Family Activities in Nice
Discover the top Nice family activities
Whatever you choose to do on your family holiday, you are sure to find a huge range of activities across Nice. There is something for everyone, every ability and every age. Check out the selection of things to do below for some holiday inspiration!
Beach Activities
With some stunning beaches along the coastline you will not be at a loss for places to go and things do by the shore in Nice. From beach clubs to watersports, sailing and boat trips, to just sunbathing and enjoying the scenery there is something for everyone.
Boat trips & sailing in Nice
Explore the beautiful coastline around Nice on a boat. Many of these trips include stops for swimming in the crystalline Mediterranean waters, as well as snorkelling and even scuba diving. A trip along the coast to St Jean Cap Ferrat or the Cannes Lerins islands of Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, off the southern tip of the Cap de la Croisette, offers a range of environments to explore, whether sailing round them or visiting them. The glamorous towns of Cannes or Saint Tropez are also a popular option, where you can enjoy anchoring just out of port or setting foot on land to explore a little deeper.
Canoeing / Kayaking
Kayaking is a fun watersport that can be enjoyed as a family. Unlike canoeing, paddlers face forward and have a double bladed paddle. It is a versatile sport that you can enjoy in the sea and especially in the calm waters of the Mediterranean. You can take your inflatable or plastic kayak and make your way around the coastline to explore hidden coves and hard to reach beaches. There are some watersports centres and adventure companies who can take you out for your kayaking experience.
Watersports in Nice
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Go Kayak
They adapt to the overall level of the group so that everyone can spend an unforgettable day together whether you are a family of beginners or a group of experienced kayakers.
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Glisse Paradise Watersports, Saint Laurent du Var
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
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Nikaia Watersports
Located in Nice
The beach front of Nice is the best place for watersports and situated at the heart of the city front is the company Nikaia Watersports.
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Nice Rafting, Breil-sur-Roya
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
Canyoning
A not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day!
You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the river bed as a natural obstacle course. Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about 8 can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning. With the safety of a guide everyone can abseil down cascades, splash into pools and ride the river rapids. You can choose from short beginners’ routes or longer ones for the more adventurous.
The best area for this activity is the Verdon Gorge near Castellane. Although there are closer areas such as the Canyon Forest in Villeneuve-Loubet or in the Maritime Alpes at Breil-sur-Roya. A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons.
Watersports in Nice
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Air Eau Terre Nature Activity Company, Breil-sur-Roya
This company are based in Breil sur Roya and offer a huge range of outdoor sports and activities for groups and individuals.
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Nice Rafting, Breil-sur-Roya
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
Cinema
Catch the latest films and releases in Nice on your holiday. Look out for VOST for English speaking films.
Climbing in Nice
Culture and guided tours in Nice
Explore the best that Nice's has to offer with an expert local guide. From natural tracks to traditional buildings and crafts, food and drink... there's lots to be discovered in Nice.
Guides & Tours in Nice
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Train des Merveilles
Located in Nice
Merveilles means “marvels” and it’s hard to know whether they named the area for the stunning scenery, the beautiful old medieval villages or the archaeological findings going back 5000 years. The railway carriages are painted with designs inspired by the prehistoric rock carvings that have been discovered in the region.
Cycling in Nice
Enjoy a number of cycling trails and routes in Nice and what better way to explore Nice than on a bike when you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. Have a look at our cycling guide for more information and explore the cycling routes that are in the area. If you are in Nice without your biking gear there are a number of cycle hire shops in who rent and sell bikes, gear and more.
Bike Hire in Nice
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Road bike hire
Located in Nice
This company offers a great choice of bicycles, scooters and motorbikes for any duration - whether it’s a day, a week or even a month, you’ll have a bike at your disposal to explore the best of the Côte d'Azur.
Diving & Snorkelling
Dive into the beautiful waters of Nice and discover the world below. Anyone can go snorkelling and it is a great way to begin your underwater adventures without travelling too far away from the comfort of the waters’ surface. Many of the tourist shops sell snorkelling gear.
Scuba diving is a fantastic way to explore what lies below. If you are new to scuba diving, the diving schools in Nice that can teach you the ropes and get you started. For those more experienced there are plenty of excursions in Nice where you can dive into the beautiful blue waters and explore the depths below.
Fishing in Nice
There’s some good deep sea fishing off the coast, with tuna, marlin, swordfish and sea bream, and there’s some good tour expeditions running out from major ports along the coast. Or of course you could just hang a line over the edge of your boat and sit back and wait for the bite, or fish off the rocks for a relaxing afternoon.
