Some place names just ooze glamour. The very mention of the Riviera, or the Cote d'Azur as the French call it, conjures up images of movie stars and aristocrats.
At its center is the city of Nice, once the haunt of British and Russian royalty. They have left their mark in the form of grand hotels and the massive onion-domed orthodox church of St Nicholas. That is not to mention the world-famous boardwalk, the Promenade des Anglais.
These, however, are only part of the story. The charm of the old town stretches back centuries. The food is as good as anywhere in France. Nice's boutiques and markets will satisfy the most ardent shopaholic.
And Nice is a perfect touring center. Half an hour along the coast, or less by helicopter, is the principality and tax haven of Monte Carlo. Other resorts such as Cannes and St. Tropez are also close by. Inland are villages that feel as if they are untouched by time.
It is also one of Europe's most accessible resorts with regular direct flights from the United States as well as the rest of Europe.
When To Go
Unlike many European resorts which close down for the winter, Nice is worth visiting at any time of year. It is a city where life is lived in the open air. The summer crowds are cooled by the sea breeze. In the mild winters they still throng the terraces of bars and restaurants, kept warm by heaters provided by the thoughtful owners. In February the city explodes into life with the Bataille de Fleurs, the battle of flowers, a carnival only surpassed by Rio and Venice.
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