The capital of the Côte d'Azur, Nice more than lives up to its glittering reputation, harking back to a bygone age of golden glamour.
Exceptional villas curated by our experts
Flying directly to Nice’s international airport, you will catch sight of the Bay of Angels below and its emerald waters. Fringed by palms, this pretty urban promenade is one of the best in Europe, where well-dressed Niçois parade haute couture from boutiques nearby. Famed for its Belle Époque architecture, this lively riviera city attracted the aristocrats and artists of the 19th-century, who came for the captivating coastline and stayed for the extravagant lifestyle.
Relive old-world opulence in a grandiose renaissance villa, or splurge on contemporary chic in a sleek modern pad, overlooking the cobalt blue waters of the Mediterranean. Take in pastel-hued buildings and red-tinged rooftops, forested trails and arresting sea views. Browse the flower stalls of the Cours Saleya Market, before heading to one of the city’s excellent galleries like the Mattiste.
For a taste of classic Riviera chic, head north to the beautifully unspoilt forested peninsula of Cap-Ferrat or nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer. Within easy reach is the Monte Carlo casino - the high-rolling heart of Europe, or the stunning island of Corsica. Come the evening, give your chef the night off and embrace the very essence of riviera living with some of the best haute cuisine dining in France on your doorstep, sampling the decadent wines grown in the hills behind the city - a true taste of joie de vivre.