Stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, a scenic waterfront avenue that stretches for 7km along the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Enjoy the turquoise sea views and take a refreshing dip in the sea. You can rent bicycles, rollerblades or just take a leisurely walk to explore this mesmerizing place.
Hike or go on a scenic drive up to Parc du Mont Boron, a lush green park that offers panoramic views of the French Riviera. The park covers an area of over 57 hectares and features diverse flora and fauna. Pack a picnic, take a relaxing walk, and breathe in the fresh air while admiring the beautiful landscape.
Visit Réserve Biologique des Monts d'Azur, a wildlife reserve dedicated to preserving endangered species such as the European bison and the Przewalski's horse. Take a guided tour, enjoy the scenic walking trails or the Safari car tour and observe the rare animals and vegetation. You will have a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
Explore the breathtaking Gorges du Verdon, a river canyon that is considered the deepest in Europe. You can take a boat tour, go kayaking or trekking, and admire the crystal-clear green waters of the Verdon river. The stunning rock formations and cliffs make it a perfect place for nature lovers, adventure seekers and photography enthusiasts alike.
Spend two days exploring the beautiful Parc National du Mercantour, one of the wildest and most remote national parks in France. Here, you can hike up to the snow-capped mountains, see the delightful wildlife and discover the authentic yet rustic heritage of the area. Explore the nearby villages like Saint Martin Vésubie or the charming town of Valberg.
Take a ferry ride to the beautiful Îles de Lérins, two islands that boast of amazing natural views and fascinating history. The larger island, Sainte-Marguerite, is known for its prison that once held the "Man in the Iron Mask". The smaller island, Saint-Honorat, is home to a beautiful Cistercian monastery and vineyards that offer wine tastings. It's a great place to relax, unwind and appreciate the beauty of nature.
You will spend two days exploring the beautiful cave Grotte de Clamouse and the majestic peak of Pic Saint-Loup. Grotte de Clamouse is an underground cave formed by limestone deposits over millions of years, with a beautiful array of stalactites and stalagmites. The Pic Saint-Loup offers an idyllic hiking path, a beautiful view of the crescent-shaped cliff and a chance to sample some of the locally produced wine at the foothills of the mountain.
Visit the Parc Zoologique & Tropical, a beautiful zoo that offers an array of exotic animals like panthers, white tigers, monkeys, flamingos, and more in their natural habitats. The garden features beautiful tropical plants, a waterfall, and a lake. It's a great place to go on a rainy day or if you want to take a break from the busy city.
Take two days to walk around the charming Old Town of Nice, explore its narrow streets, and be amazed by its history, museums, and traditional French Riviera architecture. Head up to the Castle Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and a chance to see a fascinating 16th-century castle. You can visit the Colline du Chateau or take the elevator to the top of the hill or walk along the winding streets.
Explore the magnificent Belle Epoque Villa at Ephrussi de Rothschild, a stunning villa built-in 1905 with beautiful gardens and spectacular views of the sea. The villa features luxurious interior decorations and a wide collection of fine arts, antique furniture, & sculptures. The garden is renowned for its gorgeous rose garden with over 1,000 varieties of roses, as well as a Japanese garden, a Spanish garden, and more.
You'll spend the last two days exploring the serene Parc du Vinaigrier, a natural protected area that features breathtaking landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and hiking trails with a panoramic view of the Mediterranean sea. Walk along the gardens, marvel at the waterfalls, and relax by the peaceful lakes. It’s a great way to relax and be in touch with nature.
Most attractions on this itinerary are within driving distance. You may rent a car or use public transport such as trains and buses to travel around. Nice has an extensive public transportation network that includes bus, tram, and train services. Buses are the cheapest, but trams and trains are more comfortable and efficient. You can purchase a ten-trip pass or a day pass to save money.
Transportation Costs: €70-€90; Travel Time: Approximately 25 hours
If you have more time, you can consider visiting the coastal city of Cannes, Monaco to explore the ultra-luxurious lifestyle, or go on a wine-tasting tour in the Provence wine regions. If you have less time, you can cut down on the number of days you spend at each location or reduce the number of activities at each destination. Always check the opening and closing times of the attractions beforehand as they may vary depending on the season and day of the week.
Nice is served by the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), which is located 7 km southwest of the city center. The airport is modern, clean, and has a variety of shops, restaurants, and services for travelers.