Nice was the holiday destination of choice for the rich and beautiful jet-set crowd in the fifties, sixties and seventies, including a very suave fictional visitor - James Bond. It still maintains some of this star element with many celebrities owning houses along the coast. It's not surprising really, because the 'French Riviera' is considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe.

Driving tips
Car hire in Nice gives you the flexibility to travel not just around Nice, but to neighbouring areas. In Nice as in all of France they drive on the right-hand side of the road and pass on the left. Parking can be difficult and is very strictly enforced ? look out for roads where you are only able to park on one side. If you don't speak much French it also pays to learn a few of the street signs before you go. Here's one to start you off: sortie (exit).

What to do
When you're not strolling along the pebbly beach or dining in one of the chic restaurants or cafes, you could visit one of Nice's many museums. You should also see the Old Town which is a maze of narrow streets and is where most of the locals live. Many of the old buildings are painted in a faded Roman gold, and multi-coloured laundry flaps in the sea breeze. Make sure you try an onion pizza (la pissaladiere) from one of the local vendors.

Once you've booked your car hire, Nice has a great selection of hotels, find one with a dealchecker hotel search .