Baie des Anges / Promenade des Anglais
A stroll along the Baie des Anges is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. This much-loved promenade hugs the seashore for several kilometres. Take advantage of the superb range of activities on offer, including paddle-boats, jet-skis, parasailing, sea-water swimming pool, children’s playground, etc. You can also enjoy great cuisine on the beach itself with an excellent menu to choose from, served on a delightful shaded terrace. The promenade's characteristic blue chairs, scattered along the way, provide the perfect vantage point from which to take in the expanse of brilliant blue sea stretching as far as the eye can see. On the opposite side of the promenade are several upscale hotels, boutiques and cafes.

Basilique Notre-Dame
Unlike most of the churches in the old town, which have been strongly influenced by the Italian baroque style, the lines of this building appear unashamedly Gothic. In fact, it's a reproduction that only dates back to 1868 and was designed by the architect C. Lenormand. It is Nice's largest church and its first modern religious building. The church stands proud and serene in the middle of one of the city's main thoroughfares, Avenue Jean Medecin. Located at 37 bis Avenue Jean-Medecin

Cathedrale Orthodoxe Russe St-Nicolas
Built by Tsar Nicolas in 1912, this church is a work of art. Representative of the Russian presence in France, it is a key tourist attraction today, with its gorgeous wood work and collection of icons. The interiors are ornamental and unique and are a definite must see. This exotic and colourful cathedral is home to many historical and religious objects that were transferred here when Russia was in the throes of civil turmoil. Located at Avenue Nicolas-II.

Chapelle du Saint-Suaire (Penitents Rouges)
The Saint-Suaire Chapel - home to the Red Penitent Order - can be found in the old town, close to Cours Saleya. In common with all penitent brotherhoods that formed during the 14th Century, the red penitents are a lay association practising religious devotion as well as offering help to those in need. In addition to the chapel's architecture, art lovers will be able to enjoy some very beautiful paintings inside, particularly the 'Saint-Suaire' (1660), a canvas by Nice artist Baldoino, and Paul Emile Barberi's 'Saint Trinite'(1840). Located at 8 rue Gilly

Colline de Chimiez
This scenic and historical hilltop area encompasses an old monastery, its peaceful garden, and interesting cemetery, with old graves including those of painters Raoul Dufy and Henri Matisse; and the Franciscan Museum. Within the 17th-century monastic buildings, the Franciscan museum charts the history of the Franciscan way of life from the 13th century to the present day. Visitors can admire the numerous works of art and various religious documents. In the 15th-17th century church, it is worth taking time look at the work of painter Louis Brea. Located at Place du Monastère, Colline de Cimiez

Colline du Château / Parc du Château
Everyone visiting Nice climbs the steps of the Colline du Chateau up to the summit, which offers fantastic views over the some of the most photographed panoramic viewpoints in Europe. There is no longer a chateau here. The castle that once had a commanding view of the shoreline has been gone since the 1706. What you will find is a classic Mediterranean backdrop of pine trees, carobs, figs and aloes, a beautiful waterfall, children's play area, breathtaking views, medieval ruins, Maritime Museum, a few cafes and a gift shop. The meandering pathways allow you to explore nearby Cimitieres de Nice (Nice Cemetery) or descend via the Old Town or the Port. Try to catch the view at sunset, just before the park closes for the evening (the area is not considered especially safe at night). Get here on foot, by car or take the lift from Rue des Ponchettes at the foot of Bellanda Tower.

Cours Saleya
A favourite meeting place for locals, the city's best-known pedestrian district is attractively laid out, filled with colourful stalls and lined with pleasant cafe terraces and restaurants. Every day is market day here, from the flower market and fruit and vegetable market (Tuesday to Sunday) to the antiques fair (Mondays) and the arts and crafts market on summer evenings. No matter what time of day it is, there's always something going on. Location: Rue de la Terrasse, (est de la rue Droite)

