Nice Excelsior by Happyculture ★★★★

Tucked away in the city’s atmospheric Musician’s Quarter you’ll find your classic Nice residence, the four-star Nice Excelsior by Happyculture. Guests will be suitably pleased with the grand exterior of the building - think embellished arched windows and graceful wrought iron balconies. Built in the 19th century it’s the epitome of the opulent style of the Belle Époque.

As soon as you enter though you’ll be surrounded by classy contemporary interiors – polished wooden floors and wall-sized black and white photos or sketches of the city. Potted palms remind you that you’re on the Med, as does the bold colouring in reds, greens and terracottas of the walls. Classic leather suitcases have been turned into tables, vases and chests of drawers. Styled by original hotel designer Sandrine Alouf, you’ll see that this is a hotel for travellers – those who love the planning and the journey almost as much as the destination itself.

Your voyage is not yet quite complete until you’re shown to your cosy, comfortable room, which ranges in size, type and colour. These too represent the highest quality in inventive designs with colourful leather travel cases in bright blues and reds, having been turned into bedside tables, desks and drawers up here too. You’ll truly know you’ve arrived once you’ve sat down, unpacked, made a nice cup of tea and admired your new abode. Characterful watercolour-like scenes of French cafes, cityscapes and historic buildings dictate that you definitely are in Nice, you couldn’t possibly be elsewhere, while pictures of stamps, tickets and postcards show you that your expedition is not quite done until you head out and explore the city for yourself.

The atmospheric labyrinth-like streets of Vieux Nice beckon with their colourful, happy hues of yellows and oranges. Local shops, cafes and markets crowd together and you’ll notice that the area hardly feels like it’s changed since the 1700s. Make a stop in the heart of the old town, the Cours Saleya, a flourishing flower and vegetable market with plenty of local atmosphere. Also visit the baroque Palais Lascaris, a graceful 17th century mansion full of beautiful frescoes, large religious paintings and Flemish tapestries.

Like many French cities, Nice has bred and attracted many artists over the years. Of most notable interest is the Musée Matisse, located in a green city district just north of the centre. Once Queen Victoria’s winter palace, the impressive 17th-century Genoese villa now documents and showcases works by the famous French artist Matisse, including his signature paper cut-outs. Also worth a visit is the Musée National Marc Chagall, the biggest public collection of his vivid style, which centres around Biblical themes of the Old Testament.

Not only does Nice have art, architecture and culture, it also has the beach and we’re sure that many of your days will be spent here, soaking up the southern French rays.