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.
Promenade du Paillon Walk in Nice
A stroll through an urban oasis in the centre of the city
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.
What to see
Sights in Nice
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Sainte Reparate Cathedral
Nice's 17th-century elaborate Baroque 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 
Promenade du Paillon
A large urban park containing the famous Miroir d’Eau
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 
Palais de la Prefecture
Former royal palace of the Dukes of Savoy built in the 17th century
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
Fine Baroque architecture and instrument 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 
Cours Saleya market
A vibrant square at the centre of Nice's old quarter
This vibrant square sits in the centre of old Nice and hosts markets every day of the week.
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Misericorde Chapel 
Misericorde Chapel
Masterpiece of Baroque art set in a privileged location in Nice
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
Described as "The restaurant of kings & the king of restaurants"
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
Fine Michelin-starred restaurant offering Provencal inspired cuisine
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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L'Oursin Bleu Restaurant
Perfect spot for a water-front dining experience
L'Oursin Bleu is a restaurant along the port in Villefrance with a beautiful décor, great piano music and a fresh and tasty cuisine.
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La Cave Nature Restaurant
Restaurant, bar and wine cellar in Villefranche
In a simple and relaxed atmosphere, La Cave Nature is a place of tasting organic wines and specialities of the house such as sandwiches, Mediterranean products freshly prepared, and tastings of cheeses and Italian delicatessen.
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Le Mesclun Restaurant, Nice Centre
A short walk from the Radisson Blu hotel
Located a few minutes from Old Nice, the Corniche Fleurie, the Airport and Central Business of Arenas, Le Mesclun, welcomes you in a modern room with a pleasant view of the Promenade des Anglais and the Mediterranean Sea.
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Maison Gusto Restaurant
Tucked away in a street behind the Port
Located between the Port and Place Garibaldi, Maison Gusto restaurant is a must for lovers of burger in Nice.
What to do
Things To Do in Nice
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Motorbike hire
Wide selection of BMW, Ducati, Harley Davidson and Triumph motorcycles available for rent
Based in Nice, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Solar Powered Boat Trip
6 person Motor Boat tours along the French Riviera
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
Quality road bike rentals to explore the French Riviera
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
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Motorbike day tour
Seven-hour guided motorcycle tour through the Verdon Gorge
A fantastic way to experience the breathtaking scenery of the South of France.
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Sunset Boat Trip
Sunset motor boat tour along the French Riviera
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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The Alps self-guided motorbike tour
Seven-night tour of the Alps with motorbike holiday specialists in Nice
A bike trip for advanced riders, where you can enjoy some of the most scenic roads of the French Alps.
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.
