Welcome to Ailéments

What to do in Alpes-Maritimes (06) ?
The complete guide to must-do activities

25 activities selected by outdoor pros who have lived in the 06 for 19 years. Perched villages, paragliding, canyoning, Beaches, events: the on-site selection, organised by experience.

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  • Insurance included
  • Free weather cancellation
  • Equipment supplied
  • Meet the day before by SMS
Activities in the Alpes-Maritimes: paragliding, canyoning, French Riviera 19 years old in the 06
  • Localisation Alpes-Maritimes · French Riviera
  • Featured activities Paragliding · Canyoning · Perched villages
  • Ideal duration 1 to 3 days
  • Best season April → October
  • Public Families · Couples · Groups · From 6 years

The Alpes-Maritimes are among those rare departments where anything is possible in a single day. In the morning, a hilltop village overlooking the Mediterranean. In the afternoon, the peaks at 1800 m altitude in paragliding. And in the evening, an open-air concert on the French Riviera.

The 06 boasts a diversity that few regions in France can offer. Culture and heritage in Nice, Grasse or Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Adventure and thrills in the Gorges du Loup or from the summits of Cheiron. Beaches and water activities from Menton to Antibes.

Not an endless listing: a curated selection of grounds, built by outdoor professionals. Each section can be read independently. Choose what suits you, and take action.

Activities in the Alpes-Maritimes: paragliding on the French Riviera
Heritage

The most beautiful villages and cultural sites in the Alpes-Maritimes

The 06 department is home to some of the most spectacular villages in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Between medieval alleys, sea panoramas and historical heritage, cultural tourism is one of the unmissable activities in the region.

Don't miss out

The hilltop villages

Èze dominates the Mediterranean from its 429m altitude. Its exotic garden offers one of the most photographed panoramas on the Côte d'Azur, from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a must for art lovers. The Maeght Foundation houses one of the finest collections of contemporary art in Europe.

Gourdon, à 760 m above the Gorges du Loup, offers a panoramic view of the coast extending to Cap d'Antibes. Starting point for the paragliding in Gourdon.

Cultural heart

Nice and its museums

Nice is the cultural heart of the department. The old town, with its Cours Saleya, Its colourful facades and lively squares can be discovered on foot in any season.

Le Museum of Fine Artsthe Mum (contemporary art) and the Matisse Museum. Entry to most municipal museums is free.

La Promenade des Anglaisthe Castle Hill and the Port of Nice complete a visit that can take up a whole day.

UNESCO

Grasse, capital of perfume

Grasse is recognised by the'UNESCO for its expertise in perfumery. The historic houses Fragonard, Galimard or Molinard They offer guided tours and perfume-making workshops.

Beyond the perfume, the Old Townthe cathedralthe Museum of Art and History and the panorama stretching to the sea invite you for a stroll.

The surroundings offer hiking and outdoor activities between Gréolières and the Caussols platform.

Sensations

Outdoor activities and thrills in the 06

The Alpes-Maritimes are one of the few French departments where you can go from the sea to high mountains in less than an hour. This exceptional geography makes it an ideal playground, from complete beginners to experienced athletes.

First-time paragliding in the Alpes-Maritimes: a tandem flight overlooking the Mediterranean

Tandem paragliding: flying facing the Mediterranean

Since the Cheiron ridges at 1800 m At Gréolières, you’ll take off against a unique backdrop: the Mediterranean on one side, the Mercantour on the other. Three options: Ascending flight best-seller (20-30 min thermal), Prestige flight (45-60 mins, HD video included).

Accessible from 6 years. When the weather isn’t suitable for Gréolières, Gourdon or Roquebrune-Cap-Martin take over. 11 months of 12 the most possible.

Choosing my baptism
Canyoning Gorges du Loup: slides, jumps, abseiling, Maritime Alps

Canyoning Gorges du Loup: the aquatic adventure

The Gorges du Loup, between Grasse and Vence, offer a spectacular setting: natural slides, jumps, abseiling, and swimming in clear water. Discovery trails accessible to beginners and families.

