The bright sunlight, vivid colours, blue sky and sea that attracted artists such as Picasso and Matisse are as remarkable as ever. Although the city has now acquired the modern material trappings of chic designer shops and casinos, the old town, with its bohemian shops, cafes and restaurants provides a perfect counter balance to the opulence of the more modern facilities.

A small selection of things to do and see in and around Nice include:

Shopping:
· Let your senses experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Cours Saleya with its various markets (flowers, fruit and vegetables, olives and spices, 'brocante') and array of bars and restaurants.
· Hunt for bargains or 'something different' in the shops along the Avenue Jean Médecin including Galleries Lafayette and the Etoile Shopping Centre.
· For a more individual shopping experience visit the couturier shops on Rue du Paradis and Rue Alphonse Karr to the west of the Place Massena
· Take a trip to Antibes to visit the Provençal Market and marina.

Eating:
· Lose yourself in the narrow back streets of the old town and sample real Niçois delicacies such as socca, pissaladière or a pan bagnat
· There are numerous restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes - sample as many as your waistline will allow!

Culture:
· Visit the many museums, art galleries such as the Musée Matisse in Cimiez, the Musée d'art moderne and the Musée des Beaux Arts.
· Simply wander around Nice and experience the varied architectural styles - the medieval vieux Nice, the Italianate modern Nice and the palatial 'fin de siècle résidences' of which Villa Belle Epoque is a fine example.
· Visit the 'chateau' and enjoy the stunning view looking down on the old town, the Baie des Anges and beyond.
· Visit the northern suburb of Cimiez with its Roman remains, Matisse museum and majestic belle époque buildings including the Hotel Regina built for Queen Victoria.

Relaxing:
· Hire a sun-lounger and enjoy cocktails by the crystal clear Mediterranean.
· Stroll up to the park, sit in the gardens, read a book and watch the sea from a promenade bench.
· Watch the world go by from one of the many outdoor cafés.
· If time is short, take in all of Nice on the open-top bus 'Grand Tour' or alternatively 'le petit train touristique'.
· Take the 'Train des Merveilles' - one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe - to Tende near the Italian border.
· Take a bus or train to Monaco and visit the palace, marina and casino.

Exercise:
· Stroll, jog or roller blade along the Promenade des Anglais.
· Cycle - either along the sea front or on the col d'Eze which forms part of the Paris - Nice race.
· Swim in the mediterranean.
· Alpine skiing is only an hour and a half by car
· Walking in the many surrounding villages………………………

The list is endless but there is something to suit every taste.