France's second most popular tourist destination after Paris, Nice is renowned for its balmy climate and spectacular setting between the Mediterranean coast and the mountains to the north. Located just 30km away from the Italian border, the city has changed hands several times down the years and was last annexed by France in 1860, though it retains a strong Italian architectural legacy.

A destination of choice for foreign, and especially English, visitors since the late 18th century, Nice has also served as inspiration to many world-renowned painters, including Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall, both of whom have museums dedicated to their work in the city. A commitment to the arts remains a priority, and Nice also boasts an opera house, a national theatre and a celebrated conservatory.

Useful websites
www.nicetourisme.com
www.nice.fr
www.nicecotedazur.org
www.allianz-riviera.fr

Stade de Nice
UEFA capacity: 35,000
Record attendance: n/a
Tenants: OGC Nice
Due to open: Summer 2013

• Plans for a new venue were first mooted around the start of the century, but construction of the Stade de Nice, located in Saint-Isidore near the Var river, did not get under way until 2011.

• Due to be completed in 2013, the arena replaces the Stade Municipal du Ray, Nice's home since it was opened in 1927.

• Constructed from wood and steel, and covered with a transparent membrane, the stadium will also house the Musée National du Sport (National Sport Museum), which is currently located in Paris.