What to do
The beach at Nice is stony – which is fine for most people but if you want a comfy sunbed, you’ll have to pay for it. You could though nip on the bus for €1.50 and head to the sandy beach at Villefranche-sur-Mer. (Get transport details from the tourist office).
Walking is of course free and Nice is one of the nicest places to wander with parks, grand squares, tiny streets and different styles of district. Head to castle hill, via the free lift – or climb the steps if you’re feeling energetic. The views from here are stunning, there are shady areas perfect for a picnic and beautiful gardens, and watching the sun set over the Bay of Angels is memorable. Watch out for the midday Cannon that booms to alert you to the fact that it's lunch time!
Cool down in La Promenade des Paillons, an enclosed urban park of 12 hectares where you’ll find fountains, bands, street food and somewhere to sit in the shade of a tree, on a bench and simply chill.
People watch at Place Massena with its quirky artwork - figures on high poles that light up at night.
Visit the Matisse Museum - entrance is free. It is next to the Roman ruins in Cimiez, a short bus ride or longish walk from the centre of Nice. It has a brilliant collection showing the artist's work through his lifetime - simply magnificent. musee-matisse.nice
Credit: Martine Hillen