What to see and do

See the MAMAC

THE Musee d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC) deals with the contemporary charms of Chagall and Matisse (£9.10, mamac-nice.org). Look out for the sprawling blue ball gown made out of plastic bottles by Enrica Borghi, and the huge outdoor sculpture of the Loch Ness Monster by Niki de Saint Phalle.

Walk the Prom

THE Promenade des Anglais was built, as you would expect, by the small British community based here back in the 1820s.

Its wedding-cake buildings on one side and cyan Mediterranean on the other make it the ultimate spot for an afternoon saunter. Look out for the pink dome of the Le Negresco hotel, built in 1912, and a small replica of the Statue of Liberty.

Climb into history

ONCE the home of a castle demolished by Louis XIV, the Parc de la Colline du Chateau is where Nice began. The summit of the 300ft hill offers stunning views — an ideal way to work off the socca (or there’s a lift if you don’t fancy the hike).

Buy a Riviera Pass

IF YOU’RE keen to hit the main museums, the French Riviera Pass is good value, but be aware that not all museums are included (£34.50 for 48 hours, en.frenchrivierapass.com). It also includes a boat trip in the bay of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and day hire of a bicycle.

Wander in Vieux Nice

THERE’S still an intense joie de vivre in Nice’s old town. Barhop your way around local favourites such as YOLO (10 Rue du Marechal Joffre) for a glass of the Chateau de Bellet, or sip some microbrews at Au Fut et a Mesure (aufutetamesure.fr), where you buy a swipe card and refill your glass from the draught taps at your table.