Nice | Monaco

About the destination: Nice weathers its storms of tourism each summer with all the usual trappings of a Riviera town: Casual wealth, a generous beach, museums, flower-lined avenues but lacks the pretentious aloofness of its neighbours. Moreover, Nice is fortunate to have excellent public transport within the city and to all points on the Côte d’Azur, making it a great base for exploring the Riviera. Nice’s long, narrow beach and sunbathing guests are the city’s main attractions for most visitors. However, Nice’s vieille ville, the old town, is well worth a visit. The old quarter is a unique mix of glitz and a Mediterranean medieval quarter of tiny streets and outdoor markets. For a stunning Riviera view, climb up to the top of the castle. The city has several exceptional museums, such as the Musée Matisse, dedicated to the work of French painter Henri Matisse, or the Musée National Marc Chagall, dedicated to the work of painter Marc Chagall. The majestic Promenade des Anglais sweeps along the coast. This pedestrian area is teeming with boutiques, bustling restaurants and all sorts of tourists. The nightlife in Nice is vibrant, the maze of tiny streets in the vieille ville hides restaurants and bars, and contributes to the city’s Mediterranean charm.

About the destination: Monaco conjures up images of luxury and glamour. This tiny country – the second smallest in the world, in fact – has a big personality. Its prime spot on the French Riviera makes it a real jewel of a city. The oldest part of Monaco is known as the Rock. Here you’ll find the National Council, the parliament of the Principality of Monaco, and the Prince’s Palace. The Palace is a major tourist draw, even if from the outside there’s little to suggest it’s home to the Royal Family. Its true value lies inside, where magnificent rooms are filled with an impressive collection of art. Aim to arrive at 11:55am for the daily changing of the guard. The most celebrated part of the city is Monte Carlo, with its majestic Casino. Monte Carlo oozes privilege and opulence, its streets thronged with celebrities and the super‑rich, all flaunting a hedonistic lifestyle. Gardens, fountains and contemporary sculptures line the streets and squares. If you’re looking to soak up some Monaco glitz, time your visit for one of the big annual events such as the Tennis Masters Series in April or the Formula 1 Grand Prix in May. Away from the glamour, there’s La Condamine, the second‑oldest district in Monaco, with a simple, understated charm. Here you can enjoy scenic walks, pretty coastal bays and relaxed al fresco cafés. Monaco is chic and beautiful, packed with ultra‑luxury resorts, blessed with great weather and even better food. If you do make the trip, it’s unlikely you’ll leave disappointed – everything here is designed to delight.