As the second-most visited city in France after Paris, Nice has earned a reputation as a romanticized beach town where travelers can hide under parasols and bathe in the azure waters of the Mediterranean.

For this reason, trips to this sparkling city typically begin at the Promenade des Anglais, which stretches along the glistening coast of the Baie des Anges, or Bay of Angels. Today, the pedestrian walkway that follows the promenade’s traffic-crammed boulevard is filled with walkers, in-line skaters, bikers, joggers and sunbathers, all comprising what locals refer to as promeneurs. Overlooking the cool waters of the Mediterranean, the promenade is, in many ways, the sun-soaked center of Nice and its local charm.

While many promeneurs spend their days basking in the sun on the promenade, others indulge in a meal at the pricy restaurants that line the beach. Nestled behind rows of palm trees, travelers will find plenty of places with ocean views to appease their hunger and sample some of France’s iconic cuisine.

Still, if travelers can peel themselves off of its sandy, white beaches, they will discover that there are plenty of other things to see and do in the charming city of Nice. For history and art lovers, the area is stocked with museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain and the Musée Masséna.

Visitors also have the chance to get a feel for Nice’s ancient history by journeying to the hilltop neighborhood of Cimiez. Not only is Cimiez known for highlighting the epitome of French luxury, but it also houses the ruins of Cemenelum, a former Roman settlement. Although Nice was originally founded by Greek seafarers, strolling through the ancient ruins at Cemenelum provides a unique window into the era when the now-cosmopolitan city was ruled by Romans.

From the bustling promenade to the ruins of Cemenelum, Nice has a glittering reputation of sophistication, which began in the 19th century when the city was flooded with royalty and aristocrats from across Europe. Today, this same high-end charm can still be seen in many aspects of the area, including its shopping. A leisurely walk down rue Paradis, for example, will reveal some of France’s best-known fashion houses, including Chanel and Sonia Rykiel. However, the city has also grown to establish a new, modern identity filled with hip hot-spots, chic boutiques and bustling restaurants.

Once the sun sets over the lovely Baie des Anges, Nice provides some of the most vivacious nightlife in the French Riviera. On most nights, the area’s casinos, cafes and nightclubs come alive with both tourists and locals hoping to shake off the sleepiness of days spent under the sun.

Nice reaches its energetic high point in mid-February, when it hosts a Carnival like no other. As far back as the Middle Ages, the people of Nice have reserved the final days before the Catholic season of Lent for eating, celebrating and enjoying life. Today, the tradition continues every year, with the colorful parades, live music and rhythmic dancing that makes this Carnival one of the best in France.

For more information, contact the French Riviera Tourist Office.