More sporty Riolan Verdon, Maglia (Roya), or Saint-Auban. For departures from Nice, see our guide Canyoning in Nice.

Discover our canyons
Hiking and skiing in the Alpes-Maritimes: Mercantour, Vallée des Merveilles, Cheiron

Hiking and skiing: the mountain near the sea

Le Mercantour National Park, accessible in 1 hour from Nice. The Valley of Wondersthe Lake Allos or the ridges of the Cheiron offer memorable high mountain walks.

In winter, Gréolières-les-Neiges : Alpine and Nordic skiing an hour from the coast. The Gréo'Luge The dry ski slope delights children. Ideal for enjoying the mountains without leaving the department.

All our sites
Signature experience

Paragliding + Canyoning Package: A Day Between Sky and Water

For those who want to combine the two flagship experiences of the 06, the paragliding and canyoning combo is a unique experience in the Alpes-Maritimes. Fly in the morning from Gréolières, then hike down the Gorges du Loup in the afternoon.

Want to learn to fly? Our Paragliding school Nice Offers internships for all levels.

£190 per person · Full day · Photos included · From 5 people.

Book the combo
Paragliding and canyoning combo, Alpes-Maritimes
As a family

What to do with the family and children in the Alpes-Maritimes?

The Alpes-Maritimes region is brimming with family-friendly activities. Whether your children are 4 or 14 years old, you'll find experiences in the 06 that combine discovery, fun, and the great outdoors.

Wonder

Wildlife parks and caves

Le Alpha Park, at the heart of the Mercantour, dedicated to wolves: an educational trail in the great outdoors. The children loved it, and so did the adults.

La Saint-Cézaire Grotto offers a fascinating underground tour: stalactites, colourful chambers, mysterious atmosphere.

Marineland in Antibes and the Villeneuve-Loubet playground complete a family day by the Loup.

From age 6

Outdoor play for children

Le paragliding from age 6 A tandem flight with an instructor: an experience that children never forget. Often, they are the ones who ask for more.

Le Discovery canyoning in the Gorges du Loup is also accessible to families, with a tailored route and professional supervision.

For the little ones, guided nature walks in the hinterland allow them to discover the local flora and fauna.

Free

Outdoor tips

No need for an unlimited budget in the 06. The Nice's pebble beachesthe Albert 1st Gardens with its water features, the Coastal paths between Villefranche and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat are striking.

Provençal markets — Cours Saleya in Nice, Forville market in Cannes — are perfect family outings. Colours, flavours and a lunchtime picnic.

Seaside

Water and seaside activities on the Côte d'Azur

With more than 120 km of coastline, The Alpes-Maritimes region offers a remarkable range of aquatic activities. From lounging on the pebble beaches to engaging in water sports, the coastline of the 06 department can be experienced in a thousand different ways.

Beaches

Beaches and coves of the 06

Villefranche-sur-Mer boasts one of the most beautiful bays on the Côte d'Azur, with a rare sandy beach in the region. The Mala beach At Cap-d'Ail, it offers a private setting between cliffs and turquoise waters.

À Menton, unique microclimate and tranquil atmosphere. The Coastal path between Cap-Martin and Monaco uncovers coves accessible only on foot.

Water sports

Kayaking, diving, snorkelling

Sea kayak From Antibes, Cannes or Villefranche: paddle along coves inaccessible by road. An activity accessible to everyone, including accompanied children.

Scuba diving The seabed between Nice and Monaco harbours remarkable biodiversity. Snorkelling around Cap-Ferrat or in the marine reserve of Roquebrune already reveals an impressive underwater spectacle.

Adventure

From canyon to sea in one day

The distinctiveness of the 06: combining mountain and sea on the same day. Morning, canyoning in the Gorges du Loup or at Bès-Courmes. Afternoon, swimming or kayaking.