To enjoy a day out on a family fishing trip then we recommend speaking to some of the specialist companies who offer guided trips and excursions or yacht charters for coastal or deep sea fishing. You have a few options for fishing charters with a range of budgets, from 50 euro per person for a casual affair to 2800 for 10 people for the day for the charter of a luxury sportsfisher with professional fishermen. Most of the fishing excursions along this stretch of coast operate out of Golfe Juan or Mandelieu-la-Napoule, or in the other direction, out of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a port between Nice and Monaco. There are also small local operators along the coast who don’t have websites- you’ll see their signs saying ‘Peche au Gros’ in the port.
Fitness and swimming in Nice
Sports & Fitness in Nice
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Bikram Yoga
Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Classes of bikram yoga's 26 postures take place in a heated classroom every day in the port area of Nice. English speaking Yoga instructors.
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Leader Fitness Club, St Laurent du Var
Located in Nice
Located in St Laurent du Var between Nice and Antibes, this fitness club is run in a friendly and sporting atmosphere. Free parking makes access to the facility very easy.
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Tropic Gym Fitness Club
Located in Nice
Located close to the famous Promenade des Anglais, this sports centre provides all the modern equipment necessary to shape the body.
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Complexe Jean Bouin Sports Centre
Located in Nice
Sports complex offering swimming, aquaerobics, ice skating, ice hockey and a variety of gym classes and training programs.
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Vesubia Mountain Park, Saint-Martin-Vesubie
Indoor fun for all the family, regardless of the weather on the outside. The new centre provides a unique experience for those wanting to try caving, canyoning and climbing.
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Flying in Nice
Treat the family to a helicopter tour of the coastline and islands with one of the local helicopter tour operators. This is an exclusive experience which enables you to see aerial views of Nice, down to the neighbouring towns of Cannes and Antibes and on up to Monaco close to the border of Italy.
Flying in Nice
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Imagin'air Paragliding School, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Not far from Nice and Monaco you will find one of the best paragliding sites in Europe that will offer you views over the French Riviera and Beausoleil, La Turbie, Menton and even into Italy.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Azur Parapente, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Enjoy a tandem paraglide with a qualified instructor with incredible views over the Mediterranean, Nice, Monaco and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
Geocaching
There are over 2.5 million people doing geocaching around the world and some of them (perhaps surprisingly) are right here in Nice! It’s a relatively new craze that started taking the world by storm in May 2000 after a computer geek decided that GPS could be “really exciting”. He hid some treasure at his home in Portland, America, for people to find, broadcast the GPS coordinates and said, “Come and get it”. His only rule: “Take some stuff, leave some stuff”. And that’s exactly what Geocaching is…you go in search of treasure by using the GPS system on your mobile device – once you’ve found it, you write your name in a logbook and replace the treasure you decide to take. It’s pretty simple really and means, as a family, you can be adventurers together. You won’t usually find anything quite as precious as gold, silver and diamonds but nevertheless it’s quite exciting!
Golf in Nice
Golf Courses in Nice
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Royal Mougins Golf Course
Located in Mougins
Founded in 1993, the Royal Mougins Golf Club is a course of exceptional quality. Designed by world-famous American architect, the late Robert von Hagge, the par 71, 18-hole course extends for 6,004 m through a lush, wooded vale.
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Monte-Carlo Golf Course, La Turbie
Situated in the La Turbie area in the heights of Nice the rolling green terrain offers an interesting and challenging round of golf.
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Cannes-Mougins Golf Country Course
Located in Mougins
The Cannes-Mougins Golf Club provides all features you are expecting from a modern golf within an historical environment. The Cannes Country Club was founded in 1923 by a group of illustrious gentlemen such as Aga Khan, Prince Pierre of Monaco and Baron Edouard de Rothschild.
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Golf Course de Villeneuve-Loubet, Villeneuve Loubet
A great course for beginners to experienced players, slightly hilly, the greens are linked in a calm and exotic atmosphere in the heart of the Riviera.
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Nice Golf Country Course
Close to the city, this nine hole compact course offers a range of different situations with its relief, bunkers and water hazard. It is aimed at both beginners and low handicaps wishing to improve.
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Saint Donat Golf Course, Grasse
This beautifully situated golf club has two courses, one 18 hole and one 9 hole, plus a practice range and practice bunker.
Horse riding in Nice
Horse ride through the nature reserves, gorges, vineyards and mountain top towns and the beautiful coastline of the French Riviera is the perfect way to explore the area. Nice and the surrounding area is an attractive destination for horse riding, trekking & lessons.
Horse-riding in Nice
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Club Hippique de Nice Horse Riding
Located in Nice
