Encounter the magic of the Mediterranean at one of southern France’s premier destinations – Nice. Renowned for its beautiful beaches and glamorous restaurants, this seaside hotspot is the perfect introduction to the Côte d'Azur.
City of the sun
Drive into Nice from the airport and let its beauty unfold before your eyes. Make straight for the Promenade des Anglais, this city’s crown jewel, and stroll along the palm-lined waterfront. The pastel-hued grand architecture fringing the arc may even draw your eyes away from the sea, as the sun sets on this humblingly gorgeous corner of the world. Spend the rest of the evening walking around the narrow streets of the Old Town and dine on French delicacies at one of the many traditional restaurants packed into the labyrinth of alleyways.
You can also go museum hopping for a culture fix. The European and American works hanging in the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art veer toward the avant-garde – think Christo and Yves Klein. Alternatively, learn all about the French Riviera’s past at Masséna Museum, in a belle époque building that’s worth the admission fee alone. For a dose of natural beauty, visit Castle Hill. Climb up to the park perched high above the city and admire the incredible vistas over the red-roofed city.
Palaces and princes
The glamour of Monaco calls – a day trip to this tiny principality lets you experience the glitz for yourself. Wander around the enormous harbour to see Monaco’s wealth first hand – your jaw will drop at the sheer number of yachts moored in the marina. It’s how the other half float. Stroll further around the bay to admire the lavish belle époque architecture of the iconic Monte Carlo Casino.
Juxtapose this with a visit to Monaco-Ville, also known as ‘the rock’. Climb up to the medieval village and amble through this picturesque part of the city. Stop off at the magnificent Palais Princier de Monaco, the residence of the Grimaldi family, and watch the changing of the guard outside the gate of the foreboding 13th century fortress.
Cannes-do attitude
Hop from one seaside resort to the other with a trip to nearby Cannes, which will take you around 35 minutes to reach from Nice. Once a quiet fishing village, this city has transformed into one of the most opulent spots on the Riviera.
Though famed for its International Film Festival, Cannes is also a shopping haven. Saunter down the city’s main boulevard La Croisette and go window-shopping, passing Chanel and Dior along the way. Swap the shops for a stint on one of Cannes’ pristine beaches. Set your towel down on sandy Plage du Midi and soak up the French sunshine.
Join the A-list in Saint-Tropez
Jet setters flock to this glitzy Riviera resort every year – join them and get a taste for one of the most-talked about resorts in Europe.
Begin your trip at the dazzling harbour – sip a coffee at one of the bar terraces kissed by the sun and watch sleek yachts cruise into the marina. From the port, meander towards the 17th century La Citadelle looming over the city. Climb the steps up to this historic fortress and you’ll be rewarded with breath-taking views of Saint-Tropez and beyond.
With so much history, culture and natural grace in one region, car hire from Nice airport will ensure you get to see and experience as much as possible. You’ll leave with memories you’ll treasure forever.