Less than an hour separates the two worlds. It is this duality that makes 06 a special department. The supervised canyoning trips long live the running water before the calm of the Mediterranean.

All year round

Not-to-be-missed events and festivals in the Alpes-Maritimes

The 06 lives to the rhythm of its festivals and events all year round. From major international gatherings to village fêtes, the department offers a dense cultural and festive calendar, whatever the season.

Nice Carnival: float parades, flower battles, illuminated parades
February · Winter Star

The Nice Carnival

One of the biggest carnivals in the world. For two weeks: parades of monumental floats, flower battles, street shows and entertainment.

Near'1 million visitors each year. The illuminated evening courses Along the Promenade des Anglais, they are a sight to behold in themselves.

February · Spring

Mimosa and Lemon Festival

La Mimosa festival In Mandelieu-la-Napoule, it transforms the town into a golden, fragrant jewel. Parades of flower-adorned floats and artisan markets.

In Menton, the Lemon festival for 3 weeks, monumental citrus structures: a unique event in the world.

June → Sep · Summer

Summer festivals and parties

Nice Jazz Festival, Nights of the South à Vence, Jazz at Juan at Juan-les-Pins (among Europe's oldest jazz festivals).

Beyond the film festival in May, Cannes Throughout the summer, it offers seaside events. Open-air concerts and night markets: the art of living in the 06.

Choose your adventure

Book your experience in the 06

The 4 best-selling packages for experiencing the Alpes-Maritimes by air or water. Transparent prices from €55, from 6 years old, DEJEPS supervision.

Canyoning

Canyon Half-day

2h · Gorges du Loup · Ages 8+

55 € /pers
Paragliding

Ascending flight

20-30 min · Thermal runaway

140 €
Combo · 2 in 1

Combo Day

Paragliding + Canyoning · From 5 people

190 € /pers
Paragliding · Premium

Prestige flight

45 min to 1 hr · Video included

250 €
Book your adventure
Practice

Our tips for organising your stay in the 06

It's easy to discover the Alpes-Maritimes, as long as you organise your programme carefully. Here are the keys to making the most of the département, whatever the length of your stay.

When is the best time to visit the 06?

All year round · 300 days of sunshine

More 300 days of sunshine per year. Paragliding and canyoning are practised all year round except in January. 11 months of 12 to try the adventure.

Peak season · April → October

Ideal temperatures for outdoor activities and swimming. Spring and autumn = sweet spot: excellent temperatures, quieter crowds.

Winter · Lovely surprises

Nice Carnival in February, skiing at Gréolières-les-Neiges, bright days when the rest of France is under the grey skies.

Weather · SMS confirmation for the previous day

The weather forecast was confirmed the previous evening at 8 pm via text message. Three flying sites (Gréolières, Gourdon, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin) to suit the day’s weather conditions.

Ideas for a typical day: sea, mountains and adventure

The strength of the 06 is its combination. Two examples that harness the diversity of the department:

Day
Adventure

Paragliding + Canyoning + Sunset

Morning : paragliding from Gréolières (1,800 m, sea views and Mercantour). Midi : lunch at Gourdon or in the Gorges du Loup. Afternoon Canyoning in the Gorges du Loup. Thrills guaranteed from sunrise to sunset.

Day
Culture + Mer

Nice + Èze + Villefranche

Morning Nice Old Town and Cours Saleya. Midi Route to Èze and its exotic garden. Afternoon Swimming in Villefranche-sur-Mer or a walk along the coastal path.

These combinations are possible because everything is close. In around an hour's drive, you can go from one world to another. That's what makes the Alpes-Maritimes unique in France.

Gift idea

Give the gift of experience: the Ailéments gift voucher

A paragliding or canyoning gift voucher a memorable way to offer an experience in the Alpes-Maritimes.

Valid one, customisable, sent immediately by email. For a birthday, a hen do, a EVG or simply to please. A question? Contact us directly.