Located in Nice, this equestrian centre has received a major overhaul in 2012 giving way to a brand new equestrian centre spread over 10 hectares.
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Hippodrome Côte d'Azur Horse Riding, Cagnes-sur-Mer
The Hippodrome de la Côte d'Azur has a splendid position on the waterfront in Nice and held its first horse race in 1956.
Hydro-speeding
Watersports in Nice
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Nice Rafting, Breil-sur-Roya
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
Indoor activities in Nice
There is a bowling alley in Nice to the north of the old town on Esplanade J-F Kennedy. It is a good place keep you entertained on bad weather days, or if you're looking for something to do with a group.
Things To Do in Nice
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Complexe Jean Bouin Sports Centre
Located in Nice
Sports complex offering swimming, aquaerobics, ice skating, ice hockey and a variety of gym classes and training programs.
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Vesubia Mountain Park, Saint-Martin-Vesubie
Indoor fun for all the family, regardless of the weather on the outside. The new centre provides a unique experience for those wanting to try caving, canyoning and climbing.
Karting
Karting is a popular activity for people of all ages. At the karting circuit in Bar-sur-Loup, to the west of Nice, you can enjoy lessons, grand prix and more. Feel the adrenaline rush and race to beat the rest of the family!
Mountain-biking & Fat-biking
Museums & Galleries
There are a wealth of art, natural history and archaeological museums in the city of Nice and each one has its own appeal and activities for families and kids. The Marc Chagall National Museum houses one of the largest collections of works by the Russian painter and is one of Nice's most popular museums. If art is not your thing then the Cote d'Azur Observatory offers an astronomical option and is great fun for kids.
Nature Reserves & Parks
Heading to a nature reserve you can explore all the beautiful wildlife and soak up all the beautiful scenery. There are a number of wonderful nature reserves in Nice that you can explore, including the Gorges du Loup to the west of Nice, with its spectacular waterfalls and natural gorges.
Paddleboarding
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is a popular global sport these days, often described as a cross between surfing and kayaking. It is also a fun way to explore the immediate coastline. Whether going solo or with the whole family, you will find paddle boards to hire on various beaches around the coast, usually rented out by the hour. No previous experience is needed, just hop on the board and start paddling.
Paragliding / Parapenting
Flying in Nice
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Imagin'air Paragliding School, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Not far from Nice and Monaco you will find one of the best paragliding sites in Europe that will offer you views over the French Riviera and Beausoleil, La Turbie, Menton and even into Italy.
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Azur Parapente, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Enjoy a tandem paraglide with a qualified instructor with incredible views over the Mediterranean, Nice, Monaco and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
Sailing & yachting in Nice
With plenty of coastline to explore you would be silly not to hire a boat, charter a yacht or join one of the many boat trips up and down the French Riviera to some of France's best beauty spots.
Spas and massages in Nice
Spas in Nice
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Cap Estel Spa, Eze
Located in Eze
This spa 2 heated pools and an outdoor jacuzzi with wonderful views of the sea, as it is located in the Cap Estel Hotel, on a peninsula. They also have a sauna and steam room, plus a huge range of beauty treatments with Sothys skin care products.
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Spa Maria Galland
Located in Cap Ferrat
The spa welcomes you for a moment of all-round well-being and relaxation you would only expect to find on a transatlantic cruise - once on board, you will find a hammam (steam room), a jacuzzi, a fitness room and ten cabins dedicated to relaxation and body care for men and women.
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Le Mas de Pierre Spa, St-Paul de Vence
Located in Vence
This wellness space blends Provençal elegance with exclusive treatments, featuring a private hammam and outdoor jacuzzi for couples.
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Le Spa at Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Located in Cap Ferrat
Superbly spacious at 750 square metres, the facility features five lavish treatment rooms, including a luxury VIP suite for couples, as well as two outdoor treatment pavilions with mesmerising Mediterranean views.
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Spa Saint-Martin, Vence
Located in Vence
This spa is located in the Château Saint-Martin Hotel. They have a large treatments menu to choose from, including face and body services, a fitness centre and yoga lessons.
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Bertrand Poncet Massage
For the ultimate treat, why not have a massage in your own villa, house or hotel room.
Swimming
If you'd like to take a dip outdoors or indoors, you'll be able to find somewhere to go for a swim in Nice. Most hotels have their own swimming facilities, however there are also municipal swimming baths that you can visit. In summer and winter, you should be able to find somewhere to take a dip, so don't forget your towel and your swimming costume or shorts.
Tennis and racket sports in Nice
With its warm climate and dry months, tennis is very popular across the region. Significant investment in the sport means that there many tennis clubs and courts available for the enthusiast or the amateur. The courts are generally clay or hard courts, and you can book courts as a non-member at most of the clubs.
Theme parks, waterparks and aquariums in Nice
