‘Breakfast at the Palais' has a good ring to it and Le Padouk at the Le Palais de La Mediterranee in Nice doesn't disappoint. Le Padouk is all about space. Huge arches frame the sky and if you can get a table on the elevated part of the terrace, there's a great view of the Promenade and sea beyond. This is a nice place to start the day.

The menu is what you'd expect. A choice of American or Continental breakfasts. The American gives you access to a full buffet including omelette, fried or poached eggs and even porridge in case you need something to remind you of winter. The Continental offers an array of fresh pastries. The service is friendly, although the coffee refills are slow. Fast coffee is the least you should expect from a pricey breakfast.

Le Palais de Meditterranee reopened in 2004 after an extensive renovation. It has a hotel, apartments and a casino. Its landmark white façade is the only part of the old structure to remain intact, although the architects were careful to pay homage to the building's 1930s origins with contemporary art deco interiors. Le Padouk is an example of the old and new blending together. Actually, it's a shame it's not located in Cannes. Breakfast next to the cinematic arches make it the perfect venue for a film festival power breakfast. Worth a try.

Breakfast: 7-10 AM

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