Order a gift voucher
Hilltop villages of the Alpes-Maritimes: Èze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Gourdon
FAQ

Your questions about activities in the Alpes-Maritimes

Everything you need to know before visiting the 06: weather, ages, sites, booking, gift vouchers.

What to do when it rains in the Alpes-Maritimes?

The 6th arrondissement is not short of options on a rainy day. The Nice museums (Beaux-Arts, MAMAC, Matisse) are mostly free. The Saint-Cézaire Grotto offers a fascinating underground tour. The Grasse perfumeries (Fragonard, Galimard) offer indoor perfume-making workshops. And for game enthusiasts, several escape rooms In Nice, Cannes and Antibes complete the offering.

What can you do for free in the 06?

The beaches are freely accessible along the entire coastline. The Coastal paths (Cap-Ferrat, Cap-Martin) offer spectacular walks without costing a penny. The Promenade du Paillon in Nice with its water features, the Provençal markets and visits to hilltop villages like Èze or Gourdon are all free outings worth visiting.

What activities are available for an EVJF or EVG in the Alpes-Maritimes?

Le paragliding and canyoning combo is the most requested formula for stag and hen parties. Thrills, laughter, and memories guaranteed. Preferential rates are offered for groups, with the'free video option for the groom or the bride. Discover the Hen do and stag do ideas in Nice.

Can you paraglide all year round in the 06?

Yes, paragliding is available all year round in the Alpes-Maritimes, except in January (annual closure). Ailéments offers three flying sites (Gréolières, Gourdon, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin), which allows us to adapt to weather conditions and fly almost every day. Confirmation is sent the evening before at 8 pm via text message.

At what age can you start paragliding or canyoning?

Le Paragliding baptism is accessible from the age of 6. with the parents' consent. The flight is done in a two-seater with a qualified instructor, in complete safety. The Discovery canyoning in the Gorges du Loup is also suitable for families with children, under professional supervision.

Where can you go canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes?

The Gorges du Loup are the most popular and accessible spot for a first experience. For sporting activities: Riolan Verdon, Maglia (Roya Valley), Cramassouri or Saint-Auban offering more challenging descents. All routes are supervised by qualified instructors.

How to combine sea and mountains in a day in the 06?

That’s the great appeal of the Alpes-Maritimes: the coast is less than an hour’s drive from the mountain peaks. Paragliding in the morning from Gréolières at an altitude of 1,800 metres with views of the Mediterranean and the Mercantour, then a spot on the beach in the afternoon in Villefranche or Antibes. Or canyoning in the morning in the Gorges du Loup, followed by kayaking in the afternoon from Antibes. The possibilities are endless.

How do I book an activity with Ailéments?

Bookings are made by telephone06 87 68 71 90or via WhatsApp. The team can be reached 7 days a week, all year round, except in January. Payment is made on-site after the activity, by instant bank transfer or cash. For gift vouchers, purchase is made directly online at ailements.fr/gift-voucher.

In summary

The essential takeaways from the Alpes-Maritimes

4 reasons why the 06 is one of the most comprehensive outdoor destinations in France.

  1. 1

    Sea and mountains in one day

    Less'1 hour's drive separate the coast from the peaks at 1,800m. Paragliding in the morning facing the Mediterranean, swimming or kayaking in the afternoon.

  2. 2

    Outdoor activities 11 months of the year

    300 days of sunshine a year. Paragliding and canyoning possible all year round (except January), 3 flying sites to adapt to the weather.

  3. 3

    Family accessibility from 6 years old

    Paragliding taster session from 6 years A tandem flight, canyoning for ages 10+, perfume workshops for children in Grasse. A destination that works for all ages.

  4. 4

    Cultural heritage + preserved nature

    Hilltop villages (Èze, Gourdon, Saint-Paul-de-Vence), the Mercantour Park, the Gorges du Loup, secluded beaches. A diversity found nowhere else in France.

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