This City is the Underrated Star of the French Riviera, With Chic Hotels, Stylish Boutiques, and a Sense of Timeless Cool

"Don't tell anyone you're going to Nice. The city has long been dismissed as a way station to smaller resort towns, historically known for its connection to figures like Matisse and Fitzgerald."

"To the right of Nice airport are the cypress-covered hills of Villefranche-sur-Mer, while to the left lies yacht-dotted St.-Tropez, indicating a local tendency to leave Nice behind."

"Originally a winter destination for the European aristocracy, Nice evolved into a summer hotspot following the introduction of paid annual leave in France in 1936."

"By the beginning of the 21st century, Nice fell out of fashion but is now experiencing a resurgence with new hotels and restaurants catering to modern travelers."

Nice is often dismissed as a way point to the French Riviera. Historically significant, it was once a winter retreat for the elite. The cypress-covered hills of Villefranche-sur-Mer and yacht-dotted St.-Tropez are nearby, emphasizing a local tendency to bypass Nice. Critics point to outdated perceptions of the city, rooted in a past where it accommodated affluent visitors. However, new hotels and restaurants are revitalizing Nice, leading to an encouraging trend of renewed interest among both tourists and locals.

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