As the second-largest city on the French Riviera, Nice has a comprehensive network of roads – convenient both for driving in the city and if you're looking to extend your stay in the region by heading further afield.

From the north of the city, Boulevard Gorbella offers you easy access into the heart of the city, whereas Promenade des Anglais or Voie Pierre Mathis are the best main routes from the south. Once in the centre, you'll find that Boulevard de Cessole and Boulevard de Cimiez are the best roads to start on, as these will help you navigate to the west and east sides of Nice respectively to help you get your bearings.

The major road heading through Nice is the A8 autoroute, offering you convenient passage into the city, and onwards if you wish to explore the rest of southern France. Take a trip east out of the city and visit the glitz and glamour of Monaco – you can get here via the scenic coastline route along the M6098. Heading eastbound on the A8 will take you through the Italian border and the simply outstanding Alps mountain range.

Head west out of the city centre for a combination of class and culture. Just off the A8, the D6007 will take you to the jazz town of Antibes and if you follow this road further west, you'll find two iconic French cities that live and breathe sophistication – Cannes and St Tropez.

Be aware, however, that there are fees involved with using the autoroutes.

Over recent years there have been a few changes to the French driving rules and regulations that you'll need to follow, so make sure you check these out before your trip.

Nice's blend of beautiful sandy beaches, picturesque landscapes and abundance of culture make it one of the Riviera's most sought-after destinations.

Culinary culture

The fusion of Italian and French dishes and delicacies has given the city an excellent reputation for its culinary scene. You'll find the restaurant and cafe menus awash with inspired meals, unique to the Cote d'Azur. The farcis – a vegetable stuffed with meat, garlic and breadcrumbs – is one of Nice's most famous dishes, and trying a local-made pissaladiere with freshly caught anchovies is a must.

Golden beaches

Being based on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea makes this metropolis the ideal hotspot if you're a sun worshipper. You can enjoy the many public and private beaches spread across the city's coastline, all of which are within driving distance of the city centre. Two of the more popular public beaches are Plage du Centenaire, which you can find opposite the turning for Avenue Gustave V off the M6098, while you can enjoy a dip in the sea at the Plage du Carras, located further down the coastline, off the main Quai des Etats-Unis route. For a more secluded retreat, Plage de Passable is just a little further along the M125.

Art, architecture and history

Thanks to its awe-inspiring views and decadent 19th-century architecture, Nice has long been a popular destination with artists. The world-famed Musee d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (or MAMAC, for short) displays contemporary pieces from artists on both national and international stages, and you should visit Galerie de la Marine – located on Quai des Etats-Unis – if your appetite for modernistic works hasn't been sated.

If exploring the city's historical past is on your agenda, look no further than Musee d'Archeologie de Terra-Amata. Found on Boulevard Carnot, you'll be engrossed in the pre-historic habitat, believed to have been occupied by humans over 400,000 years ago. Exhibits showcasing actual footprints within limestone, tools and a camp base are all on display, providing an educational but also entertaining experience.

As well as having the historic Terra Amata, you'll also find Nice steeped in religious heritage - evident in the wide range of beautifully-built places of worship. First established in the 14th century, Chapelle de la Misericorde is regarded as one of the greatest architectural triumphs from the Baroque period, thanks to its opulent design style.

Exploring further afield

This coastal city's location offers you the perfect opportunity to take in the cosmopolitan French Riviera.

A world-famous principality, head eastbound on the A8 and you'll reach Monaco. This playground for the rich and famous will give you an insight into how the other half live, as you walk around Monte Carlo's superb harbour.

For jazz fans, Antibes is a must-visit so head west on the A8. As well as the annual Jazz a Juan festival, you'll find the streets filled with buskers blowing on trumpets to create smooth jazz sounds and a whole host of cafes and bars perfect for catching live bands in action. Further along the coastline you'll find Cannes, a town synonymous with sophistication. Take to the golden sands for a relaxing afternoon, or explore Cannes' cinematic roots at Palais des Festivals et des Congres.

As you can tell, car hire in Nice opens up a realm of wonderful possibilities, from the sun-kissed beaches to the fascinating cultural and historical pursuits.