Le Jardin Albert 1er, Nice

This delightful public park in the city centre runs from Place Massena, linking the Promenade des Anglais to the old town of Vieux Nice. Developed during the late 1800’s, Jardin Albert 1er is one of Nice’s oldest public gardens; a large lawn in the centre is surrounded by palm trees, fragrant roses, carob trees, junipers as well as various plants from Japan, China, the Americas, Australia and the Himalayas.

It was recently revamped during the extensive renovations that took place on the Promenade du Paillon and now benefits from shaded seating areas, toilets, improved walkways and a refreshing mist that puffs up from the ground casting rainbows on sunny days.

The park plays host to numerous festivals during the summer months, most notably the Nice Jazz Festival every July. Within the park is the Theatre de Verdure, a popular concert venue that has welcomed an eclectic line-up of guests such as Edith Piaf, Iron Maiden and Sting. Our sneaky tip is to go for a drink at the rooftop terrace of the Boscolo Plaza Hotel right opposite; it overlooks the park and you can hear the music clearly, you even gets a birds-eye view of the stage!

This area is great for families; Promenade du Paillon has excellent play areas with climbing frames and swings, both parks have the ever-exciting water fountains, and Jardin Albert 1er has a traditional carousel complete with galloping horses and swooping aeroplanes. Both parks are fenced in, so there’s no danger of children wandering into the street and there are plenty of cafés, restaurants and snack bars nearby. Toilet facilities are clean and modern, you have to pay a small charge to use them but we think it’s worth it to have them so well looked after.

Quieter than the nearby Promenade du Paillon, Jardin Albert 1er is popular with local workers enjoying a lunchtime snooze and leisurely strollers who’ve drifted in from the Promenade des Anglais. With ornamental fountains and beautiful flowers, it provides a tranquil haven for the Niçois to stroll and relax during their leisure time.