Which city is considered the capital of the French Riviera?

Nice, the 5th most populous city in France, is often considered the capital of the French Riviera, also known as Côte d’Azur (Azure Coast). It is located near the Italian border, close to the Principality of Monaco. The French Riviera spans the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France. It was often used as a health retreat in the 18th century, but from the 1960s onwards became a popular holiday destination. Tourists flock to Nice every year for its warm weather, as well as the abundance of activities in the area.

The old sections of Nice boast picturesque alleys, architectural treasures, markets, museums, theatres and churches, including the Basilica of Notre Dame. Built between 1864 and 1868, the neo-gothic building was constructed during a modernisation project. It is dedicated to the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, a cathedral that once sat on Castle Hill in Nice.

Many people go to the French Riviera to be close to the water. Nice is famous for its Promenade des Anglais (English Walk) along the Baie des Anges (Angel's Bay). The trail was established by Reverend Lewis Way in 1820 after noting that many people liked to walk along the water's edge. It received its name in 1931 during an inauguration ceremony attended by one of Queen Victoria’s sons.

Queen Victoria loved the area so much that the city built her the Excelsior Regina Palace in 1892, which was mostly used as a hotel. It has since been converted into a residential building.