Situated on the south coast of France, Nice is considered the capital of the French Riviera, and has a suitably comprehensive road system so you can explore much more of what the region has to offer. The convenient location of the airport allows easy access to the Riviera's hottest spots.

If you're travelling into Nice from the airport, you can take the Promenade des Anglais, (also known as the M6098), which will take you right along the stunning coast as you enter the city to the south. The famous city of Monaco can be reached in under an hour by car following the A8 autoroute north-east, while you'll also be able to get to Antibes and Cannes by heading south-west on this main road. Tolls are in place along the A8 – something to bear in mind when travelling in the region. 

The speed limit on this road, and other urban motorways and dual carriageways, is 68mph (110km/h) and signs that say ‘Rappel' are there to remind you to watch your speed. Within towns and cities, the speed limit is 31mph (50km/h) and outside of built-up areas it's 55mph (90km/h).

There are numerous options for parking in Nice, with many car parks offering a free 60-minute service. You can also leave your vehicle in on-street spaces or in multi-storey garages. The street parking meters only accept coins, so make sure you carry some euros with you. The standard rate is around €1.30 however these spaces are usually free to use in the evenings. Check the signs to find out more information.

Speed cameras are in operation along many of the roads in France, and it's deemed an offence to carry a device that can detect them, so be aware that if you are bringing your own, you must disable this feature. More useful information regarding what you need to know when driving in France can be found online.

Nice possesses a captivating charm with its dramatic views, elegant atmosphere and enthralling museums and attractions. So, whether you're entertaining colleagues or just looking to soak up some of the region's fantastic culture, Nice has some impressive places to visit.

The Old Town

The Vieux Nice, or the Old Town as it is known, is a hive of activity. Once there, take a stroll down the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais. With incredible views over the Bay of Angels, and five miles of path to walk, you could quite easily spend a day here taking it all in. With tourists flooding in to see the historical sights dotted around the area, you too can get lost in the winding roads and see sights such as the famous flower market, Cours Saleya.

Cultural pursuits

If you want to experience something a little more cultural, visit one of the city's many museums. The Musee d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain holds many avant-garde pieces from the 1950s, and the Musee National Marc Chagall houses paintings from the eponymous artist. Dating back to the 17th century, the Cathedral of Sainte Reparate, also known as Nice Cathedral, is a stunning piece of Baroque architecture with an 18th-century bell tower that sits on the top. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Reparate – whose remains are said to be enshrined in the church – and visitors are able to enter and explore the 10 chapels and three organs within.

For something completely different, head to The Nice Observatory – a 130-year-old working astrophysics and astronomy lab. The tour will take you two kilometres around the incredible compound, taking in the magnificent views while learning about this fascinating place. The tours are generally in French, but they can be arranged in English for an additional charge. Places are limited so it's worth booking in advance.

The French Riviera

If you're looking to explore more of the French Riviera, take the drive north-east to Monaco. Renowned for its Formula 1 links – with the Grand Prix there known as ‘the most famous street race in the world' – Monaco offers you glitz, glamour and an experience like no other. With the beauty of the Prince's Palace to see, the iconic Casino de Monte Carlo to enjoy and the Jardin Exotique de Monaco to wander around, Monaco really has a lot to offer.

To the south-west, along the dramatic coastline, are the celebrated cities of Antibes and Cannes. Known for their splendid beaches, Antibes can also offer you a taste of culture and class. The Picasso Museum displays around 70 of his paintings, including La Joie de Vivre, and the Fort Carre, which was built in the second half of the 16th century, stands 26m above sea level and is surrounded by four hectares of beautiful flora and fauna.

Well known for the film festival that takes place here every year, Cannes is a striking city which has impressive business and industry links as well as an abundance of sights to enjoy. Saunter down La Croisette, and soak up the atmosphere of this palm-shaded promenade which overlooks the bay, take the journey to Lerins Islands to see the abbey or sit by the port and watch the yachts come and go.

The French Riviera is a sight to behold, with an incredible history and a reputation for sophistication that it more than lives up to. With so many amazing places to explore and attractions to see, the south of France really is a wonderful place to be and hiring a car from Nice Airport means you're perfectly situated to see it all.