We discovered some great news spots for an evening cocktail before heading out for dinner...A new five star hotel but without the five star prices is called BELLAGIO on Victor Hugo - a few steps from our apartment Victor Hugo or just a short walk in from Avenue Jean Medecin. Head into the lobby and enjoy the fabulous surroundings of this elegant and modern hotel and up the steps to the bar for an evening aperitif.  They also offer great afternoon tea if you are so inclined, a selection of teas, pastries, cakes and sandwiches, a nice spot as they offer light entertainment on the piano while relaxing in the bar.  Nice selection of cocktails or local wines from the Riviera - all at reasonable prices considering the hotel's five star rating.

If you want a little more action, head down to LiberTe and the outside seating of this bar (with lovely overhead heating in the winter months) as this is where all the young "local Nicoise" gather after work each evening for a drink and to socialize before heading out for dinner or to the clubs and bars in the area. Great cocktails, champagnes by the glass and local wines, with some light snacks thrown in for free, and the BEST people watching spot in Nice - everyone sooner or later goes by on their scooters, by foot, or for those really well established in their cars with special permission to enter this normally "pedestrian" zone - well worth a visit. Make sure to go early and grab a table at the front in order not to miss any of the action!

A lovely spot in the summer months to have cocktails and enjoy the fabulous sea views is on the Promenade des Anglais itself - on the rooftop bar of the Radisson Hotel at Magnan - great spot to catch some "rays" soak up the sun and wait for the sun to set over the Baei des Anges - while sipping a cold beer or glass of wine.  You can pay a daily rate to use the pool or spa, so you may want to spend a few hours there in the afternoon, shower off, have a light snack or drink before heading out for dinner.  Wonderful views and well worth the visit!

Last but not least, head over to Old Town - the Cours Saleys market area which is lined with outdoor bars, and cafes - all packed in winter and summer months in the early evening - and you may decide to stay a while and eat in one of the many local restaurants offering great pastas, salads, seafood - fresh catch of the day - or just enjoy cocktail and aperitifs in the area that during the day is packed with stalls selling local products such as vegetables, salads, cheeses, cured meats, and spectacular flowers.  This all gets packed up, hosed down, and ready for the lunch time trade each day - but make sure to visit of an evening when the sun is setting and all the colours of the beautiful Old Town buildings are bathed in spectacular light - don't forget your camera!