Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SomeoftheContinent'smoststunningsceneryandintriguingmuseumsliealongthis
strip of land—as do millions of sun-worshipping tourists. Nice has world-class museums,
a splendid beachfront promenade, a seductive old town, and all the drawbacks of a major
city (traffic, crime, pollution, and so on). The day-trip possibilities are easy and exciting:
Monte Carlo welcomes everyone with money to spend and will happily take your cash;
Antibes has a thriving port and silky sand beaches; and the inland hill towns present a
breezy and photogenic alternative to the beach scene. Evenings on the Riviera, a.k.a. la
Côte d'Azur, were made for a promenade and outdoor dining.
Choose a Home Base
My favorite home bases are Nice, Antibes, and Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Nice
is the region's capital and France's fifth-largest city. With convenient train and
bus connections to most regional sights, this is the most practical base for train travelers.
Urban Nice also has a full palette of museums (most of which are free), a beach scene that
rocks, 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 garages or
for free at an outer tram station.
