going. Grab a chair at one of the outdoor tables and gobble cheese and meat platters to soak it up.

For music with your booze head to Shapko Bar. They have live music every night (mostly jazz, some Brazilian) and you can see the stage from every table in the bar.

Or you can do as the locals do and head to the beach armed with €2 bottles of vin from the local Carrefour.

Day Trips

Nice is the bustling gateway to the French Riviera. Make it your base then explore the hilltop villages and glitzier coastal towns on day trips.

Cannes is just 40 minutes down the road and the perfume town of Grasse is an hour up into the hills. Go further down the coast to reach the superyacht wildness of San Tropez (2 hours) or see Eze and Monte Carlo on a day trip.