Stunning city of Nice offers warm welcome to South of France with good food and beaches

NICE TO SEE YOU

Sitting on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges, the city flaunts its architecture, water parks and luscious delights

If you are looking for beach and city action, great food and a short flight, Nice in the south of France ticks all those boxes.

My husband James and I caught an early flight from Stansted and were in our hotel, the Boscolo Exedra, by mid morning.

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Promenade des Anglais is one of the most famous beaches in Nice, stretching for 7km

Nice was just 1hour 40minutes away and a 10-15 minute transfer from the airport to the city centre.

Our bedroom, like the hotel's vast foyer, was a tasteful mix of pale marble, shades of white and ivory, with a touch of Rococo.

The shopping area is two minutes away and, from there, it is no more than a stroll to most of the main attractions.

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The Sun Fountain stands in Place Massena, Nice

Place Massena, the city's main square, is flanked by striking architecture and leads to Promenade du Paillon and its impressive water features.

Close by is the famous Promenade des Anglais, a four-mile stretch of beach that curves round the Bay of Angels.

I highly recommend Ruhl Plage, a beach club where we spent several hours soaking up the sun. It serves a delicious salad nicoise, the city's best-known dish.

And when you've had enough of lounging around, wander past the Opera de Nice, which hosts classical concerts, ballet and opera, and head into the Old Town.

Every morning, except Mondays, a spectacular flower and produce market called Cours Saleya is held.

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Cours Saleya market is in the heart of the Old Town

From there, head for the maze of narrow streets with patisseries and charcuteries nestling alongside boutiques and perfumeries.

You are never far from a great restaurant and we particularly liked Rina in Rue Massenet. On most menus you'll find typical French dishes such as duck liver pate, snails, fish stew, steak tartare, lamb cutlets and Coq Au Vin.

But if you love shellfish, the platters packed with local prawns, oysters, crab, lobster and crayfish are a must, washed down with a glass of Provence rose.

Nice is not cheap. A two-course meal for two with wine is, on average, 120 euros.

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The city teems with galleries and among the best is the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the Musee Matisse.

It's worth taking a whistle-stop city tour with the hop on, hop off bus for 22 euros.

And if you're after even more, Cannes, Monaco and St Tropez each make for an easy day trip.

François Hollande addresses France after the Nice terror attacks

Tourism has been affected since the terror attack almost a year ago, but Nice is too nice to miss out on.

I'd say it's the ideal short-break destination.

GO: NICE

GETTING THERE: easyJet flies from Luton, Stansted and Gatwick to Nice up to seven days a week, with flights from £19.24 one way. See easyjet.com.

STAYING THERE: Rooms at the 5 star Boscolo Exedra are from £248 per night, via hotels.com.

The site also has Le Petit Trianon from £75 per night or Hotel Rossetti, from £113 per night. See hotels.com.

Source: Stunning city of Nice offers warm welcome to South of France with good food and beaches