This story is part of the June 23 edition of Sunday Life. See all 12 stories . Paris may be basking in its Olympic glory but some of France’s most inviting cities are crashing the party.
From the sailing venue of Marseille to football host cities such as Nantes, Lyon, Bordeaux and Nice, these destinations are ready to shine. Be seduced by Nice The Promenade des Anglais, Nice Credit: Getty Images It seems like a no-brainer. Surely, the best way to start the day in Nice is to stroll along the palm-studded Promenade des Anglais, where Belle Époque buildings overlook the wide curve of the serene bay.
But Nice actually has no shortage of picturesque places to take a morning walk. There is the scenic hilltop Parc de la Colline du Château, the Promenade du Paillon with its reflecting pools, and even the Cours Saleya, where the colourful morning flower market is later replaced by al fresco restaurant tables. Modern tourism was born here in the 19th century, when British royalty and aristocrats started flocking to Nice to enjoy the mild Riviera winters.
Today the sun-drenched city is more appealing than ever, with its gorgeous ochre-coloured buildings and its delicious Mediterranean cuisine – local specialties range from stuffed zucchini flowers to pissaladière tarts laden with olives, anchovy and onion. Local museums celebrate some of the artists who lived and work here – don’t miss the Musée Matisse and the Musée National Marc Chagall. If you love fine fragrance, b.