Nice's location on the French Riviera makes it one of the largest tourist draws in the world. While the tourism agencies may boast about the world-class museums, the amazing restaurants and the diverse shopping, anyone who's spent any time here knows what the real draw is: The sun. Oh, and the Mediterranean Sea isn't bad either.
One only needs to take a stroll down the Promenade des Anglais to confirm that tourism season has officially begun on the Cote d'Azur. The beaches - despite being made of quite large pebbles - are blanketed with hundreds of sun worshippers, swimmers and parasailing daredevils.
It's not even midmorning before the promenade fills with ice cream hawkers, joggers and Rollerbladers. There's also a Michael Jackson look-alike street performer, spray paint artists and hordes of tourists.
But there really is more to Nice than the sun and sea. The following are five must-sees actually in the city of Nice (there are tons more that are worth a day trip).
1. Cour Selaya: This area just off the old town of Nice comes to life early each morning with markets of flowers, food and, on Mondays, antiques.
2. Vieux Nice: Known to the English-speakers as "old town," this mostly pedestrian-only area is filled with quaint shops, traditional eateries and cool pubs. Beyond that, the buildings are beautiful in their Mediterranean hues of pinks, dark salmons, blues, yellows and greens.
3. Pedestrian Zone: Although this area is also filled with restaurants and shops, the feel is completely different from old town. Higher-end clothing stores, gourmet shops and the very French cafe's you're looking for can be found here.
4. The Chateau: Read a little about the chateau before you go as there isn't really much left of it. The climb up (or ride up the elevator) is rewarded with spectacular views of the city, the promenade and the sea.
5. The museums: From the Matisse Museum to the Cimiez Museum of Archeology, the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum to the Russian Church there are plenty of museums in Nice (and many more just a short train trip away) to satisfy just about every taste.
Now, while I suggest these as the top five sights, visitors would be missing out if they didn't take a long stroll on the promenade including a visit to the port. Of course, the sun and sea are good, too.
