Nice makes an ideal touring base for the Côte d'Azur. Whether you choose to head north towards Monaco and the Italian border, or south to Cannes and St Tropez, we've got all you need for a great adventure. To make your trip extra special, book one of our luxury vehicles and experience car rental in true style.

Exploring Nice

Perhaps the best way to start is by exploring the characteristic Old Town with its winding streets and alleys, shops and small restaurants. Visit the daily (except for Mondays) flower market at Cours Saleya and savour the sights and smells of this local institution.

Make the most of the wonderful weather by taking a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais lined with palm trees and flanking the pebble beaches. Important landmarks on the Promenade include the Négresco hotel with its distinctive pink dome, a glass ceiling designed by Gustave Eiffel and a Baccarat chandelier with 16,309 crystals in the lobby.

Soak up the sun (there are over 300 days of sun a year) on the expansive beaches, take a dip in the azure sea or watch the bladers at the Baie des Anges. Follow this up with a cocktail by the sea and take up a local sport - people watching.

Culture vultures will flock to the Marc Chagall Museum, the largest permanent collection of the artist's works. Works by Matisse, with their typical Mediterranean light, are on show at the Musée Matisse in a seventeenth-century villa overlooking the sea. Pride of place in the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain goes to Yves Klein with his blue monochromes.

Admire the sumptuous interior of the Russian Orthodox Church of St Nicholas decorated with frescoes and icons.

Once you've worked up an appetite, you'll be spoilt for choice in terms of restaurants. Good quality seafood can be found in abundance, particularly in the restaurants surrounding the market square. Due to its close proximity to Italy, the city is also home to many Italian eateries. If you want to splash out, there are also many fine-dining options such as the world-famous "Le Chantecler" at the Négresco.

The city's annual carnival takes place in February and is truly a sight to behold. Floats adorned with exquisite flower displays proceed along the Promenade des Anglais and extravagantly dressed performers hurl flowers to the crowds.

With so many fantastic places to visit both up and down the coast, you'll be pleased you chose an Avis car rental to help you on your way. With spectacular scenery all around, you’ll enjoy your journey as much as your destination.

Take the breathtaking coastal road to the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula and pay a visit to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. The enchanting villa dates from the early 20th century and is set in beautiful landscaped gardens. Nine gardens, to be precise, each with an individual theme. Stroll among roses, cacti and gargoyles before ending up at the musical fountains - a treat for all the senses.

Monaco capital of the principality of Monte Carlo is around a half hour's drive from the city, and well worth a visit. A quick glance at the supercars in Place du Casino or the luxury yachts in the sea below shows you this truly is the playground of the rich and famous (and the home of many Formula 1 drivers). Don’t miss the changing of the guard at the Prince's Palace.

If you’re feeling flush, head south towards Cannes and try your luck at the casino. If you’re a film fan, head to the Palais des Festivals and see if your favourite star has made their mark. The vast collection of celebrity handprints on the pavement outside is quite a sight.

For chilled-out beach life by day and a thriving party atmosphere by night, head further down the coast to Saint-Tropez. Nicknamed "St-Trop" by the locals, this truly is a town of excess, but at the same time retains its original charm as a quintessential fishing port.

We’ve unlocked France’s driving rules and regulations for your journey to help keep you safe and avoid the unexpected. Familiarise yourself with our comprehensive guide.

- What is special about Nice in France?

Nice draws visitors from across the globe for its remarkable cultural treasures, fabulous beaches and stunning location on the French Riviera.

- Is Nice safe at night?

Nice is considered to be a safe city with a low level of crime, but like any major city, visitors should be vigilant in certain areas and be aware of pickpockets.

- Does Nice have good beaches?

Nice has a magnificent beach that stretches four miles, backed by a bustling seafront promenade.

- Is Nice expensive?

Nice is moderately expensive but while there are luxury hotels and expensive restaurants, there are also budget-friendly alternatives to suit all types of tourists.