Try an adventure playground or a theme park for a day of family fun. There are a number of adventure playground and theme parks, where both adults and children can play for hours.
Theme & Adventure Parks in Nice
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Paintball 06, Tourrettes sur Loup
This paintball site is spread over 3 hectares of woodland with a lot of natural obstacles to dive behind, jump over and fire from.
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Vesubia Mountain Park, Saint-Martin-Vesubie
Indoor fun for all the family, regardless of the weather on the outside. The new centre provides a unique experience for those wanting to try caving, canyoning and climbing.
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Pitchoun Forest Theme Park, Villeneuve-Loubet
An adrenaline packed outing which will have visitors swinging, climbing and sliding from suspended platforms, bridges and zip lines.
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Astrorama Theme Park
Located in Eze
Open sky evening are available for everyone, children and adults, and provide a greater understanding of the universe and the laws governing it.
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Koaland, Menton
Located in Menton
A fun-packed mini-theme park for children, just a few minutes walk from the beaches at Menton.
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Riviera Nature, Adventure Park, Grasse
Located in Grasse
Try these tree top adventures, all with various levels of difficulty and with plenty of adrenalin pumping fun!
Tree-top / Forest adventures
Swing through the trees high above the forest floor on a circuit of zip lines, monkey bridges, ladders and ropes. You can travel through the forest without touching the floor, safely strapped into a harness and attached to a secure safety line. These eco-friendly adventure parks are created around the trees without damaging them in any way and can be dismantled if necessary, leaving the forest as though untouched.
Tree-top adventures can be fun for both adults and kids and with most courses having a few options of varying difficulty anyone can participate in the tree swinging fun.
Walking, hiking and running in Nice
Hikes in the Alpes-Maritime region can generally be split into two categories: coastal and mountain. The coastal routes are all very accessible and mostly very easy, more like strolls than hikes, but still worth doing for the unbeatable views of the coastline and access to fabulous beaches along the way. The mountain trails take a little more effort to get to, but many can be reached by bus or train. They are a great way to explore the terrain behind Nice and the many medieval villages that are dotted around the countryside.
Walking Routes in Nice
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Sentier Littoral : Tour du Cap Ferrat
Located in Cap Ferrat
This easily accessible promenade starts at the Port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and finishes at Plage de Passable, taking you right around the peninsula of this beautiful coastline.
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Hiking in the Var : Circuit du Serse
This half day scenic hike circles around the north side of Mont Vial, traversing a deep bowl in the Var Valley.
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Hike from Nice along the Plateau St Michel
Located in Eze
This is a fairly easy but rewarding hike starting from Eze-sur-Mer and finishing in Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, both villages are on the train and bus line.
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Circuit de la Rade
Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Leave the old town of Villefranche-sur-mer and escape into the wooded hills as far down as Cap Ferrat. Take a tour of the old city via Rue Obscure, a shady path the winds its way through vaulted cellars from the old harbor.
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Circuit Malvan
Located in Vence
The Notre-Dame des Fleurs stands on the site of an 11th century Benedictine Abbey. The building now houses the gallery Beaubourg which exhibits contemporary works of art.
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Plan des Noves
Located in Vence
This hike goes through land formally used for agriculture that now is only used for winter grazing, leaving its rich soil unused, due to the lack of a water source.
Waterparks
Splash around on a water slide & enjoy hours of fun, waterparks are hugely popular with both adults and children! Enjoy hours of fun splashing around in the waterpark and tackle some of the fun rides and slides.
Waterparks & Aquariums in Nice
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Marineland Waterpark
Four parks in one... Marineland, Kid's Island, Adventure Golf and Aquasplash. You can buy a ticket for one or more of these parks and make your way between them.
Watersports in Nice
Nice is perfect for water sports with its warm summers, gentle breezes and interesting coastline. There are plenty of watersports centres where you can learn to sail or enjoy thrilling rides in speedboats, and everything in between.
Watersports in Nice
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Paddleboarding along the coast is a fun for the whole family!
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Parasailing, Villefranche Sur Mer
Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Fly at 50 metres above the sea by yourself or with friends security attached, enjoy a spectacular view of the gorgeous Baie des Anges, mountains and surroundings.
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Roya Evasion Activity Company, Breil-sur-Roya
This company offers a range of outdoor activities mostly based around canyoning and rafting white water, as well as via ferrata and mountain biking experiences and snowshoe walks in the winter.
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Go Kayak
They adapt to the overall level of the group so that everyone can spend an unforgettable day together whether you are a family of beginners or a group of experienced kayakers.

