The
capital of the
Alpes-
Maritimes
department of France (having more than 1 million
inhabitants). Nice is a truly
magnificent city in the
French Riviera founded as early as 300 BC by the
Massaliots (at the times called
Nikaia - which means
victorious).
The city is one of the places that most American
backpackers seem to have on their "can't miss this" list when touring
Europe. From here, you can - except from
enjoying the not so
sandy beach - quickly get to the Alpes, or take a 40 minute
bus ride ending up in
Monte Carlo,
Monaco.
Although overrun by tourists, the city has got a
bearable nightlife that isn't too expensive to throw oneself into. In the old parts of town, you find plenty of
night clubs keeping you
entertained for the entire night. (personally, I tried to fall asleep on the street, waking up about 6.30AM Saturday morning having absolutely no money or papers on me -
shit happens)