Nice, France, is the gateway to the French Riviera

Setting sail on a European cruise will give you a chance to explore one of the most famous vacation regions in the world - the French Riviera. The city of Nice, France, is your gateway to this high-end locale, which features a bevy of activities for you to engage in.

The city of Nice itself is a wonderful way to spend the day. Stroll along Promenade des Angleis, one of the most famous streets in the world. Not only does this street offer you the chance to sample some exquisite restaurants and shop in high-end boutiques, but it also offers a fantastic view of the nearby Bay of Angleis.

For an even better vantage point, head to the nearby Castle Hill Park. The park not only overlooks Promenade des Angleis and the bay, but in fact all of Nice, including the beautiful old town district. Be sure to spend some time within the park to explore the medieval ruins and massive villa. Many believe that this was once the center of Nice, and the rest of the buildings eventually sprung up around it.

If you're a fan of art, you're in for a real treat. Nice is home to the Musee Matisse, which holds the works of the famous French painter. Matisse himself started the museum, so viewing these masterpieces as they were meant to be seen is surely something not to be missed.

While it's easy to spend your entire trip in Nice alone, one of the major benefits of the city is its proximity to various other hotspots in the French Riviera. For example, Cannes, home to the world famous film festival, is just short trip away. And just east of Nice is the opulent country of Monaco, which offers the famous Casino Royale and much more.