Hotels in Nice - La Grande Dame of the French Riviera, Nice has a somewhat shady past and this perhaps only adds to the glamour aspect of this exciting city. The commercial hub of Provence, there was definitely a rackety air in Nice in times of yore. The city crouches behind Promenade des Anglais, a lovely seafront walk that was thus named due to the many Victorians who came to "take the airs" and improve their health. The climate was good for respiratory problems and the vision of invalids in bathchairs is rather removed from what one sees today! The prominent sight now is skateboarders turning kamakazi loops, impossibly chic couples walking perky groomed pooches and impossibly leggy bodies sunbathing on the beach below. Plus ca change!
Promenade des Anglais flanks the town beach and the spectacular view of Baie des Anges stretches ahead. Turn back and the atmospheric Old Town (La Vieille Ville) is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways where traditional bistros and trendy pizzerias cram together in an urban warren. Reminiscent of a north African souk (remember the large Algerian population in Nice), this part of Nice hosts the flower market of Cours Saleya. Locals and tourists patronise the cafes and bars and there is even an Irish bar, Ma Nolan's! Further along (cross Place Massena where a large Galeries Lafayette might tempt one to shop), stroll the zone pietonne (pedestrianised area from Rue de France) and, although it can be a little tacky, enjoy a cafe au lait and indulge in some serious people watching - a typical holiday in south of France!
Back on to the broad expanses of Avenue Jean Medecin, there are tons of retail shops, local brasseries and pavement cafes where a chocolat chaud or buttery croissant lure one to idle another while. We can't mention Nice or anything hinting of Provence without touching on cuisine - the home of tapenade, socca, pissaladiere or salade Nicoise - mouthwatering.
On the French Riviera if you travel further afield (and it is extremely easy to do so by the very efficient SNCF train system), visit glittering Cannes, Juan les Pins, Antibes or St. Tropez at one end or travel east to Villefranche, Eze or Monaco - all names that are so famous they need no elaboration. It is even possible to cross into Italy to the stylish town of San Remo and wander the excellent market.
Car rental is a distinct advantage as all of the fabulous "back country" is then opened up. Think of the dinky little towns of Mougins; Grasse, famous for its perfumed fields of lavender; St Paul de Vence, a picture postcard of medieval streets and quirky art galleries; Cimiez with a magnificent Matisse Museum and one dedicated to Marc Chagall; the amphitheatre of Arles; elegant Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, the city of Popes.
With direct flights to Nice from Ireland all year round, French Riviera holidays are easily accessible.