Nice

It's no great surprise that Nice has been a favourite holiday hotspot for centuries. Blessed with a picturesque Mediterranean setting and a very generous climate, it grew from an Ancient Greek trading post into a favoured retreat for English and Russian aristocracy by the 19th century. Today, as a year-round resort and France's fifth biggest city, Nice's added charms include robust nightlife, a plethora of excellent art museums, and quick access to glitzier spots along the Riviera - without the price tag of over-nighting at them.

The shingle beaches around Nice aren't, as it happens, the world's nicest, but that's never dampened anyone's spirits in the past. Instead Englishman Lewis Way had his Promenade des Anglais built along the shore so he could indulge in the art of seaside strolling in striking surroundings: now it's just as good for skaters, joggers, and admirers of early 20th-century architecture.

To the west of the promenade, climb the hill of Le Château for a beautiful view of the Bay of Angels, then descend to Vieille Ville. This is the old quarter, a charming maze of twisting streets, red-tiled roofs, shops, art galleries and the main market along cours Saleya, topped off with historical attractions such as the 17th-century Palais Lascaris. By night, it's also just the place for dining, drinking and dancing.

In times gone by, Nice and her neighbouring towns attracted VIP holidaymakers from all around Europe, including artists Matisse, Chagall, Bonnard and Picasso. The city, especially the upmarket neighbourhood of Cimiez, now boasts an impressive range of art museums exhibiting everything from 17th-century masterpieces to 1960s' avant-garde works.

Once you've sated your appetite for high culture, you can hop on a train and be in Cannes or Monaco for some high-flying, high-rolling action before you can say 'Dom Perignon'.