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Nice’s trademark symbols are of course its Carnaval and the sea, with all the activities that come along with it. But there are a thousand other ways to amuse yourself in Nice, whatever the season. Try shopping in the local markets. The region's warm climate means outdoor markets stay open year-round, and the local color provided by the men and women of Nice adds a certain je ne sais quoi for tourists. You can also go clubbing in the evening, pop into a local pub, take in a movie, or visit one of the many museums and art galleries. Cultural heritage and a wide range of artistic enterprise occupy a very important place in the town. The outskirts of the city are also wonderful places to explore by foot, bike or car, especially the surrounding hills or a trip over to Corisca.
If you find yourself in Nice during February, you can’t afford to miss the Carnaval – one of the most famous after Rio and Venice. Let yourself be swept along in the joyous procession of weird and wonderful floats, brass bands and clowns tottering on stilts. Carnaval also brings delightful displays of blooming mimosas and carnations along the magnificent seaside walkway, the Promenade des Anglais.
With the first rays of summer, you can enjoy the pleasures of the seashore. Nice’s beaches are pebbly rather than sandy though, so those who like their comfort will do well to hire a sunbed on the private beaches, such as Castel Plage or Opéra Plage. Most of the private beaches also offer a wide range of water sports including jet and water skiing. Sailing and deep sea diving excursions are available from the kiosks at the port, between the Quai des Docks and the Quai Ile de Beauté. Don’t miss out on the boat trips that take you on a seafaring discovery of this beautiful coastline—various sailing companies can take you out to sea while glass-bottomed boats reveal the underwater world and all its wildlife.
As far as shopping is concerned, there are two main streets to check out, Rue Masséna and Avenue Jean Médecin, both in the town center. Rue Masséna is Nice’s major pedestrianized district, in and around which cluster pretty little boutiques of every variety: find leather goods at Longchamp or stylish clothing at Kenzo, Sonia Rykiel, and Façonnable. Avenue Jean Médecin is located nearby, and you’ll find that fashion takes center stage here as well; one of the most popular shops is Zara. Department stores and shopping arcades, including Galeries Lafayette and Nice Etoile, are also in the vicinity. Finally, for dedicated shoppers, the enormous Cap 3000 shopping center is worth the journey out to the suburbs near the airport.
But the markets are truly the most charming sight in Nice. All week long, at almost any hour of the day, Cours Saleya (a little pedestrian friendly area between the old town and the sea) is brought to life by the inimitable Saleya fruit and vegetable market, as well as the flower, arts and crafts and flea markets. Go to whichever market tempts you the most, and stroll in the shade of the colorful awnings. Then take a break in one of the café terraces, sip a cool drink and soak up the wonderful Mediterranean atmosphere.
When night falls, celebrate Nice's diverse nightlife by heading for one of Nice’s best destinations like La Palousa or Master Home, two of the many pubs in the old town. Film fanatics will revel in the tiny Mercury cinema, which shows films in their original language, as well as the Cinémathèque. The Village Cinema Lingostiere, found in the Nice-Ouest district (west), offers modern comfort and the latest technology in movie-going.
Visitors interested in cultural attractions certainly won’t be disappointed either. Nice boasts a huge number of museums including the Matisse Museum, dedicated to the works of the great artist; the Terra Amata, preserving Nice's prehistoric past; and the Fine Arts Museum (Beaux-Arts). Nice also has countless art galleries—enough to captivate art lovers of every style--many of which are nestled in the charming and picturesque streets of Vieux-Nice. You might like to look out for Sylvie T or Espace Loas. The area around the port is sure to enrapture any antiques enthusiast, especially stores such as Ginac. Satisfy your architectural appetite at the Palais Lascaris and the Cathédrale Sainte Réparate, masterpieces of the Italian-influenced baroque style.
Music lovers should prick up their ears as every year the town stages some fantastic music festivals including a Jazz Festival and Religious Music Festival. Nice also has a splendid and very active Opera House.
Finally, it would be a great shame not to mention the areas surrounding Nice, where you can take advantage of the many excursions available. Explore Mont-Boron hill and the Fort du Mont-Alban, just a few kilometers below the port where you’ll discover wonderful Mediterranean wildlife and a truly stunning view. The train des Pignes makes for a great day out, especially if you get off at the pretty little village of Annot perched on the hill. It’s the ideal place for a few hours of walking.
Although it’s possible to visit Corsica in a day, it's well worth it to stay a while longer. The Ile de Beauté is some 200km from the coast of Nice and can be reached via the NGV (Navire Grande Vitesse or high speed shuttle) or on Corsica Ferries. In winter, you can practice your skiing at Auron, and all within a 50km radius, towns such as Villefranche-sur-mer, Eze, Vence, Saint-Paul, Peille with their picturesque village settings, and the ever prestigious Cannes and Monaco, are your playground.
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