Nice is much more than a Mediterranean postcard. Situated on the Côte d'Azur, between the sea and the mountains, the capital of Nice offers a multitude of activities to suit all profiles: families with children, couples looking for romance, groups of friends or adventurers looking for thrills.
Strolling along the famous Promenade des Anglais, exploring the colourful streets of Old Nice, admiring the panoramic view over the Baie des Anges from the Colline du Château, enjoying a socca on the Cours Saleya... There's no shortage of things to do in Nice. But Nice also boasts an exceptional cultural heritage, with the Matisse Museum, the Marc Chagall Museum and the MAMAC, as well as a local gastronomy that's worth a diversion around every corner.
What most guidebooks forget to mention is that the hinterland of Nice offers equally spectacular experiences. Just 40 minutes from the city, a first paragliding experience in Nice offers an unforgettable view of the Mediterranean and the Mercantour peaks, from the crests of the Cheiron at an altitude of 1800 m. And if you're looking for an aquatic adventure, the canyoning in the Gorges du Loup transforms a simple stay in Nice into a day of pure sensations.
Whether you've got a day, a weekend or a whole week, this step-by-step guide will help you make the most of Nice and the surrounding area. Cultural visits, outdoor activities, family outings, indoor activities in wet weather or excursions in the hinterland: you'll find everything you need to organise a stay in Nice that's just right for you.
It's impossible to visit Nice without taking in some of its most emblematic sites. The city is packed with treasures to discover on foot, from the seafront to historic districts and spectacular viewpoints. Here are the gems not to be missed.
It's the symbol of Nice. This famous promenade along the Mediterranean stretches for more than 7 kilometres, lined with palm trees and Belle Époque facades. Whether you choose to stroll, cycle or simply sit facing the blue, the Prom’ is a permanent spectacle. Early in the morning, the light is exceptional. At the end of the day, the sunset over the Baie des Anges is worth the diversions alone.
Perched high above Old Nice, the Colline du Château is the city's must-see lookout point. Accessible on foot via a staircase from Place du 8 Mai or by free lift, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Nice: the ochre roofs of the old town, the Lympia port, the Promenade des Anglais and the Mediterranean as far as the eye can see. On site, you'll discover the remains of the old castle, an artificial waterfall and large shady areas, perfect for a family picnic.
This is the historic heart of Nice. Vieux-Nice is a labyrinth of narrow streets with colourful facades, shady squares and craft shops. Place Rossetti, with its Sainte-Réparate cathedral and ice-cream parlours, is a must. Further along, the Cours Saleya hosts its famous flower market and stalls of local produce every morning. It's the perfect place to stroll, sample and soak up the atmosphere of Nice.
A real link between the modern city and the old quarter, the Place Masséna impresses with its colourful architecture and contemporary sculptures. Just behind it, the Promenade du Paillon is a green setting in the heart of the city centre, with fountains, water games, water mirrors for children and shaded relaxation areas. It's a place you can't afford to miss, summer or winter.
Often overlooked on classic itineraries, the Port of Nice is well worth a visit. Port Lympia, with its brightly-coloured facades and lively terraces, offers an authentic atmosphere far removed from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade. A short walk away, the recently renovated Place Garibaldi is the ideal starting point for exploring the port area and its great restaurants.
Nice is a city rich in culture. Behind the seaside image lies an exceptional artistic heritage, created by world-famous artists who have chosen this Mediterranean light to create. Come rain or shine, or simply want to discover something new? Nice's museums have some wonderful surprises in store - and many of them are free.
Housed in a 17th-century Genoese villa in the heart of the Cimiez district, the Musée Matisse traces the work of Henri Matisse through a rich permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, engravings and drawings. The setting is as beautiful as the works: the gardens of Cimiez, the Roman arena and the Franciscan monastery complete the visit. A timeless place, free of charge, well worth an hour of your day.
The only one of its kind in France, this national museum is entirely dedicated to the biblical works of Marc Chagall. The large, colourful canvases, stained glass windows and mosaics immerse visitors in a poetic and spiritual world. The garden surrounding the building adds to the charm of the place. For families, workshops and guided tours tailored to children are offered regularly.
Located on the Place Yves Klein, a stone's throw from the Promenade du Paillon, the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (MAMAC) explores artistic trends from the 1960s to the present day. The École de Nice, New Realism, Pop Art: the permanent collections are fascinating. The terrace on the top floor offers a panoramic view of Nice, from Vieux-Nice to Mont Boron.
For lovers of history and heritage, the Palais Lascaris is a treasure trove hidden away in the narrow streets of Vieux-Nice. This 17th-century baroque palace houses a collection of antique musical instruments set against a backdrop of frescoes and gilded stucco. Further south, the Musée Masséna, housed in an elegant villa overlooking the sea, traces the history of Nice and the Riviera from the 19th century to the present day. Admission to both is free.
You can't visit Nice without sampling its cuisine. Nice's gastronomy is a living heritage, handed down from generation to generation, and can be enjoyed in a Michelin-starred restaurant or on the corner of a bar.
Every morning except Monday, the Cours Saleya is transformed into a festival of colours and scents. The famous flower market rubs shoulders with stalls of fruit, vegetables, olives, spices and specialities from around Nice. It's a spectacle in its own right, and the best starting point for understanding the local cuisine. On Mondays, the market gives way to an equally charming flea market.
Socca, the wood-fired chickpea flour pancake, is the culinary symbol of Nice. Crispy on the outside, melting on the inside, it's best eaten hot, standing upright, with your fingers. But the cuisine of Nice doesn't stop there: salade niçoise (the real thing, with no potatoes or green beans), pissaladière, farcis niçois, pan bagnat... Each dish tells the story of a city turned towards the Mediterranean and its sun-drenched produce.
