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Nice, the capital of the French Riviera and the fifth largest town in France may be a bit faded compared with the glamour of neighbouring Cannes, but it still maintains its dignity and poise.
Nice has a population that nears 400,000; five times the size of Cannes, and it boasts a plethora of ruins, museums, boutiques, and a hearty cafe culture.
Nice's old city clusters against Colline du Chateau, a romantic cliff fortified centuries before Christ. Cars are forbidden on the old city's winding, cobblestone streets that are so narrow their rooftops crowd out the sky. Cafes occupy weathered 17th- and 18th- century buildings and outdoor markets crowd the old town's streets and Venetian-style squares.
Like most of the Riviera, Nice has a hopping nightlife and the old city stays up latest. Its streets and alleyways offer everything from traditional Nicois dining to jazz clubs to hip-hop.
Capital of the Cote d' Azur, Nice is a glittering gem and a charming gateway to one of the most elegant areas of Europe.
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