Musée des Beaux-Arts

Nice's finest collection of beautiful things
Talk of the town: In August 2007, masked thieves escaped from the museum with five major works, including a Monet. The precious art was recovered from a van in Marseilles nearly a year later.

Word to the wise: On a hot day, it can be a long, sweaty slog to this museum perched on a hill so take plenty of water.
The palatial and distinctly French villa that houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts is befitting of the impeccable collection of art it holds. So impressive is the museum, upon entering you half expect a butler to berate you for slouching and to issue you with a stern warning not to touch anything. Fortunately, this is not the case as despite featuring works by Chéret, Dufy and Fragonard, the atmosphere remains very unassuming - but you probably still shouldn't touch anything.

The museum features works dating from the 13th-20th century and showcases pieces by Carpeaux, the van Loos' and notably an original plaster version of Rodin's 'The Kiss'. If your French is up to the challenge, it's well worth coughing up for one of the guided tours that take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 3pm. At only EUR 5, it won't break the bank and gives a great insight into the history of the collection.