For a truly Niçoise culinary experience, opt for the small restaurants in Vieux-Nice and along the port. The restaurants around Place Garibaldi, Cours Saleya and Rue Bonaparte are renowned for their traditional recipes. A word of advice: always ask for the special of the day. This is often where the best of Nice's cuisine is hidden. And for a sweet break, stop off at Place Rossetti in front of an artisan ice cream parlour.
You can't visit Nice without sampling its cuisine. Nice's gastronomy is a living heritage, handed down from generation to generation, and can be enjoyed in a Michelin-starred restaurant or on the corner of a bar.
Every morning except Monday, the Cours Saleya is transformed into a festival of colours and scents. The famous flower market rubs shoulders with stalls of fruit, vegetables, olives, spices and specialities from around Nice. It's a spectacle in its own right, and the best starting point for understanding the local cuisine. On Mondays, the market gives way to an equally charming flea market.
Socca, the wood-fired chickpea flour pancake, is the culinary symbol of Nice. Crispy on the outside, melting on the inside, it's best eaten hot, standing upright, with your fingers. But the cuisine of Nice doesn't stop there: salade niçoise (the real thing, with no potatoes or green beans), pissaladière, farcis niçois, pan bagnat... Each dish tells the story of a city turned towards the Mediterranean and its sun-drenched produce.
For a truly Niçoise culinary experience, opt for the small restaurants in Vieux-Nice and along the port. The restaurants around Place Garibaldi, Cours Saleya and Rue Bonaparte are renowned for their traditional recipes. A word of advice: always ask for the special of the day. This is often where the best of Nice's cuisine is hidden. And for a sweet break, stop off at Place Rossetti in front of an artisan ice cream parlour.
One of Nice's great advantages is its geographical position. In less than an hour, you can reach hilltop villages, secret coves, wild gorges or even another country. Here are a few excursions worth making the most of your stay.
This trio is the classic way out of Nice. Villefranche-sur-Mer, with its citadel and colourful harbour, is one of the most beautiful coastal villages. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is home to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its exotic gardens, a jewel of the Riviera. Higher up, the medieval village of Èze offers breathtaking sea views from its botanical garden perched at an altitude of over 400 metres.
Monaco is 20 minutes from Nice by train. The Rock, the Oceanographic Museum, the Exotic Garden: half a day is enough to enjoy them all. Further east, Menton has a charming Italian atmosphere, remarkable gardens and colourful architecture. Both towns are easily accessible by public transport, making them ideal day trips without a car.
Less well known than the coastline, the hinterland of the Alpes-Maritimes is nevertheless a treasure to be discovered. The village of Gourdon, perched on its rock, offers spectacular views of the gorge and the coast - see our guide what to do in Gourdon to prepare for your visit. Visit Gorges du Loup are an exceptional natural site, with waterfalls, cliffs and forest. And Gréolières, at the foot of the Cheiron massif, is the ideal starting point for a first paragliding experience or a day's hiking in the Alps. In winter, the resort of Gréolières 1400 allows you to combine skiing and hang-gliding on the same day.
If your stay allows for it, the Verdon is around two hours from Nice. Its gorges, lakes (Castillon, Sainte-Croix) and villages such as Castellane make it the perfect nature destination to complement a holiday on the Côte d'Azur. In fact, Ailéments offers a number of outings there canyoning in Castellane for white-water thrill-seekers. On the way, stop off at Grasse, the world capital of perfume, for a cultural and olfactory break.
Nice has something for everyone. Whether you're travelling with young children, as a couple or with a group of friends, the city and its surroundings have something for everyone. Here's how to organise your stay to suit you.
The Promenade du Paillon is a paradise for families, with water mirrors and free games to delight children from an early age. The Colline du Château, accessible by lift, is an easy way out, with play areas and breathtaking views. For a fun day out, Aquasplash is the benchmark water park near Nice. And for the more curious, treasure hunts are regularly organised in Vieux-Nice.
In terms of sensations, the Paragliding is accessible to children aged 6 and over. A tandem flight with a qualified instructor, in complete safety: an experience that the youngest will never forget.
For a weekend away for two, Nice has it all. Start with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais at sunset, followed by dinner in Vieux-Nice, then treat yourself to an excursion to Èze or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat the next day. For a touch of adrenalin to share, a first tandem paragliding flight is a romantic and memorable experience, a far cry from the classics.
Nice is a popular destination for stag and hen parties. Ailéments offers special packages EVJF and EVG combining paragliding and canyoning. For paragliding, the video option is offered to the bride or groom. For the canyoning, The video is offered to the whole group. Combining the two activities is the most popular formula for these events.
Rain is rare on the Côte d'Azur, but it can be surprising. In that case, Nice's free museums (Matisse, Masséna, Palais Lascaris, MAMAC) are the best option. Creative workshops, temporary exhibitions and guided tours are offered throughout the year by the city of Nice. Vieux-Nice, with its galleries, craft shops and covered cafés, remains pleasant even in the rain.
Nice is a destination that reinvents itself with every visit. With its historic heritage, lively culture, generous gastronomy and natural surroundings, the city offers a range of activities that few other destinations in France can match.
But the real secret to a successful stay in Nice is not just staying on the coast. The hinterland of Nice, with its gorges, hilltop villages and 1800 m peaks, transforms a simple city trip into a complete adventure. It's here, between sky and mountains, that you'll experience the most memorable moments of your trip to the Côte d'Azur.
Want to take action? Book your first paragliding experience in Nice or your exit canyoning in the Gorges du Loup. And for an unforgettable experience for a loved one, think of the paragliding gift voucher, valid for 12 months.
