Rent a car and you can enjoy not only Nice Old Town (easily explored on foot) but also the rest of the French Riviera from behind the wheel.
Lose yourself in the Old Town
The Promenade des Anglais is the heart of Nice. This bustling seafront stretches 8km along the Mediterranean and is lined with pastel-painted buildings that contrast with the skyline. Behind sits the atmospheric Old Town, a maze of narrow streets filled with restaurants and boutiques.
Try to catch one of the daily markets on the pedestrianised Cours Saleya. From Tuesday to Saturday, the main square turns into a sea of brightly coloured stalls selling fruit, vegetables and flowers and is a great spot for an al fresco lunch.
One of Nice’s most iconic and popular sights is the palatial Russian Orthodox church, exquisitely decorated both inside and out. Step inside and see the sheer extravagance of 300 icons and other treasures that were brought from Russia during the Revolution.
Admire great works of art
Nice is an art-lover’s dream, with many wonderful galleries for you to explore. Henri Matisse lived in Nice for many years, until his death in 1954, and the Musee Matisse on Cimiez Hill celebrates one of the 20th century’s most influential painters, with a superb collection of his art.
From Matisse head to see the work of another modernist icon at the Musée Marc Chagall. Inside you’ll find the 17 paintings that make up the Biblical Message, Chagall’s most important religious work.
Star on the French Riviera
The French Riviera, the stretch of coastline that runs from Saint-Tropez to Menton near the Italian border, has long been a haven for the rich and famous. From the artists and writers of the 19th and early 20th centuries to today’s A Listers, whose lavish villas and impressive yachts line its elegant shores. With car rental you can explore the stretch of coastline from one end to the other.
A short drive east from Nice is picturesque Eze, a charming medieval village perched on a steep hilltop high above the Mediterranean. Breathe in the sweeping views of the gorgeous Cap-Ferrat coastline. Further along the same road you’ll find picture-perfect Menton, with its Italian-influenced Old Town and beautiful beaches.
A 40-minute drive west from Nice Airport is the port and beach resort of Antibes – thought of by many as one of the French Riviera’s hidden gems. Its friendly, low-key atmosphere holds plenty of appeal, but the real attraction is its beaches, many of which are fronted by excellent restaurants and beach-front bistros.
The jewel of the Côte d’Azur is however stylish Saint-Tropez. Once little more than a sleepy fishing village, it was thrust onto the international stage by French actress Brigitte Bardot in the 1950s and continues to woo visitors with its beguiling charm. The old part of the town has a rustic feel, with its cobbled streets, outdoor cafés and shady squares, while the picturesque harbour plays host to the luxury yachts of the rich and famous.
Rent a car at Nice Airport and you’ll have access to more than just this charming little French city. Discover the Riviera and bask in the glamour it exudes.
