The French Riviera is the ideal place to practice your sport while enjoying the beauty of nature between sea and land. what to do in nice
I enjoy running by the sea, taking advantage of the panoramic views of the hills of Nice or simply training in one of the many natural parks of Nice.
I have selected for you in this article many parks / walks / trails where you can train while discovering the landscapes of the South. For all tastes, in the city, in the countryside, by the water !
Running in the center of Nice is possible! Here are five places where you can practice your physical activity without taking the wheel: what to do in nice
THE PROMENADE DES ANGLAIS
The essential! Running on this promenade offers a unique setting on the waterfront. what to do in nice
The distance from Nice West to the War Memorial is 5km. Or 10 km for a round trip.
The original touch: I enjoy running from the Negresco to the port of Nice, to my taste the most beautiful part ! 🙂
LA RESERVE COCO BEACH
The Coco Beach reserve is a small beach located in the Port of Nice area. The rocky coasts contrast with the pebble beaches of the Promenade des Anglais.
A path leads from the beach to the town of Villefranche-sur-mer. Steep hills and stairs for those who like to train uphill.
THE HILL OF THE CASTLE OF NICE
The castle hill located near the Quai des Etats-Unis offers a unique setting! If you are passing through Nice, it is for me the place not to be missed! For the sportsmen who like intensity, the stairs will be your allies! After hundreds of steps, a 360° view on the bay of Nice is offered to you.
The original touch: this place is deserted until 10 o’clock in the morning. Being alone in the world on the French Riviera: a sensation that is far too rare… what to do in Nice
THE COASTAL PATH IN NICE
This path offers a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea… We leave the hustle and bustle of the main avenues of Nice to seek the serenity and magic of this place. The path starts at the level of Coco Beach (Port de Nice district).
This path is less frequented than the coastal path in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.
The original touch: good shoes and avoid hot hours (even spring and autumn!) to avoid sunstroke!
THE PATH OF THE COAST IN SAINT JEAN CAP FERRAT
The trail always runs along the seashore, go to Passable beach and continue on the left until you see a sign on your right indicating the beginning of the trail. The creeks follow one another and reveal us the charm so much appreciated by the south of France… This site is very popular with tourists, so make sure you get there early in the morning ! what to do in nice
The original touch: prepare yourself a coffee thermostat and enjoy a well-deserved break in the shade of the creeks after your effort.
RUNNING IN NICE: ON THE NICOISES HILLS what to do in nice
THE PARK OF THE GRANDE CORNICHE
The breathtaking panorama of beauty embraces several cities: Eze, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, San Remo (Italy) and as far as Saint Tropez. Running along the dirt paths one is reminded how good it feels to reconnect with nature!
Prepare your itinerary beforehand because the park is 662 hectares in size!
Between sea and mountains, don’t miss during your walk the following sites: the Plateau de la Justice (health trail), the Revère fort and the Forna.
The parking lots are located at the Fort de la Revère and the Plateau de la Justice.
Let’s go !
MONT BORON
The nature reserve offers a breath of fresh air and an ideal spot for trail enthusiasts away from the hustle and bustle of Nice. what to do in nice
Another great view of the back country.
Access: free parking or bus
SUMMER PARK OF ORVES
Located in the heart of the City of Nice, the Estienne d’Orves park is an island of greenery in the heart of the city. You will meet joggers, walkers and animal lovers. The park embraces the hill of Saint Pierre de Ferric, I recommend it to lovers of steep climbs! 🙂
Access : exit St Pierre de Ferric on the expressway by car and 20 minutes walk from the SCNF train station of Nice center.
A free parking is available downstairs near the Estienne d’Orves high school. what to do in nice
THE CANAL OF GAIRAUT
Popular in the summer due to its shady route, many runners and walkers share the course with a good positive difference in altitude. From the Canl de Gairaut, you will discover a superb view of the hills!
This park is only accessible by car.
THE HOT MOUNTAIN
A few kilometers from Nice, near the Canal de Gairaut on the town of Aspremont is the Mont Chauve! A breath of fresh air in the middle of nature just a stone’s throw from the city… Who said the French Riviera was overrated?
After an uphill ride, you will reach the pass between the two bald mountains and from there, the panorama is superb over Nice and the whole coast.
Park accessible only by car.
CAP D’ANTIBES
A must in Antibes, starting from the garoupe, the trail forms a loop!
Make sure you have good shoes because this 8 km long trail by the water is steep!
Access: go south down the peninsula of Cap d’Antibes by the road from the seaside to the Garoupe beach (parking lot).
Bus stop nearby
THE BANKS OF THE WOLF
20 minutes from Nice: the park of the Rives du Loup offers a shady course on a dirt path. Ideal for mountain bike outings, jogging or to do some exercise outside. The path is flat, there is no ascent.
The original touch: I advise you to start the route from the racecourse of Cagnes sur mer (seaside side).
You will no longer be short of ideas for your sports outings or walks in Nice and its surroundings. For all tastes, in the city center, on the hills, in the hinterland or near the neighboring towns: many choices are available to you!
Enough about sport and sweat, it’s time to comfort yourself with my best addresses in Nice for a beer or a pinacolada on the terrace: click here!
Small summary :
IN THE CITY CENTER
- The Promenade des Anglais
- Coco Beach Reserve
- The castle of Nice
- The coastal path in Nice
- The coastal path in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
ON THE HILLS
- Grande Corniche Departmental Natural Park (health trail)
- Mont Boron Park (sports course)
- The Gairaut canal
- Estienne d’Orves Park
- Mount Bald
AROUND NICE
- Vaugrenier park (Villeneuve Loubet)
- Cap d’Antibes (Antibes)
- The banks of the Wolf (Cagnes sur mer, la colle-sur-loup and villeneuve loubet)
Love, peace and sport on the French Riviera!
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