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Nice

The fifth largest city in France, Nice became the chosen destination for Victorian dignitaries looking for a base from which to visit the Riviera. The capital of the Riviera, Nice is actually one of the most ancient cities, having been founded by the Greeks. Nice's charms are both elegant and simple: the architecture covers both the Belle Epoque and the Baroque styles, while the famous Promenade de Anglais follows the shape of the bay and is always in flower. There are superb floral gardens and parks on the hills overlooking the sea. Second only to Paris, Nice has a wide selection of museums, including the Musee Matisse, the Modern Art Museum and the Musee de Malacologie (seashells). Famous people who have made their homes in Nice are Victor Hugo, George Sand and Stendahl, as well as Henri Matisse. The best way to enjoy Nice to the full is to stroll through the streets and to stop at one of the cafes for a taste of the Riviera - try the "Pissaladieres" (onion, anchovy and olive tarts), the Salad Nicoise or the famous ratatouille (a stew of tomatoes, eggplant and zucchini squash). One of the most interesting local attractions is the hilltop quarter of Cimiez, where ruins of a Roman town have been excavated. Wander through the diggings, and imagine an arena large enough to hold 5,000 people who watched the gladiators fighting to the death.