Outdoor adventures in Nice let you explore Southern France’s diverse landscape. From majestic (and sometimes wild) countryside and terrain to underwater treasures, there’s a wealth of different experiences to enjoy. A real plus for visitors out-of-season is the temperate local climate, which makes it possible to enjoy these activities year-round.

There’s something for everyone in the capital of the Alpes-Maritime and its surrounding area. Whether you're travelling solo or in a group, exciting water activities, mountain adventures and cultural sites await in Nice

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    Kayaking in Nice

    Discover the city's thrilling waterways

    Kayaking in Nice
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    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.

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    Parc du Mont-Boron trail

    Roam one of the Cote d’Azur’s most beautiful hiking trails

    Parc du Mont-Boron trail
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    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. 

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    Location: 4 Boulevard Maurice Maeterlinck, 06300 Nice, France

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  • 3

    Climb the Colline du Château

    Check out the stunning views of the Bay of Anges

    Climb the Colline du Château
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    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.

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  • 4

    Kitesurfing at Saint-Laurent-du-Var

    Learn this exciting sport off the coast of Nice

    Kitesurfing at Saint-Laurent-du-Var
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    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.

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  • 5

    Snorkelling off Cap de Nice

    Put on your fins and explore the Nice coastline

    Snorkelling off Cap de Nice
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    • Families

    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. 

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  • 6

    Parc de Valrose

    Have a wander in one of Nice’s most extravagant parks

    Parc de Valrose
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    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.

    Location: 28 Avenue Valrose, 06100 Nice, France

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  • 7

    Deep-sea fishing from Nice harbour

    Cast a line and try to catch a big one

    Deep-sea fishing from Nice harbour
    • Adventure
    • Group

    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.

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  • 8

    Walk the Sentier du Littoral

    Explore the most beautiful seaside walkway on the Cote d’Azur

    Walk the Sentier du Littoral
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    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.

    Location: Nice, France

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  • 9

    Skiing at Isola 2000

    Hit the slopes not far from the Cote d’Azur!

    Skiing at Isola 2000
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    • Families

    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. 

    Location: Office de Tourisme d'Isola 2000, 06420 Isola, France

    Open: December–April: daily from 9 am to 7 pm

    Phone: +33 (0)4 93 23 15 15

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  • 10

    Parc Carol de Roumanie

    Enjoy mini golf with friends and family

    Parc Carol de Roumanie
    • Adventure
    • Families

    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. 

    Location: 23-25 Avenue de Fabron, 06200, Nice, France

    Open: Wednesday–Monday from 10 am to 10 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

    Phone: +33 (0)6 60 19 53 82

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Adrian Moore | Contributing Writer