10 Best Outdoor Adventures in Nice

Kayaking is a holiday activity that can be enjoyed by children and adults at every skill level. The kayak is an easily controlled and adaptable watercraft, making it easy to explore hard-to-reach places. In Nice, kayaking takes you to secluded beaches, beautiful coastlines and uninhabited islands.

Head to one of the local sea clubs at major Cote d’Azur ports, such as the Club de la Mer at the Port de Nice or Cap Kayak at the Port Gallice at Cap d’Antibes. These centres host a variety of activities adapted to every skill level, with children accepted from the age of 8 years old. The most popular tours explore the coast between Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer, as well as Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and the Lerins islands. Each kayaking tour lasts less than 3 hours.

The Parc du Mont-Boron trail is one of the area’s most beautiful and well-appointed nature trails and preserves. The hilltop area spans almost 57 hectares of natural woods and signposted walkways. It has great facilities and amazing vistas overlooking Nice, the coastline and mountains. 

At the end of the Parc du Mont-Boron trail, you can visit the 16th-century Fort du Mont Alban. Mont-Boron Park has several trails to suit every fitness level, from hardcore sports lovers to meandering nature lovers. Along the way, there are plenty of rest and recreation stops. 

Colline du Château offer majestic views of the Bay of Anges and the Old Port of Nice. You can either climb the winding stairways or take the Art Déco lift to this hillside outcrop, where an imposing castle once stood. This area, called Castle Hill, played an important role in the history of Nice.

Colline du Château is one of Nice’s most tranquil and picturesque spots. Many come here to enjoy a picnic or bottle of wine at sundown. You can also explore a maze of forest trails or simply visit a manmade waterfall dating back to the 18th century.

Kitesurfing is an exciting sport best enjoyed on a sunny day when the wind is blowing and the waves break high in Nice. Located in Nice’s western suburbs, Saint-Laurent-du-Var is an ideal spot for an adrenaline-fuelled kitesurfing adventure.

Protected by the airport to the east and breakwaters that keep the water safe, this commune is reputed to be one of the best kitesurfing sites in the world. This skill can be quite challenging to master, but you can sign up for classes that teach you the basics and enjoy a few hours in the water.

Snorkelling in Nice is a fantastic way to see the region from an entirely different point of view. Located in the easternmost part of Nice, the Cap de Nice is one of the Mediterranean’s top diving spots. It has a rich variety of sea life, blue gorgonian corals, and a well-preserved underwater ecosystem that attracts ocean lovers from around the world.

The Cap de Nice is one of the most covetable neighbourhoods in the city. It’s also a rocky cape popular with divers. Summer is a great time to put on your snorkelling gear and explore the pristine submarine world. 

Parc de Valrose is one of the most unique parks in Nice, offering diverse architectures and rare plant species from around the world. Located in the University of Nice campus, this park also has an impressive 19th-century gothic castle to explore. 

As you meander the garden path, you’ll come across Greco-Roman ruins, overgrown gazebos, fountains, artificial waterfalls, manmade ponds and exotic vegetation. Plant buffs will revel in species such as the Saharan cyprus, a rare tree native to the Tassili n'Ajjer mountains, or the Ginkgo biloba, an ancient plant species found only in certain parts of China.

Deep-sea fishing in Nice is a sport that's both relaxing and exciting. The clear blue waters of the Cote d’Azur are home to many desirable species, such as amberjack, seabass, tuna and mackerel. Most ports on the Cote d’Azur have small professional fishing tour companies, especially at Port de Nice, Antibes, and Saint Laurent du Var. 

Local tourist boards, especially in Nice and Cannes, have a fine selection of quality local fishermen offering their services. In general, most tours last 4 to 6 hours, with all necessary equipment provided. Note that most fishing tours are small operations, often limited to 6 people or less.

The Sentier du Littoral is a winding and rocky coastal path that stretches from Nice to the Cap d’Ail. A perfect vantage point from which to explore the Cote d’Azur, the meandering walkway is suitable for all fitness levels, though it also can be a great adventure for those with stamina. 

Start at the Port of Nice and work your way eastwards as far as your feet can carry you. This sometimes-haphazard promenade is one of the most beautiful walkways on the cote. You'll have plenty to see along the way, including oceanside vistas and extravagant mansions. Hardy souls will be able to reach the postcard-perfect towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer and St. Jean Cap Ferrat.

At 2,000 metres above sea level, Isola 2000 is the highest ski slope in the southern French  Alps. The resort offers over 100 km of trails and nearly 50 km of marked downhill pistes. Visit in winter to can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and a wide range of motorised activities.

Both skiers and non-skiers can have a great time at this multi-service resort. Not a fan of the slopes? Rent a snowmobile and explore wooded trails or try your hand at ice go-carting. Quality companies such as AT2000 can help arrange everything. The 100% Snow Bus has regular schedules from the airport and main Nice train station. 

Parc Carol de Roumanie is a family fun park with tranquil walking paths, water games, and ping pong tables, but most come here for the minigolf. This is one of the few minigolf courses with a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Anyone can play this game, making it great for families with young kids. Like most courses, the minigolf at Parc Carol de Roumanie has whimsical hazards blocking your path to the hole.