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Antibes is an old town filled with ancient ruins and cobblestone streets surrounded by a modern city of posh eateries and exclusive shops. So many of the elite visitors travel to Antibes by private yacht that it has been called the luxury yacht capital of the world. Once an old seafaring town, you can enjoy the past while living in the present. Do not miss the Picasso Museum that houses many of the sculptures and paintings the artist created while in residence at the Grimaldi estate. A walk through the gardens at Le Jardin Thuret is breathtaking with the many international plant and flower species. Located 15 km from Nice, Antibes is accessible by bus, train, or car. Auron is one of the best ski resorts in the Côte d'Azur region. The slopes provide a nice break from the sunny beach life of Nice, with tracks for beginners, families, and advanced skiers. During the summer months Auron is great for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Auron is located 90 km from Nice and accessible by bus or car. Cannes is best known for its annual international film festival, but there is much more to see and do than just stargaze. The miles of sandy beaches make a nice break from the pebble beaches of Nice. Art galleries and luxurious shops line the famous bvd de la Croisette. The Musée de la Castre is housed in the former Cannes castle, making the building almost as interesting as the art. The museum is closed in the afternoon from 1 PM to 2 PM, so schedule your visit accordingly. Located 32 km from Nice, Cannes is accessible by bus, train, or car. Monte Carlo, in Monaco, has been immortalized in films like To Catch a Thief. Its fairy tale history, lavish casinos, and famous Grand Prix make Monte Carlo a must-see. The city is filled with elevators, escalators, and tunnels to ease walking along its various hills and climbs. Visit the royal palace in Monaco-Ville at 11:55 AM and watch the changing of the guard. If you are planning to gamble in the Grand Casino do not forget to look the part; a suit and tie is advisable as tennis shoes and jeans are not allowed. Other casinos are not as strict with the dress code, but also not as spectacular. The city gets quite crowded during the Formula 1 race; if you plan to stay overnight, it is advisable to book well in advance. Located about 40 km from Nice, Monte Carlo is accessible by bus and train for relatively cheap, or you can travel by car. St. Paul de Vence is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the French countryside. Brilliantly sunny, with views of the Alps and the Mediterranean, this sleepy village makes a nice day trip away from the bustling streets of Nice. The area is not an easy walk, though, so bring comfortable shoes. There is an impressive collection of contemporary art, from artists like Chagall and Kandinsky, in the Fondation Maeght. St. Paul de Vence is located 18 km from Nice and is accessible by bus or car. Tourette sur Loup, a medieval village atop a rocky plateau in the mountains, provides incredible views of the Loup valley far below. Walk along the castle ruins or visit the 14th century church where the elaborate alter was created from a single block of wood. Along with the medieval sites, the city is home to a pagan stone slab dating back to the first century AD. Located about 20 km from Nice, Tour |