Most visitors to the French Riviera must have spent some idle moments musing about moving to this coast.

Living in one of these vibrant towns and cities set like sparkling jewels along a ribbon of gorgeous coastline beside the Mediterranean must feel like a year-round cavalcade of pleasures, beneath a sky that’s shades of blue.

And it’s true – when much of Europe suffers the whims of the weather, even in the height of the summer, the Med has far more sun than showers.

And when it comes to festivals and celebrations, visitors are spoilt for choice, right through the glorious heights of the holiday season.

With the sea lapping at its shores, it’s hardly surprising that boat shows are big attractions, and there’s plenty to please fans of film, live music and theatre.

There are also some of the best golf courses in Europe, Monaco’s Grand Prix for a fast-car fix, and yachts lined up in gorgeous marinas if you fancy a bit of boat envy.

Some, of course, just come for the shopping, everywhere along the Côte d’Azur.

It’s not quite so strenuous as a sporting activity, unless you’re battling the crowds for big brand bargains at January sale time.

Museum Matisse

Attractions in the city

Apart from the weather, and a long, sweeping beach that runs the length of Promenade des Anglais, Nice has many other attractions too.

You can try your hand in its casinos before heading out for a spot of luxury and designer name shopping.

Presentation of Nicetoile

There are stores dotted around all over the city but if you want more of a shopping centre experience head for Nicetoile, Nice Longostiere, or Northern Forum, among others.

Old Nice is a lovely part of the town featuring a maze of streets and alleys. It has a different, more quaint and laid-back atmosphere compared to other parts of the city and is great for wandering around; head for the flower and fruit market for a more vibrant atmosphere in the old town.

And, if you enjoy walking you’ll find fabulous views and the ruins of a castle by walking the trail and steps up to Colline du Chateau, overlooking the city.

Nice has some excellent museums too, and you can read about these and other attractions at the attractions and events page.

Beautiful and popular up through history

This coastal resort town on the French Riviera certainly lives up to its nickname of ‘Nice the Beautiful’.

The city itself is beautiful, as is the surrounding area, and often it’s full of beautiful people too!

Nice has ancient origins but it’s best known as a resort town, and since the mid-18^th century it’s been attracting visitors from around Europe for its great climate.

The English upper-classes were particularly taken with Nice, and they came in their droves for extended summer holidays or to spend their winters here, enjoying the milder weather than England provided.

In fact, Nice was so popular with the British that the city’s seaside promenade was named Promenade des Anglais – the Walkway of the English!

Today it’s not just the English who are attracted to Nice; people from all over the world come here to enjoy the city’s luxurious shops, great restaurants, events, festivals and culture.