Nice is the largest city along the Côte d’Azur, and it’s got plenty to recommend it, especially for those who don’t mind a beach made of gravel. In addition to several notable attractions of its own, Nice is a short train ride from both Cannes and Monaco, so it’s an ideal base for those wanting to explore the more expensive parts of the French Riviera.
Along with being the largest city, Nice is also the cheapest city in the area for tourists, as long as you are willing to stay at least a few blocks from the beach. There is a good budget-travel infrastructure in the city, so even backpackers can find things they can afford on a short visit.
Food and drinks do tend to be expensive by most standards, though quality is predictably high as well. If you are a budget-conscious traveler you’ll likely want to limit your time in this region unless you are coming during the winter months.