Nice.

Nice has so many faces, but has long been acknowledged "Queen of the Riviera" with good reason. The famous Promenade des Anglais walkway is always busy with tourists, locals, rollerbladers, skateboarders, and joggers. On the westernmost end of the Promenade des Anglais is the Old Town, between Place Massena and the Chateau. Take a break from the boutiques and galleries at one of the many bistros. Sip cafe au lait while you gaze upon your charter yacht, likely berthed near Old Town.

The Promenade des Anglais frames Nice's beach for miles. On the westernmost end between Place Massena and the Chateau, you will find Old Town. Take a break from the boutiques and galleries with a cafe au lait at a table on the street. Your charter yacht may berth near Old Town in the small old harbor. Being here at once conveys the history and charm that people seek in a European vacation. Take advantage of outdoor markets, world class museums, and the opportunity to see daily life in southern France.

Geographically speaking, Nice consists of two bays, has a flat beach, and is surrounded by the Ligurian Alps. The dramatic landscape supplies visitors with visual stimulation and race car drivers with a very exciting course. The 1930s brought international car racing's Formula Libre (precursor to Formula One) to the streets of Nice. The course, called Circuit Nice, started south of Jardin Albert, went west along the Promenade des Anglais, took a sharp turn at Hotel Negresco, and went past the Jardin again before heading east on the Quai des Etats-Unis.

Exploring Nice

Stroll around town, but do not let the diminutive size fool you. A walk up to the Musee Volti in the lovely old citadel or to the nearby Musee GoetzBoumeester will make a few hours pass quickly. Your Captain can arrange short inland trips to medieval hilltop towns such as Eze, complete with picturesque passageways and countless galleries. These quiet little towns are very popular with guests because they offer a break from the glitz of Nice and Monaco. While away the hours with a glass of wine or expresso at a small bistro.

Other points of interest in Nice include its many churches, the Natural History Museum, Orchestra Philharmonique, a national theater, an opera house, casinos, and La Cinematheque. In the past, Nice's inviting ambience attracted the likes of Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse, both of whom have museums in their names here. Other cultural hotspots are the Musee des Beaux Arts and the Musee Terra-Amata (named for an ancient archaeological site in Nice). Another area you will inevitably visit is the Promenade des Anglais, which is the main walkway in town and the shortcut to Nice institutions such as the luxury hotel Palais de la Mediterrana.