Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A hundred years ago, celebrities from London to Moscow flocked to the French Riviera to
socialize, gamble, and escape the dreary weather at home. Today, budget vacationers and
heat-seekingEuropeansfillbelle-époqueresortsatFrance'smostsought-afterfun-in-the-sun
destination.
Some of the Continent's most stunning scenery and intriguing museums lie along this
strip of land—as do millions of sun-worshipping tourists. Evenings on the Riviera, a.k.a. La
Côte d'Azur, were made for a promenade and outdoor dining.
My favorite (and the most convenient) home base is Nice, the region's capital and
France's fifth-largest city. With easy train and bus connections to most regional sights, it's
practicalfortraintravelers.UrbanNicehasafullpaletteofworld-classmuseums,asplendid
beachfront promenade, a seductive old town, and all the drawbacks of a major city (traffic,
crime, pollution, and so on).
Nice also has the best selection of hotels in all price ranges, and good nightlife options.
A car is a headache in Nice, though it's easily stored at one of the many pricey parking gar-
ages or for free at an outer tram station.
Nice (sounds like “niece”), with its spectacular Alps-to-Mediterranean surroundings, is an
enjoyable big-city highlight of the Riviera. Its traffic-free old city mixes Italian and French
flavors to create a spicy Mediterranean dressing, while its big squares, broad seaside walk-
ways, and long beaches invite lounging and people-watching. Nice may be nice, but it's hot
and jammed in July and August—reserve ahead and get a room with air-conditioning
(une
chambre avec climatisation)
. Everything you'll want to see in Nice is either within walking
distance or a short bus or tram ride away.
