Top 7 activities around Nice
Nice is best known for its Mediterranean coastline, with its azure waters and warm climate. It's a dream destination for thrill-seekers, water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers, with plenty of outdoor activities to choose from!
Situated in the heart of a valley, Nice is surrounded by pretty little Provencal villages that make up what is known as the Nice hinterland. These villages offer a unique atmosphere, sometimes medieval, with a magical picturesque charm and surrounded by exceptional nature.
Nice is an open-air museum with a city of modern and baroque architecture, where you'll have no trouble finding things to do in Nice. But a stay in Nice also means trying your hand at a host of water-based activities and excursions to discover the city and its iconic landmarks. If you're looking to explore the wonders of the Alpes-Maritimes while enjoying the fresh air, here are the best outdoor activities in Nice to delight young and old alike.
1. Boat trip
Explore the Côte d'Azur in a whole new way with a unique boat trip from Nice, one of the best things to do on the French Riviera. Whether you choose a trip aboard a lounge boat or a semi-rigid, enjoy a cruise around some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful towns and admire the sublime scenery.
Some tours will even take you as far as the towns near Nice, such as Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Cap d'Antibes and Villefranche. You'll even have the chance to discover the magnificent islands off Nice, such as the Lérins Islands. Come and visit the most luxurious principality on the Côte d'Azur from the Mediterranean on a boat trip to Monaco from Nice , and discover secluded coves with turquoise waters offering an idyllic setting for an unforgettable day out.
You'll find plenty of professionals offering exceptional boat trips in Nice and the surrounding area. Among the many boat trips on the Côte d'Azur, you're sure to find the one that suits you best!
2. Canyoning
For thrill-seekers, canyoning is one of the best activities near Nice. The surrounding mountains hide some magnificent gorges and canyons, such as the Vésubie valley and the Loup gorges.
Abseil down waterfalls, swim in natural pools and slide down natural slides for a unique adventure in the heart of the wilderness. From aquatic treks for beginners to more sporting canyoning with the Clue du Riolan canyon, around 1h20 from Nice by car, or the Barbaira canyon at Rocheta Nervinnia, around an hour from Nice. A canyoning trip in Nice is ideal for a sporting activity in the heart of nature, in an exceptional and sometimes tropical natural setting, with all sorts of natural obstacles to overcome.
If you'd prefer a less strenuous canyoning trip or one in a canyon you're already familiar with, check out all our canyoning activities near Nice!
3. Snorkeling
The clear waters of the Mediterranean are perfect for snorkelling on the Côte d'Azur, another of Nice's not-to-be-missed outdoor activities. Grab your flippers, mask and snorkel and set off to explore the Mediterranean seabed.
To discover the beauty of the underwater landscape, take a guided snorkelling excursion in Nice in the Villefranche-sur-Mer bay, where you can enjoy an hour's swimming and fish-watching in the Villefranche bay between Nice and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Would you prefer a longer trip to get the most out of diving in the Mediterranean near Nice? Discover marine life during aguided snorkelling day on a sailboat from Beaulieu-sur-Mer
The Cap de Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer and the underwater trail in the Pointe de l'Observatoire nature reserve in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat are great places to observe the marine flora and fauna. It's a simple activity, but one in which you'll discover the richness of Mediterranean nature, and one that's accessible to everyone!
4. Walking, quad biking and cycling
On foot, quad bike or bicycle, you can visit Nice, its city centre and even some of the other charming towns in the surrounding area.
Most of the time, you will be accompanied by local guides, who will show you the best spots in each city. Take advantage of the opportunity to discover sites such as the Promenade des Anglais, the port of Nice, Place Garibaldi and Place Masséna, etc. Quad or bike excursions are available from Cannes or at the foot of the Estérel massif.
If you'd rather have a bit more freedom, saddle up and explore the Esterel massif on a mountain bike for as long as you like, from 2 hours to a full day. Don't know the area? Don't worry, a GPS with all the must-see points of interest is included!
Cycling, quad biking or walking will give you access to unique places with incredible views over the charming towns of Provence!
5. Diving
Take up the challenge of an underwater adventure and discover the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean by exploring the depths on a scuba diving activity in Nice! It's one of Nice's most popular and favourite activities!
Whether you're discovering scuba diving with a scuba diving baptism in Nice, looking for the first levels of training with the SSI level 1 diving course near Nice or exploring on an SSI diving course on the Côte d'Azur, you're bound to find the activity to suit your desires on the French Riviera around Nice.
During your dive, you'll always be accompanied by a guide who'll brief you on how to breathe underwater, and then you'll set off on an exploration from a depth of 6 metres to almost 20 metres to discover hidden treasures, marine life and fascinating underwater caves.
6. Stand-Up Paddle and Kayak
SUP and kayaking are perfect activities for those who want to explore the coast while staying active. These sports allow you to paddle gently along the beaches or venture out to hidden coves.
Just a stone's throw from Nice, set off on a superb stand-up paddle in Villefranche-sur-Mer, during which you'll have the chance to discover the cultural and historical heritage of this town in the Alpes-Maritimes. On foot and from the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, let yourself be tempted by the beauty of the scenery and the diversity of places to visit, with the explanations of a passionate guide.
Paddleboarding and kayaking are very accessible, offering a balance between a sporting activity and a moment of relaxation that's ideal for enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds you. Hire a stand-up paddle or kayak near Nice for a relaxing outing with family or friends.
7. Parachute ascension
If you're looking for thrills and fun, parasailing is one of the must-do activities in Nice! You'll enjoy a unique experience in the air, with exceptional views over the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and the Nice coastline.
This parasailing adventure in the Bay of Angels in Nice will give you plenty of thrills and you'll discover unique views of the old town of Nice and its famous Promenade des Anglais, and you'll also have the chance to admire the bays of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from the air!
With one, two or three people under the same parachute, you can enjoy this new experience with your loved ones and younger children, with an activity generally accessible from the age of 6.
Nice is an exceptional destination, combining the natural beauty of the Côte d'Azur with an impressive historical and cultural heritage. Whether you're a water sports enthusiast, an adventurer or simply looking to relax, the best outdoor activities in Nice are sure to please. So, are you ready to discover the Côte d'Azur from another angle?
From boat trips to underwater explorations, from canyoning experiences to hikes through natural landscapes and charming Provencal villages, the Mediterranean coast and wilderness provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories. Let yourself be seduced by its hidden treasures and experience unforgettable adventures, in the heart of a natural and cultural setting just waiting to be explored.
Haven't found your next excursion? Check out all our outdoor activities in Nice and the surrounding area!