Plage des Pissarelles, off allée Mala at Cap-d'Ail, a gay and straight mix expanse of sand, to the north of Nice, within sight of Monaco.

Plage d'Èze, just after the Cap Estel tunnel on the road from Nice to Monaco, park and head down the path off the rail tracks to a very active cruisy gay beach - ask locals for exact directions. L'Eden Bleu is a nearby clothing-optional gay men's guesthouse with heated pool, and views of the picturesque harbor of Saint-Jean from their terrace. They're right by the medieval village of Eze, just 5km from Nice, and 8km from Monaco with it's museums, the Palace, and the Casino.

Hi Beach, (47 Promenade des Anglais) a designer beach at the old Forum Beach in Nice for guests of the HI hotel and general public, has sunning chaises, umbrellas, massage, yoga, coffee or cocktails and food - snacks to upscale cuisine.

Between sea and mountains, one of the most beautiful medieval villages of France. Perched on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by olive, mimosa, and chestnut trees; narrow streets paved with cobblestones, flowered balconies and a fine old bridge. "Parc Mercantour" and "Vallée des merveilles" are nearby.

L’Alivu (816 route des Baisses) B&B guesthouse here has a swimming pool, sauna, breakfast poolside or on the terrace, unspoilt natural surroundings, modern amenities. They can help with arrangements for local hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, or water trips - or to the French Riviera resort cities of Nice, Cannes, or Monaco.

Gay beach of rocks and pebbles, popular all-year, especially in summer months. From the port area head to the lower Corniche, to boulevard Franck Pilatte, which turns into avenue Jean Lorrain. The beach has a lifeguard, further along you'll see the gay area - hard to miss with all the naked men, young and old, laid out among the rocks. The Coco-Beach restaurant is nearby, serving sea food since1936, with seaside terrace tables. Fresh fish grilled over a log fire, lobsters and bouillabaisse (reserve ahead), are among the specialties here - plus wine, of course.
 

The Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill) was a military fortification from the 11th to the 17th centuries owing to it’s perfect natural defensive features. The castle has been in ruins since Louis XIV ordered it demolished in 1705 and in 1830 king Charles-Felix ordered the construction of a magnificent garden on the hill. Nowadays, the main reason to make the climb up the Colline is for the spectacular view over the Cote d’Azur from 300 feet up. There is also an elevator that will take you three-quarters of the way up.

The Promenade des Anglais is the main street on the sea, with 4 miles of palm trees and exotic plants beautifully arranged on the boulevard. After midnight, the area around Parking Ferber is very cruisy and home to the gay club scene.

Nice is home to a great variety of medium-sized museums that are worth a visit. The Museum of Asian Art hosts a wide variety of Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian art. Musee Chagall includes stained glass windows designed by the famous expressionist artist. The Musee Matisse includes a collection of the artist’s work in a lovely 17th century Genoese villa. Those interested in antiquities will want to visit the Musee et Site Acheologiques de Cimiez, a ruin of a Gallo-Roman settlement with a museum documenting Gallo-Roman life.

The Matisse Museum, on the hill of Cimiez, is not far from the Franciscan monastery with its Italianate gardens, or the Hotel Regina where Matisse lived, near Gallo-Roman ruins (see the Archaeological Museum). The collection of works, was donated by the artist to this city, where he lived from 1918 until 1954. The permanent collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings, along with personal items belonging to Henri Mattise may be seen without charge, daily except Tuesdays. Take bus numbers 15, 17, 20, 22, or 25 to the "Les Arènes / musée" stop.

One of the best ways to enjoy the Cote d’Azur is on the cliff walk from Coco Beach heading toward Villefranche. You can follow the pathway all around the Cap de Nice for breathtaking views of the harbor.