Fort du Mont Alban
The Fort du Mont Alban is a fine example of 16th-century military architecture. Built on the hilltop at 220m above sea level, it offers a striking 360° panorama. To one side you have Nice itself, the bay opening out onto the sea, the airport and the Lower Alps region. To the other side your eyes wander over the pretty little towns and villages such as Villefranche and Cap Ferrat. The landscape is wild and densely covered in typically Mediterranean vegetation, such as scrubland, pine and oak trees. Route du Fort du mont Alban

Jardin Albert Ier
This is the ideal place to take a break and unwind before continuing a tour of the city. It is a haven of tranquillity with a large lawn, fountains, pine and palm trees and inviting blue chairs, perfectly placed to connect Vieux-Nice, the city centre and the seaside Promenade des Anglais. The kids will be delighted to ride in the charming wrought-iron merry-go-round, playing cheery tunes on the rare occasions it is in operation. You cannot miss the towering arc-shaped sculpture, created by artist Bernar Venet. The Albert garden is among the oldest in the city and was named after the Belgian king in 1914. Located at Place Massena

Musée d'Art et d'Histoire / Massena Art and History Museum
The Musée Massena has an excellent collection of paintings, furniture, decorations, weapons, uniforms and other artefacts that give a good feeling for the history of the Nice-Piémont region. Located at 35 Promenade des Anglais; 65 rue de France (between rue de Rivoli and rue Meyerbeer)

Musée d'Art Moderne / Museum of Modern Art
This architectural marvel houses a great collection of French and American avant-garde art from the 1960s to the present, including works by Andy Warhol, Christo, Cesar and many others. Glass walkways connect four marble towers, on top of which is a must-see rooftop garden and gallery. Located at Promenade des Arts, Promenade du Paillon
www.mamac-nice.org/

Musée des Arts Decoratifs Baroque / Lascaris Palace Museum
This "museum" is in the 17th-century Genovan-style palace residence of the Lascaris-Ventimille family. The palace itself, with its monumental staircase, is worth the visit, and the old furnishings and collections are an extra. There is a new addition (2005) of ancient musical instruments of Nice. Located at 15 rue Droite (in the middle of the old town, off Rue Rossetti)

Musée des Beaux-Arts / Museum of Fine Art
This museum houses Italian 17th-century and French 18th-century paintings, and 19th-century paintings and sculptures. Located at 33 ave. des Baumettes (west of Bvd Gambetta and Blvd François Grosso, between the Promenade des Anglais and the Voie Rapide)
www.musee-beaux-arts-nice.org

Musée des Chagall / Museum of Chagall
This small but enchanting museum houses a very complete collection of Chagall paintings, gouaches, engravings, sketches, lithographs and stained-glass windows. Chagall fans will be dazzled by his interpretations from the Old Testament and stained glass pieces which were donated to France by Chagall and his wife in 1966 and 1972. Located at Avenue du Docteur Ménard (just outside the Voie Rapide, where the Bvd de Cimiez starts up the hill; across from the Conservatoire de Musique).

Musée des Matisse / Museum of Matisse
Housed in a magnificent red building, this museum stands on Cimiez hill, close to the city's Arènes (ancient amphitheatre) and Musee archeologique. Matisse lived in Cimiez from 1917 until his death in 1954. Paintings, drawings and some of his earliest works are on display, along with pieces that reveal his lesser-known talents as a sculptor. Several black and white photographs offer glimpses of the artist's private life. Located at 164 avenue des Arènes de Cimiez www.musee-matisse-nice.org

Musée et Site Archeologiques / Museum of Archaeology
At the site of Roman Cemenelum at Cimiez, this museum presents the tools, sculptures, pottery, engravings, jewellery and coins which were found here, and includes the outside excavations of the ancient baths and other buildings. Located at 160 avenue des Arènes in the lovely red building with trompe-l'oeil facades inside the park area

Parc Phoenix
Unique in Europe, this vast greenhouse spanning seven hectares is home to 2,500 different species of plant. Step back in time and discover some of the earliest types of plant life on Ile des Temps Revolus (The Island that Time Forgot), set in the middle of an artificial lake. Experience the main tropical and subtropical climates, recreated inside a 22-metre high hothouse where sound recordings of birdsong and insects make the experience even more real. Observe a range of birds and butterflies living in relative freedom. Themed exhibitions and educational activities organized throughout the year. Located at 405 Promenade des Anglais, Face Aeroport Nice Cote d'azur

