Even though many of us long for the sun, it can get too hot here in Nice. Palais Lascaris is a perfect escape from the heat. This baroque-style aristocratic residence now houses a museum dedicated to the art and music of the 17th and 18th centuries. The palace, built for the Lascaris Vintimille family in the mid-17th century, features a monumental staircase, frescoes, and luxuriously decorated salons. Visitors can explore the reception apartments, which boast frescoes depicting mythological themes, stucco work from the late 17th century, and a permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, objets d'art, and tapestries. The palace also houses a remarkable collection of antique musical instruments, including a prestigious deposit from the Institut de France.

The Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral, founded in the 1650s by Prince Constantin Șerban, stands as a beacon of faith and history on Dealul Mitropoliei. Known for its Brâncovenesc style façade and a cappella choir, the cathedral is a key site for Orthodox observances in Bucharest. It houses the relics of Saint Dimitrie Basarabov, patron saint of the city, and offers stunning city views, especially at sunset.

Similar to its Paris namesake, Bucharest’s Triumphal Arch, standing tall at 26 metres, remembers Romania’s Great War soldiers and its reunification in 1918. Initially, the arch was built out of wood in 1922, and was then finished in Deva granite in 1936. The Triumphal Arch becomes the main stage for the military parade every December 1st, when Romanians celebrate their National Day.

Nice wants to make a name for itself as a centre for pop art. Admire Nice’s famous local artists such as Ben and Niki de Saint Phalle in this imposing building. The latter has donated 170 of her works, but there are also works of Andy Warhol, Picasso, and the like.