Overnight hits
INSTANT WEEKEND Nice, France
The Alice Hawthorn, Nun Monkton,
North Yorkshire
Named after local racehorse Alice who galloped to glory in classic races in 1844, The Alice Hawthorn has added beautiful new accommodation. It was a seven-year labour of love for this charming Grade II listed pub to be brought back to life.
Renowned for its food, and soon, undoubtedly, its accommodation, the 12 rooms are stunningly contemporary. There are four above the pub and eight tucked in new properties within the grounds. Built from home-grown Douglas Fir, the three buildings are modelled on a stable, barn and agricultural store. All feature exposed beams, wood walls, natural fabrics, massive beds and walk-in showers.
From £120, per room, per night. Opening date to be announced.
thealicehawthorn.com
WHERE
Set at the foot of the Alps, the capital of the Cote d’azur was favoured by Queen Victoria– finding the exceptionally 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 nice quick getaway, whatever time of the year.
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 won’t find a castle as it was dismantled in the 18th century but you will find the best views of the city and the sweeping horseshoe 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 (closed Mondays).
It’s only a 10-minute bus ride or seven minutes by train to the picturesque village of Villefranche-sur-mer and home to the bijou
16th century Chapelle Saint-pierre, famously redecorated by French author Jean Cocteau.
WHERE TO EAT
With a profusion of bistros, restaurants and cafes, you’re spoilt for dining choices.
But it would be remiss not to try socca – the chickpea pancake is a local dish best eaten with fingers. Chez Pipo on Rue Bavastro, near Port Lympia, has been turning out tasty socca for almost 100 years.
Tourists dine alongside locals at jolly Chez Palmyre on Rue Droite
which offers simple Nicois dishes from a very reasonable prix fixe menu from around £16.
Cool off and treat yourself to an ice-cream from Fenocchio (2 Place Rossetti). Apart from the traditional vanilla and chocolate, the maitre glacier offers flavours including chestnut, olive and lavender.
WHERE TO DRINK
Rosé wine is reckoned to account for more than half the production of wine in Provence. And at family-run wine bar Cave de la Tour (3 Rue de la Tour) there’s a delicious bouquet of rosés listed alongside other fine Alpes Maritimes wines. A word of warning though –after a convivial evening of tasting, you’ll be tempted to buy a bottle or two to take home, just like the locals.
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 down to the Promenade des Anglais while the city’s main shopping street, Avenue Jean-medecin, is a 15-minute walk away.
After a day of sightseeing we were ready to relax by the rooftop pool and bar (open mid-april to mid-october), soaking up the stunning views of the city and the Alps.
Stalls are brimming over with local cheese, olives, herbs and lavender