Music is hard to escape in Nice, most bars and restaurants have live music, from the open stage at Sezamo to the experienced Jazz artists in Bar de Oiseaux. No matter where you are in Nice, you are never far from a quality music venue. Salsa bars are dotted around the city, providing a venue for those who want to dance the night away. Lessons are regularly provided, and often very cheaply. The oldest and most established in Nice is La Havane at 32 Rue de France.

Some of the top bands in the world have played in Nice, from U2 and The Rolling Stones to 50 Cent and James Brown. These concerts are located at venues such as the Stade de Ray (Football stadium), the Chateau on the hill (ruins of an old medieval castle), the Nikaia palace (an ultra-modern concert venue) and the site of the Roman ruins at Cimiez. For Tickets, go to FNAC, 44-46 Avenue Jean Medecin. Telephone: +33 (0)4 92 17 77 77.

Opera

Nice Opera house (4 Rue St-Francois-de-Paule)

The former home of the King of Sardinia, this magnificent building is one of the architectural highlights of Nice. Built in 1776, this opera house puts on no less than 7 operas and 15 concerts per year in a magical theatre with its characteristic grand chandelier. The productions are top-quality, and early booking is recommended. The Corvesy parking garage, rue Alexandre Mari, offers a special price upon presentation of your ticket. Check their website for the upcoming events and performances.

Opera of Monte-Carlo (Place du Casino, Monte-Carlo)

Monaco, just 15 minutes from Nice, is home to one of the most stunning opera houses in the world. Since its creation in 1879, the Opera of Monte-Carlo has gained international fame, playing a key role in promoting the most beautiful voices to the rest of Europe. Authors such as Bizet, Franck or Massenet wrote some of their works for the Monegasque Opera. The opera regularly goes on tour to play works from its repertoire. Call (+377) 92 16 22 99 for bookings.

Les Azuriales Opera Festival (Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)

Located in the elegant surroundings of the Rothschild Mansion in the exclusive resort of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this annual festival provides spectators with unforgettable performances in an intimate setting. After each show, guests are treated to dinner with the performers in the magnificent gardens, just as Baroness Ephrussi herself intended.

Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra (Atrium de Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo)

The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, established in 1863, is famed as a must-see in Monaco. In addition to a regular concert season the Philharmonic Orchestra also accompanies the Opera and the Ballets de Monte-Carlo. Its rich history includes the premieres of ballets of Serge Diaghilev and operas of Ravel, Massenet and others. The Philharmonic Orchestra has always played a significant role in the creation of contemporary dance, opera and symphonic music. Call (+377) 92 16 22 99 for bookings.