Explore the maze of pedestrian streets which make up the Old Town beneath Castle Hill. Open church doors to see sumptuous baroque interiors and look up at the coloured facades, carved lintels and window arches. The flower market in Cours Saleya is a mass of colour every day except Monday, when the area is given over to antiques and bric-a-brac. Try some regional recipes at one of the many cafés and restaurants – socca (thin pancakes made with chick pea flour), pissaladière (onion tart topped with olives and anchovies) or salad Niçoise made with hard-boiled eggs, olives, tuna and anchovies.

Russian aristocracy flocked to Nice in the mid 19th century, prompted by Empress Dowager Alexandra Feodorovna who came to escape the northern winter. Don’t miss the brilliantly-decorated Russian cathedral in the St Etienne district.