Promenade du Paillon Walk in Nice
A stroll through an urban oasis in the centre of the city
Nice’s flagship urban park covers 12 hectares in the heart of the city, just a few minutes walk from Promenade des Anglais. Promenade du Paillon used to be a very congested and rather ugly thoroughfare where the old bus station and multi storey car park were situated. It was demolished in 2011 and a 3 year development project took place to turn it into the oasis of green open space, safe play areas and impressive water features that we enjoy today.
Originally there was a river of the same name that ran through this area; the more serpentine of the paved paths apparently follows where it used to flow. The river separated Old Nice from the more modern part of town but after a series of serious floods it was gradually filled in and built over, being used for markets and trade fairs until the bus station was built in the 1970’s.
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What to see
Sights in Nice
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Sainte Reparate Cathedral
Located in Nice's old town, this impressive cathedral is dedicated to Sainte Reparate and was built in a Baroque style over a 50 year period from 1650.
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Promenade du Paillon
Nice’s flagship urban park covers 12 hectares in the heart of the city, just a few minutes walk from Promenade des Anglais. Promenade du Paillon used to be a very congested and rather ugly thoroughfare where the old bus station and multi storey car park were situated. It was demolished in 2011 and a 3 year development project took place to turn it into the oasis of green open space, safe play areas and impressive water features that we enjoy today.
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Palais de la Prefecture
This palace is thought to have been built in the early 17th century and was home to the Dukes of Savoy until 1860.
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Palais Lascaris Museum
This grand noble residence dates to the early 17th century and was the property of the Lascaris-Vintimille family. It has an interesting collection of Baroque art and furniture.
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Cours Saleya market
This vibrant square sits in the centre of old Nice and hosts markets every day of the week.
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Misericorde Chapel
This 18th-century Roman Catholic chapel is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and is the work of Bernardo Vittone.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Nice
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Restaurant des Rois, Beaulieu Sur Mer
The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.
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Le Chantecler Restaurant
In a Regency-style dining room decorated with magnificent 18th century woodwork, Jean-Denis Rieubland proposes two menus, "Découverte" and "Chantecler".
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La P'tite Cocotte Restaurant
La P'tite Cocotte is a small traditional restaurant in the typical colours, stone-work and wooden beams of Old Nice. Enjoy its wooden deck in the rise of St. Augustine street with a breathtaking view of the Treille.
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Le Comptoir du Marche Restaurant, Vieux Nice
Situated in the old city of Nice the restaurant offers inside dining as well as a few tables outside.
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La Maison de Marie Restaurant, Nice Centre
The restaurant is nestled deep in the courtyard of an old building. Enjoy the terrace and its green patio and colourful flowers. Inside, two rooms offer a refined and warm décor with multiple candles.
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Oliviera Restaurant
Oliviera offers you a short but ever varying menu of its specialties with a choice of olive oils from its shop.
What to do
Things To Do in Nice
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Provence self-guided motorbike tour
A trip for intermediate riders, where you can enjoy some of the most scenic roads in Provence.
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Sunset Boat Trip
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
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Road bike hire
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
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Motorbike hire
Based in Nice, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
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Solar Powered Boat Trip
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
Directions
The Promenade begins in Place Massena with the Miroir d’Eau (mirror of water), a 3000m² paved section dotted with water jets; sometimes they puff out a gentle cooling mist that is pure relief on a hot day, sometimes they shoot fountains of water high into the air - they can switch at a moment’s notice, so walk amongst them at your own risk! They are a huge hit with children who love running in and out of the jets and shrieking with laughter every time they change.
Further down the Promenade is a children’s play area with fantastical weird wooden creatures that they can climb and swing on. The ground is cushioned and covered with fake grass, while a gated fence prevents them from straying into the road.
The last section of the Promenade is a long stretch of lawn lined with olive trees; this section is the most peaceful and where you’re most likely to find office workers enjoying a packed lunch or elderly locals reading the newspaper.
The Promenade has paved walkways weaving through it and plenty of benches along both sides. With over 1000 trees and 50,000 plants, it has been planned so that there are always some botanical varieties in bloom all year round. There are also a few shaded areas with wooden armchairs near to the public toilets and tourist information desk.
Entry to the Promenade du Paillon is completely free and opening hours are from 07:00-23:00 in summer and 07:00-21:00 in winter.
