Nice

Take your pick from multiple luxurious seafront hotels in Nice, with drawcards such as rooftop terraces with views, private beaches and solariums. One such is the sumptuous belle-époque Le Negresco (37 Promenade des Anglais), with room design ranging from Louis XIV to art deco, while the Radisson Blu Hôtel (223 Promenade des Anglais) has an enticing rooftop pool.

For those on a smaller budget, the central Brice Hôtel (44 rue du Maréchal-Joffre) has a garden, lemon and orange tree-shaded terrace, and attractive rooms. Even cheaper is the Hôtel des Flandres (6 rue de Belgique), with bright rooms and a convenient location close to the train station and a short walk from the seafront.

For a delectable assault on your senses, head to Cours Saleya and take in the colours and scents at the morning flower market. It’s very much worth a trip whether or not you wish to purchase any flowers. Visit the locally based Molinard (20 rue St Francois de Paule) for Provençal perfumes, founded in 1849 and whose flacons were designed by Lalique.

Head to the upmarket “Carré d’Or” area (between Boulevard Victor Hugo, Avenue Jean Médecin, Boulevard Gambetta and the Promenade des Anglais) for a dose of upmarket designer shopping, or to the Galeries Lafayettes (6 avenue Jean Médecin), a slightly more affordable department store.

Due to its cosmopolitan nature, Nice is blessed with a varied and eclectic cuisine that ranges from French to North African. Local specialities such as socca are not in short supply, which can be tried from fast food style eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Le Chantecler (37 Promenade des Anglais) has two Michelin stars and a beautifully crafted interior, and Christian Plumail (54 boulevard Jean Jaurès) also boasts a star, but a lunch menu that doesn't cost a fortune. Local favourite Restaurant du Gesu (1 place du Jésus) is also very affordable and popular.

Carnival

February/March

Celebrate carnival in Nice for an incredible 15 days. Take in the floats strewn with flowers that parade the city, with the flower battles on the Promenade des Anglais a real highlight. Impressively decorated floats are ridden by equally impressively decorated locals, who throw flowers out towards the crowds, a ritual that works its way through 20 tons of mimosa.

Gourd Festival

March

Celebrate the welcome end of winter at the Gourd Festival in the Jardins de Cimiez with gourd-inspired food, painting and competitions.

Fête du Château

June

Delightfully set in the grounds of Nice’s château, enjoy this contemporary music festival free of charge as you listen to rock, jazz, funk, trip hop and Latin acts, in addition to arts and craft stalls and opportunities to fill your stomach.

Nice Jazz Festival

July

Nice Jazz Festival has been an annual event since 1948, and is one Europe’s premier jazz events. There are a number of stages on Place Masséna to accommodate the acts over eight days, which include noteworthy international musicians delivering traditional and contemporary sounds.

Marathon des Alpes Maritimes

November

The regional marathon makes its way each year along the coastal road towards Cannes.