Located on the Mediterranean coast, the queen of the Cote d'Azur boasts magnificent weather and stunning beaches a driveable distance from its more glamorous cousins Monaco and Cannes a little further down the coast. And what better way to explore this beautiful area than by hiring a car. There is much to be done in Cannes and Monaco, but considering Nice is cheaper and a commutable distance from both, it is the perfect base from which to explore the wider area.

But if you wanted to stay in Nice and relax, there is more than enough on offer to ensure you won't be bored. The wide walkway of Promenade des Anglais is every local's favourite place to stroll, ride bikes or roller blade, while further down, the pebbled beaches are fantastic for sunbathing and swimming. The park on the hill offers all the different views over the town, the Baie des Anges, the crowds of red-tiled rooftops in the old town, the port and Mont-Boron, while kids will love the chance to go tobogganing and play in the park.

The hillside park also contains the Matisse Museum, displaying the painter's work from the beginning of his career to the end of his days, alongside some of his personal belongings. Discover the most picturesque part of Nice by taking a walk through the old town, as the web of narrow streets, the colourful old houses and the array of little boutiques reveal the charming soul of the city.

The nearby Franciscan monastery, bordered by a magnificent Italian garden is another attraction worth visiting if you have the time. This monastery boasts an array of murals and works of art tracing Franciscan life from the 13th to the 18th centuries, while visitors can view the last resting places of Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy in the adjoining cemetery. Nice has a particular charm that can appeal to both hardened revelers and to those looking for a more sedate break. For a hectic night of partying, head to cours Saleya and the surrounding bars. If this is not your scene, then simply enjoy the town and its general ambience. Either way, Nice will not disappoint.