Leisure activities in Nice
A gem of the French Riviera and a historic holiday location for decades, Nice enjoys an idyllic coastal location and Mediterranean climate while boasting a rich cultural history. Famous for its sunny beaches, Nice nevertheless offers much more than sun and sea.
History, culture and architecture in Nice
Nice is home to numerous museums and art galleries in which you can explore the city's historical and cultural heritage. Some of the most famous include the Natural History Museum of Nice, the Matisse Museum, the Villa Massena - an impressive edifice on the Promenade des Anglais - and the Museum of Modern Art at the Acropolis, to name just a few. Take advantage of ticket bundles, including a 24-hour individual ticket, which provides access to all municipal museums and galleries for the bargain price of 10 euros. Longer-term tickets are also available at very affordable prices.
Nice is home to exquisite churches and cathedrals, including the Cathédrale Sainte Réparate and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption. Palaces are also an essential element to the architectural richness of Nice, and a stroll in the municipality will give you a sense of its fascinating history.
In winter, the French Riviera is in a festive mood, as the world-famous Nice Carnival comes to life. Held in February, you will find parades and celebrations day and night. Like most major French cities, Nice also hosts many craft and antique markets besides its frequent fruit and vegetable markets. Find more information in the 'Useful links' below.
Nature in Nice
Even though it is a modern city, Nice has managed to preserve its immense natural wealth over the years. Indeed, Nice has been labelled as 'the four flowers' since 1975 thanks to its lush green beauty. Nice is home to gardens, parks, and walking trails which will show another side to urban life. The Parc du Mont Boron is stunning, especially in the summer, and offers excellent views of Nice's waterfront. It is a good spot for those looking to run or trek in a calm and quiet environment.
Nice is also synonymous with beaches. The municipality is home to sixteen stunning beaches which are an essential part of the local lifestyle - not least thanks to the French Riviera's year-long sunshine.
Sports in Nice
The sports infrastructure in Nice is very well-developed and includes a variety of sports complexes, skate parks, and roller parks. There are eight public swimming pools which offer affordable access to high-quality services, as well as a range of group sessions in the many parks of the city.
Finally, Nice welcomes its fair share of major sporting events, including the international half marathon of Nice, the Paris ' Nice bicycle race, and the Extreme Sailing Series. For those who have never sailed or been to a sailing event, the Extreme Sailing Series constitutes a great introduction to the sport. During the event, Extreme 40 sailing vessels race close to the shores in highly technical duels.
Useful links:
Nicetourisme ' Things to do
Nice Official Portal ' Sports
Nice Official Portal ' Culture
Nice Office Portal ' Museums
Nice Official Portal ' Leisure and activities
