Soaked by sun for centuries, Nice has lured human civilizations to its shores for more than 400,000 years. Its current reputation as a generous host of the French Riviera wasn't earned until the 19th century, when its beaches began to be populated by British, northern European and Russian aristocracy on vacation. The city then took steps to take advantage of itself and its superb climate, transforming into one of the world's first tourist destinations.

The Promenade des Anglais winds past chateaux, luxurious hotels and sumptuous palaces, all the while keeping the glittering Mediterranean by its side. The Matisse and Chagall museums preserve pieces donated by the appreciative artists, both of whom found their creativity sparked in Nice. Remnants from the Belle Epoque are exemplified by an Orthodox Russian Cathedral, ordered to be built by Nicholas II for the use of the wintering Russian elite. Cool and chic, fun and festive, Nice hosts the annual Carnaval de Nice, complete with dozens of talented entertainment and dance troupes, a flower parade and a procession of huge, colourful, madcap papier-mache masks.