Shop for locally made olive oil and perfume, dine in one of dozens of top-rated restaurants or visit the antiques market…

Nice has a strong cultural heritage. Among its best attractions are the Opera House; the Chagall, Matisse and naval museums; and the fine-arts museum, with its Monet, Degas, Renoir and Rodin collections. Also the flower market and St. Reparate Cathedral in the old city, most of which is closed to cars. Stroll down the Promenade des Anglais along the (pebble) beach that passes some very old and exclusive hotels, such as the Hotel Negresco.

Old Town Nice has a surprisingly charming, small-town feel. You can shop for locally made olive oil and perfume, dine in one of dozens of top-rated restaurants or visit the antiques market in the Cours Saleya every Monday.

When to travel to Nice

July and August on the French Riviera can be stifling, not only because of the intense heat but the crowds of tourists. June and September are the best months to be in the region, as both are free of the midsummer crowds and the weather is summer-balmy. Try to avoid the second half of July and all of August, when almost all of France goes on holidays. Huge crowds jam the roads and beaches, and prices are hiked up in resorts.

Off-season has its charms—the pétanque games are truly just the town folks’ game, the most touristy hill towns are virtually abandoned, and when it’s nice out, more often than not, you can bask in direct sun in the cafés.