Europe travel guide

Big spenders of Monaco absent in Nice

What a pleasant city is Nice after the excess of Monaco. We are on the Riviera for a couple of weeks doing the sights and spent a day in the casino resort of Monaco where we were astounded at the sheer one-upmanship between everyone. They all try to outdo one another with the fastest car, the biggest boat and most ostentatious villa. It's quite sad in a way how they measure themselves against everybody else by showing off how rich they are. Not really surprised that Monaco is the favoured destination for celebrities - this is where celebrity and wealth is worshiped and with no income tax for residents it gives them more chance to strut their wealthy stuff. A day was all we could stand in Monaco.

Nice has its bad points too. A string of beaches heaving with tourists but we had fantastic meals in the cafes and restaurants. There is a good relaxed feel to Nice despite its popularity and we had a great time just people watching. The Matisse museum I found a bit disappointing. I was really looking forward to it but all his best works are now in the US - again where all the money is. Pity the rich kids in Monaco couldn't put up some cash to promote the arts instead of wasting it all on naff gold jewellery and ultra chav diamonds.

This article was written for TravelSavvy Europe by Nancy Evans. If you know of an interesting European travel related news story, please get in contact.