Adrenaline rush in Nice
Whilst many visitors to the French Riviera seek a leisurely vacation of wining, dining, and sunbathing, we know that some of you seek something a bit more daring during your break than sneaking in a cheeky glass of rosé before midday.

Charming coastal walks in & around Nice
It’s not called the Côte d’Azur for nothing; this glimmering blue coastline is one of the Mediterranean’s prized gems tourism-wise and for its authentic, raw beauty. Let us take you on a walking tour of some of the best and most beautiful coastal paths, both the glamourous and the natural.

Coolest bathing spots in Nice
The clearest waters to make a splash this summer

Day trip to Biot
Located in Biot
On a sunny Tuesday morning in April I found myself getting quite lost in the maze of narrow streets and lanes in the stunning, and slightly quirky, hilltop town of Biot.

Free shuttle in Port de Nice
Since 2012 tourists in Nice have been able to relive the tradition of 'Passagin'; a boat that originally provided the link between the West Bank and the eastern shore in the Port de Nice.

Longest Zipwire in France Just 1 Hour from Nice
Just one hour north of Nice you will find the popular winter and summer destination of Colmiane, in the Mercantour National Park.

Memorable day trips from Nice
With the glittering Mediterranean waters, cosmopolitan city, and a picturesque old town of cobblestones and Provençal markets, Nice has plenty to offer its visitors. Yet just outside Nice lie some of the best day-trips in France, if not the whole world.

Must-see attractions in Nice
Nice has many faces. A city of natural beauty and with a Mediterranean climate, it's a popular tourist destination and a gateway to the French Riviera.

The Marc Chagall National Museum in Nice has Re-Opened
The work, which took a total of four months, has focused mainly on improving the thermal insulation of the building, to better conserve the works.

The Route du Mimosa, Riviera / Cote d'Azur
Each year under clear blue winter skies, a carpet of gold creeps across the rolling hills and quiet stone villages of the French Riviera. As spring approaches, the mimosa trees come into spectacular bloom in the South of France, the sprays of soft yellow flowers vivid against the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

Top villages to visit from Nice
When it comes to beautiful villages, the South of France is a shameless show-off. With the hills rising steeply above the Mediterranean coast, the area is simply littered with perched medieval villages rich in history and atmosphere.

Train des Merveilles
Located in Nice
The Train des Merveilles takes you from the coastline of Nice into the rugged mountains of the Vallée des Merveilles and the Mercantour National Park.

Train des Pignes
Located in Nice
The Train des Pignes runs on the Chemins de Fer de Provence railway line and connects the Riviera town of Nice with the historic city of Digne Les-Bains, taking you from seaside to snowy mountains in just three hours and 30 minutes.

What to do in Nice when it rains
The climate in the South of France is generally great, with roughly 300 days of sunshine beaming down across the Riviera each year. However, that statistic does still leave 65 days on average when the sun doesn’t shine.