Nice, France and Monte Carlo, Monaco

What to do in Nice, France and Monte Carlo, Monaco

Nice.

Matisse Museum

Atop a hill in Nice's center lies a 17th century villa adjacent to a modern construction, inside which resides a collection hand-selected by the painter himself.

Cimiez Museum of Archeology

Explore the secrets of the French Riviera's ancient civilization through artifacts that include jewelry, sculpture, and earthenware.

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Focused on the development of the Pop Art phenomenon of the 1960s and 1970s, this gallery houses works by Warhol, Lichtenstein, Cesar and many others, including examples of the New Realists from the same era.

Franciscan Museum and Cimiez Monastery

Splendid frescoes decorate this 17th century convent where a Baroque altarpiece stands amidst other examples of Franciscan theology.

Cannes

Just 18 miles from Nice, this glitzy town is famous for its Film Festival and its elite lifestyle. A completely modern civilization, Cannes retains a little history along Le Suquet, where the 12th century Tour de Mt Chevalier still shows its ramparts, and Notre-Dame-de-l'Esperence, dating to the 12th century, lends a touch of Medieval mystique.

Shopping

The entire Promenade des Anglais has fabulous boutiques. The Cours Saleya presents distinctive riches, especially on Mondays when it hosts the Marche a la Broncante et Antiquities, an enormous flea market. Mornings on the Ave Malaussena prove just as fruitful for rare finds and delightful objêts.

Monaco.

Monaco-Ville is the oldest quarter in Monaco, filled with sumptuously decorated buildings colored in capricious pastels, tiny squares, fountains, and a maze of hidden alleyways. Visit the Neo-Romanesque Cathedral where Princess Grace is laid to rest and rest in the Jardins St Martin, a fragrant oasis of green with a hint of the Medieval.

Grottes de l'Observatoire

This extraordinary succession of caves marked by fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, luminous blue ponds, and natural sculptures is a creation that rivals the most surreal man-made art.

Oceanographic Museum

Inquisitive visitors can witness aquatic oddities without getting wet by hopping aboard a submarine!.

Golf

The Monte Carlo Golf Club is almost a 100 years old and lives up to its heritage admirably. Poised atop the Mediterranean Sea and frequented by top players, it's difficult to top the club's superior character and world-class challenge.

Thermes Marins de Monte Carlo

The ultimate salon! Utilizing modern techniques and a variety of massages, this is the place to go for mind/body/soul rejuvenation. Adjacent is Le Salon Bleu, a full-service beauty salon with an Italian stylist who has worked with Versace and Armani.