FREE RACING PULLOUT EVERY SATURDAY
The South of France can’t be beaten for sunshine and great food... and Nice is nice
Looking to escape the cold, wet weather? Then Nice in the south of France will rapidly lift the weight of winter away. My husband Jay and I caught an early flight from Gatwick and we were checked in at the Splendid Hotel and Spa on the French Riviera less than two hours later.
The flight was just 90 minutes and the transfer from the airport to the city centre, where our hotel was based, was under 15 minutes.
Our bedroom was spacious and clean, with the décor a tasteful mix of orange, ivory and gold. And the marble bathroom was very luxurious with a double sink, large shower and bathtub.
The four-star hotel, which has a fantastic restaurant, gym, roof top pool and bar, is situated on Boulevard Victor Hugo, just a short stroll from most of the main attractions. We unpacked in a flash.
ELEGANT
Caroline
First stop, the Promenade des Anglais, a four-mile stretch of beach that curves round the Bay of Angels. The prom has recovered from the Bastille Day terror attack last year, and tourists and locals are back enjoying this beautiful place.
Skateboarders, joggers, cyclists and rollerbladers sashay their way along the seafront. And if you fancy joining them you can hire skates, scooters, bikes or Segways.
Across the road, elegant architecture sweeps the boulevard, lined with swanky hotels and luxury apartments. We climbed to the Parc du Chateau, also known as Castle Hill, renowned for its incredible views over Nice’s red-tiled rooftops.
At the top you’ll find plenty of green space and stunning views over the old town, the port and inland to the Provençal hills all the way to the Alps.
Next, we headed to Place Messena, the main square of the city. It is lined with beautiful palm trees and hosts concerts and festivals.
Just off the square is the Promenade du Paillon – an amazing park with an area of water only 2cm deep with 128 shooting water jets. Kids – and Jay – love to play in this fun-filled wonderland.
The city is bursting with galleries too. There are 18 in total including the Musee Matisse, Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Musee National Charming Old Town Marc Chagall and Villa Massena. It’s worth jumping on the hop-on hop-off bus tour for €22 for one day or €25 for two days to fully explore all corners of the city. But the highlight of our stay was getting lost in the narrow winding alleys of the city’s Old Town. It is packed with perfumeries, boutiques, delis, ice cream parlours and bars.
Every morning – except Mondays – a
spectacular flower and produce market called Cours Saleya is held here.
And you are never far away from a great restaurant. We particularly loved Sentimi on the Place Garibaldi, just a short stroll from the Old Town.
Nice is perfectly placed to explore this popular region. Head east and you’ll arrive in Italy. Head west, and Antibes and Cannes are under 45 minutes away.
We jumped on the train to Monaco. It’s only a 13-minute journey to the super casinos, super yachts and supermodels stalking the Grand Prix circuit.
On the way back we stopped off in Villefranche and enjoyed a delicious meal at the Trastevere restaurant on the harbour. The pizza and mozzarella salad were firm favourites.
Watching the world go by, villagers chatting in the street and fishermen hard at work, was an enchanting way to spend an evening – just like our entire stay in Nice, the jewel of the Riviera.
Three nights’ B&B at the four-star Splendid Hotel & Spa Nice starts at €185pp including flights from Luton on March 17. easyjet.com/holidays, 0044 020 3499 5232 Market
Brazil. Space will be the theme for the 2018 Carnival (February 17 – March 3) so watch out for floats that are out of this world – especially the Flower Parades and the Carnival Parade of Lights. nicecarnaval.com
nicetourisme.com Promenade des Anglais The smash-hit multi-million-euro Dinosaurs in the Wild is to get an extended run when it roars into London in 2018.
After successful stints in Birmingham and Manchester, the show is heading to Greenwich Peninsula, near the O2 Arena in south-east London. When it opens on February 12, families will be able to travel back 67million years in time to encounter T-rex and his buddies roaming the wild.
Runs until July 31. Tickets from €28 adult/ €24 child/€95 family. dinosaursinthewild.com