Nice

I agree - Nice. Or Menton, but it is a little too tiny and sleepy for be to stay very long. Or, really, any of the little towns between Nice and the border, though the smaller towns seemed more French. I found a nice mix in Nice. And I agree withe people who said the Italian side of that border was not very nice, in fact, I thought it was pretty horrible and unappealing -- at least the parts we saw in a day trip from Nice. Though, I love all the other parts of Italy I've visited.

Menton. Yes, more quiet than Nice. The bus ride between them costs only 1 Euro! (line 100), and the trains are quite frequent. I agree that the Ligurian towns are less attractive - ok for a short visit, but not to stay for a longer time. From Menton you could visit a vide range of picturesque inland villages, also across the Italian border, Dolceacqua, Apricale etc. A car would be necessary then.
The surroundings of Menton offer very good hiking possibilities, also along the coast to Monaco.
If I could afford a 'vacation place' - Menton, no doubt.

Thanks again to all.

Roussillon: very interesting about Aosta. Think we want southern climes but it certainly does double duty Italy/France.