Nice (pronounced 'niece' as in the daughter of your brother or sister) is an attractive seaside resort with elegant Art Deco hotels that spread along the 5km long beach. There is a very long wide 'promenade de Anglais' behind the beach for those that want to walk along the beach taking in the sights. At the eastern end of the town you will find the small port and charming old town.

Wander the lanes and soak up the atmosphere of Old Nice. They are full of little boutiques, patisseries, restaurants and cafes. The old town is the very essence of Nice. The smell from the many shops selling Provencal lavender sachets and scented soaps perfumes the air. It is a wonderful place to wander out at night.

These little streets really come alive. You can relax as it is a safe area where you can take families. The old, crooked streets with brightly painted buildings hark back to a simpler time. If you want Chic and Gorgeous go to the Massena area of Nice but Vieux Nice, Old Nice, is where you'll find atmosphere and character. Cours Saleya is where daily markets are held including an evening arts and crafts market and it is lined with cafes and restaurants.

The beaches of Nice, and along the coast to Antibes, are shingle (smooth stones). From Antibes-Juan-les-Pins to Cannes, the beaches are sand. I recommend buying some nice plastic shoes if you want to go swimming to save your feet from the pain of walking on pebbles. Most of the local shops sell them. Topless sunbathing and swimming is quite common - probably about three quarters of the women (of all ages and sizes) go topless. Most people are blase about it but you do get a few onlookers, some with video cameras and cameras on the promenade. This can be unnerving at first, but just forgot about them and enjoy the sun.

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