Place Massena
Place Massena is without a doubt Nice's most famous square and certainly the most impressive. Surrounded by the Albert I and Massena gardens, the imposing red-coloured buildings bordering the square assert an even greater presence. During the Carnival, it comes as no surprise that the King's float takes pride of place in this very spot. Place Massena is also one of the city's key central points: Vieux-Nice is within easy reach, as is the sea or even the main shopping thoroughfares. You're bound to pass through it at some point.

Place Rosetti (Rue Rosetti et Rue Centrale)
Several narrow, winding little streets open out into this square, which appears like an oasis of light out of the shady streets created by the old Nice buildings surrounding it - buildings so close together that at times they seem to be embracing. The city's baroque cathedral has pride of place here. Adding to the square's authentic character is the grey slate paving work and at the far end stands a small, prettily proportioned fountain made of white stone. It's also here that you can taste the city's best ice cream at Fenocchio's. A rather steep climb up Rue Rossetti will take you directly to the Parc du Château.

Check out the amazing art galleries. One of our favourites is the Musee des Beaux-Arts (Jules Cheret). Built in 1878, this magnificent private mansion houses a collection of more than 6,000 works of art dating from the 17th century to the 1940's. Work by French artists includes sculptures by Carpeaux and Rodin. The museum also boasts a fine collection of remarkably restored Flemish school paintings. Two exhibition spaces are entirely devoted to modern art, featuring Kees Van Dongen, Raoul Dufy and Picasso. Of particular note is symbolist work by Nice artist Gustav Adolf Mossa, who for many years was curator of the museum.

Go on a boat trip. Not only is the coast here worth experiencing from the deck of a yacht, ferry or power boat but there are islands to visit within a days sail. Set out on a journey of discovery to the island of Corsica, otherwise known as the Ile de Beaute, or 'Beautiful Island' as one of these options. There are two kinds of boat to choose from depending on how you prefer to travel. Either utilise the high-speed option, aboard the "Corsica Express" or plump for comfort aboard either the "Sardinia Regina" or "Sardinia Nova" ferries.

Experience nature in the popular Colline du Château. Situated on the hill between the old town and the harbour, this park is a big favourite with locals and tourists alike. Surrounded by a typically Mediterranean backdrop of pine trees, carobs, figs and aloes, the park's impressive waterfall, children's play area, breathtaking views over the city, medieval ruins and Maritime Museum are all part of its appeal. Get here on foot, by car or take the lift from Rue des Ponchettes at the foot of the Bellanda Tower.

Climb to gaze at the thick walls of the Fort du Mont Alban. This is a fine example of 16th-century military architecture. Built on the hilltop at 220m above sea level, it offers a striking 360° panorama that’s well worth climbing the hill to experience.

Visit Marineland, home to an impressive array of marine life. Walk along a glass tunnel through a shark pool and watch different species circling menacingly overhead. Enjoy the magic of choreographed routines performed by killer whales and dolphins, marvel at strange jellyfish or stroke stingrays. Also located here is a reconstruction of an atoll, complete with flora and fauna, crustaceans and corals.

Tour the museums. Nice has its fair share of these and like the galleries, they differ greatly. One of our favourites is the Musee et site archeologiques de Cimiez, Nice's archaeological museum which renowned for its remarkably well-preserved Roman baths dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Objects on display include vases and jewellery that have either been found during excavations or come from other sites. A small boutique offers a range of books on the 'Cemenelum' (Cimiez) site and Nice in general, as well as reproductions of some museum pieces.

Stroll, jog, cycle or rollerblade along the Promenade des Anglais. A big favourite with locals and visitors alike, this much-loved promenade hugs the seashore for several kilometres.

Visit the amazing Verrerie d'art. Using techniques that go back several hundred years, craftsmen here create stunning pieces of glassware from what at first glance appears to be nothing more than sand. Each piece sold here is unique. Guided tours are available in French, English and Italian.