On this day 1968
The South Vietnamese celebrate the recapture of the country’s third city, Hue, after a battle lasting three weeks.
WHERE: Set at the foot of the Alps, the capital of the Cote d’Azur was favoured by Queen Victoria – finding the mild climate a welcome respite from the bleak British winter. And famous artists such as Chagall, Matisse and Picasso took up residence here in the 20th century, inspired by the magical Mediterranean light. Less than a two-hour flight away and a 15-minute drive from the airport, this chic city is a quick getaway.
WHAT TO SEE:
A relaxing way to get your bearings is to board Le Petit Train from the Promenade des Anglais, for a 45-minute tour with commentary (£9). It trundles past some of the city’s main sights such as the atmospheric Old Nice, Nice’s main square Place Massena, Port Lympia, one of the oldest on the coast, and the futuristic building of the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC).
If you hike to the top of Parc de la Colline du Chateau, you will find the best views of the city and the sweeping curve of Baie des Anges. For the less energetic, there is a lift.
For the flavours, scents and colours of Provence a visit to Cours Saleya, the lively heart of Old Nice, is unmissable with stalls brimming over with local cheeses, juicy black olives, glistening glace fruits, bunches of lavender and other herbs sitting alongside the ridiculously pretty flower market. (Don’t be caught out, though, it’s closed on Mondays).
WHERE TO EAT: With a profusion of bistros, restaurants and cafes, you’re spoilt for choice, but you must try local dish socca – a chickpea pancake best eaten with fingers. Chez Pipo on Rue Bavastro, near Port Lympia, has been serving them for almost 100 years. Tourists dine alongside locals at jolly Chez Palmyre on Rue Droite which offers simple Nicois dishes from a prix fixe menu from around £16.
WHERE TO DRINK: Rosé wine accounts for more than half the wine produced in Provence. And family-run wine bar Cave de la Tour (3 Rue de la Tour) has a delicious bouquet of rosés listed alongside other fine Alpes Maritimes wines.
WHERE TO STAY: On the corner of Boulevard Victor Hugo and Rue Gounod, the four-star Splendid Hotel & Spa was our elegant base. It’s a five-minute stroll to the Promenade des Anglais while Avenue JeanMedecin, the main shopping street, is a 15-minute walk away. And after a day of sightseeing we were ready to relax by the rooftop pool and bar (open mid-April to mid-October).
BOOK IT: EasyJet flies from seven UK airports to Nice from £26.99 one-way. easyjet.com.
Doubles at the Splendid Hotel & Spa from £125 a night. splendidnice.com. More info at en.nicetourismecom