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Things to see and to do in Nice

Leisure activities in Nice
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Updated byAsaël Häzaqon 19 July 2024

The jewel of the Côte d'Azur and a historic vacation destination for three centuries, Nice features an idyllic coastal location, a Mediterranean climate, and a rich cultural history. Known for its sunny beaches, Nice offers much more than just sun and sea.

Discover Nice

Nice hosts several museums and art galleries where you can delve into the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. Among the most renowned are the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle de Nice, the Musée Matisse, the Villa Masséna — an impressive structure on the Promenade des Anglais — and the Musée d'Art Moderne de l'Acropole, to name a few. Consider taking advantage of to explore these museums.

Nice features stunning churches and cathedrals such as the Cathedral of Sainte-Réparate and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption. Palaces also contribute significantly to the city's architectural splendor. Exploring the city on foot offers a glimpse into its prestigious history.

During winter, the Côte d'Azur comes alive with a festive spirit, highlighted by the renowned Nice Carnival. Taking place in February, the Carnival features lively parades and celebrations that continue day and night. Similar to other major French cities, Nice hosts various craft and antique markets alongside its regular fruit and vegetable markets. For further details, please refer to the "useful links" section below.

Nature in Nice

Despite its modernity, Nice has successfully preserved its natural beauty. Since 1975, it has been celebrated as "les quatre fleurs" (the four flowers) due to its lush greenery. The city boasts gardens, parks, and pathways that enrich urban living. Parc du Mont Boron, particularly stunning in summer, provides breathtaking views of the coastline, attracting runners and hikers seeking tranquility.

Nice is also synonymous with beaches. The municipality is home to some fifteen magnificent beaches that are an essential part of the local lifestyle.

Sports in Nice

Nice boasts a robust sports infrastructure with numerous complexes, fitness centers, skateboard parks, and roller skating areas. The city features eight public swimming pools that offer quality services at affordable rates. Additionally, you can participate in group sports sessions held in various parks across the city. For individual sports enthusiasts, opportunities abound for running, walking, and cycling. If team sports are more your style, Nice offers a wide array of clubs where you can engage in your favorite activities.

Nice hosts its fair share of major sporting events, including the Nice International Half-Marathon and the Paris-Nice cycling race.

Useful links:

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

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I'm the holder of a Master's degree in Law - Political Science as well as a diploma from the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2, and have worked as a communications officer. I have over 10 years' experience as a web copywriter.

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