Nice

With a tourism fed by summering English aristocrats who stumbled upon this idyllic port city on the French Riviera in the 19th Century, the city of Nice developed exponentially into the coveted crest of the Côte d’Azur. Embraced by the radiance of the Mediterranean, and backed by the magnificence of the Alps, it is a small wonder that Nice packs in such diverse sights in its sun-soaked sprawl. The Promenade des Anglais, named after touring English nobles who were among the first vacationers to enjoy Nice's blissfully mild climate, hugs the Bay of Angels. Beyond this waterfront promenade, a jumble of historic buildings and swish luxury hotels begin their march. At its historic heart, Old Nice accommodates opulently designed buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, whereas its cobbled streets and alleyways give way to restaurants, both modest and sumptuous. Sitting pretty between Marseilles and Genoa (Italy), this fancy Mediterranean enclave is the original vacation destination on the French Riviera.