When you come to Nice, your plan might be to get as much rest and relaxation as possible. However, if you are one of those super active people who can’t sit still for longer than 30 minutes, these five ideas will feed your fitness habits, and allow you to see some of the best parts of Nice at the same time.
Run the Promenade des Anglais
Everyone loves a run along the beach front to take in the sea views. You could either run up or down the full length of the prom, or just run a section of it depending on how fit you’re feeling. From the eastern side of the beach (closest to the port) to the beginning of the airport is approx. 7kms. Instead of running straight up and down, a really nice run is to do a circular route along the sea front to the port, then to Place Garibaldi, and back through the Promenade du Paillon park.
Coco Beach Swim & Snorkel
This is the best beach in Nice. Head past the port towards Villefranche sur Mer, keeping the sea on your right hand side and you will soon come to Coco Beach. It’s a great place to swim and snorkel as the water gets deep very quickly, and it tends to be clearer than the water at the main beach on the Promenade des Anglais. There are lots of little coves to explore and rocks to jump off. This area doesn’t have life guards so take care if you are swimming here.
A photo posted by Azur Vibes (@azurvibes) on
Walk up Mont Boron
From the centre of Nice, this walk will take around one hour to get to the top. The nicest way to walk up is from Coco Beach. Take the coastal path towards Villefranche, after around 10 minutes walk you’ll see some step steps going up to the left. That’s where you need to start the climb. The steps come out on the main road at the top. Cross over the road, go past the Carrefour supermarket on your right, then take the next right hand turning. A short walk up that road you will find a footpath on the left which takes you up to Mont Boron. The views are most definitely worth it. To the east you can see down to Villefranche, across to Monaco and even over to Italy. To the west you get great views of Nice and the Cap d’Antibes, l’Esterel and beyond.
Cycle Tours of Nice
Nice is a great city to pedal around, as there is so much to see. By hopping on a bike you can take in so much more than you would on foot. With Nice Cycle Tours you also get to learn lots of interesting facts and history about the city. A 3 hour tour takes in most of the must see attractions in Nice, including Place Massena, the old town, and Place Garibaldi. The tour ends at the Colline du Château for amazing views over the area you just cycled. The cost of the tour is €30 per person which includes bike rental and a helmet.
Stand up Paddle Boarding
On a hot day, you really want to be in the water. So if swimming’s not your thing, try stand up paddle boarding. This is a great full body work out as your legs flex to balance on the water, whilst your upper body powers your forward motion. The great thing about this sport, is that you can also work on your tan whilst getting some good exercise. On the Promenade des Anglais you can hire a stand up paddle board for one hour for €15. Visit the this page for more details.