8 Best Outdoor Adventures in Nice
Escape for an Active Weekend in Nice
<p>Outdoor adventures in Nice let you explore Southern France’s diverse landscape. From majestic, and sometimes wild, countryside and terrain to underwater treasures, there’s a wealth of different experiences to enjoy. A real plus for visitors out-of-season is the temperate local climate, which makes it possible to enjoy these activities year-round.</p><p>There’s something for everyone in the capital of the Alpes-Maritime and its surrounding area. Whether you’re traveling solo or in a group, exciting water activities, mountain adventures, and cultural sites await in <a href=“/go/france/nice”>Nice</a>.</p>
1. Kayaking in Nice
The city has abundant thrilling waterways
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Kayaking is an activity that can be enjoyed by children and adults at every skill level. The kayak is an easily controlled and adaptable watercraft, enabling you to explore hard-to-reach places. In Nice, kayaking takes you to secluded beaches, beautiful coastlines, and uninhabited islands.
Head to one of the local sea clubs at major Côte d’Azur ports, which host a variety of activities adapted to every skill level, with children accepted from the age of 8 years old. The most popular tours explore the coast between Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer, as well as Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the Lerins Islands. Each kayaking tour lasts less than 3 hours.
2. Parc du Mont Boron trail
One of the Cote d’Azur’s most beautiful hiking trails
Good for: Families, Budget, Adventure
<p>The Parc du Mont Boron trail is one of the area’s most beautiful and well-appointed nature trails and preserves. The hilltop area spans over 140 acres of natural woods and signposted walkways. It has great facilities and amazing vistas overlooking Nice, the coastline, and mountains.</p><p>At the end of the Parc du Mont Boron trail, you can visit the 16th-century Fort du Mont Alban. Mont Boron Park has several trails to suit every fitness level, from hardcore sports lovers to meandering nature lovers. Along the way, there are plenty of rest and recreation stops.</p> Read more
Location: 4 Boulevard Maurice Maeterlinck, 06300 Nice, France
Parc du Mont Boron trail
3. Climb the Colline du Château
Sunning views of the Bay of Anges
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget, Adventure
<p>The Colline du Château offers majestic views of the Bay of Anges and the Old Port of Nice. You can either climb the winding stairways or take the Art Deco lift to this hillside outcrop, where an imposing castle once stood. This area, called Castle Hill, played an important role in the history of Nice.</p><p>The Colline du Château is one of Nice’s most tranquil and picturesque spots. Many come here to enjoy a picnic or bottle of wine at sundown. You can also explore a maze of forest trails or simply visit the artificial waterfall dating back to the 18th century.</p> Read more
Climb the Colline du Château
4. Kitesurfing at Saint-Laurent-du-Var
Learn this exciting sport off the coast of Nice
Good for: Adventure
Kitesurfing is an exciting sport best enjoyed on a sunny day when the wind is blowing and the waves break high in Nice. Located in Nice’s western suburbs, Saint-Laurent-du-Var is an ideal spot for an adrenaline-fuelled kitesurfing adventure.
Protected by the airport to the east and breakwaters that keep the water safe, this commune is reputed to be one of the best kitesurfing sites in the world. This skill can be quite challenging to master, but you can sign up for classes that teach you the basics and enjoy a few hours in the water.
Kitesurfing at Saint-Laurent-du-Var
5. Snorkeling off Cap de Nice
An unusual way to explore the Nice coastline
Good for: Families, Adventure
<p>Snorkeling in Nice is a fantastic way to see the region from an entirely different point of view. Located in the easternmost part of Nice, Cap de Nice is one of the Mediterranean’s top diving spots. It has a rich variety of sea life, blue gorgonian corals, and a well-preserved underwater ecosystem that attracts ocean lovers from around the world.</p><p>Cap de Nice is one of the most covetable neighborhoods in the city. It’s also a rocky cape popular with divers. Summer is a great time to put on your snorkeling gear and explore the pristine submarine world.</p>
Snorkeling off Cap de Nice
6. Parc de Valrose
One of Nice’s most extravagant parks
Good for: Budget, Families, History, Photo
<p>Parc de Valrose is one of the most unique parks in Nice, offering diverse architectures and rare plant species from around the world. Located in the Côte d’Azur University campus, this park also has an impressive 19th-century Gothic castle to explore.</p><p>As you meander the garden path, you’ll come across Greco-Roman ruins, overgrown gazebos, fountains, artificial waterfalls, ponds, and exotic vegetation. Plant buffs will revel in species such as the Saharan cypress, a rare tree native to the Tassili n’Ajjer mountains, or the Ginkgo biloba, an ancient plant species found only in certain parts of China.</p>
Location: 28 Avenue Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
Parc de Valrose
7. Walk the Sentier du Littoral
A beautiful seaside walkway on the Côte d’Azur
Good for: Photo, Budget, Adventure
<p>The Sentier du Littoral is a winding and rocky coastal path that stretches from Nice to Cap d’Ail. A fantastic vantage point from which to explore the Côte d’Azur, the meandering walkway is suitable for all fitness levels, though it also can be a great adventure for those with stamina.</p><p>Start at the Port of Nice and work your way eastwards as far as your feet can carry you. This sometimes-haphazard promenade is one of the most beautiful walkways on the coast. You’ll have plenty to see along the way, including oceanside vistas and extravagant mansions. Hardy souls will be able to reach the postcard-perfect towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.</p>
Location: Nice, France
Walk the Sentier du Littoral
8. Skiing at Isola 2000
The slopes are surprisingly close to Côte d’Azur
Good for: Families, Adventure
<p>At 8,500 feet above sea level, Isola 2000 is the highest ski slope in the southern French Alps. The resort offers over 60 miles of trails and nearly 30 miles of marked downhill pistes. Visit in winter to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and a wide range of motorized activities.</p><p>Both skiers and non-skiers can have a great time at this multi-service resort. Not a fan of the slopes? Rent a snowmobile and explore wooded trails or try your hand at ice go-karting. The 100% Snow Bus has regular schedules from the airport and Nice’s central train station.</p>
Location: Office de Tourisme d’Isola 2000, 06420 Isola, France
Open: December–April: daily from 9 am to 7 pm
Phone: +33 (0)4 93 23 15 15
Skiing at Isola 2000
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