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7 Best Parks in Nice France

Best parks in Nice are a welcome break from nonstop sightseeing.  

When you come to Nice, you’ll inevitably explore hidden gems, take great photos and breathe in the Mediterranean.

But if you can manage a free afternoon, then be sure to relax in one of the beautiful parks sprinkled all over the city.

Choose one of the best parks in Nice from the list below, depending on if you’re traveling solo, with friends or family, and how much time you have available.


MONT BORON PARK

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This park is a mixture of wooded forest with olive and pine trees, lots of green space, and a fort for a bit of history. 

In addition, enjoy beautiful panoramic sea views of Nice port to the west and gorgeous views of Villefranche to the east. 

At the top of the hill, the Mont Alban fort has lots of green space to wander around. The fort is a 16th-century military structure. You can’t go inside, but the outside is impressive.

In addition, you can walk and explore for hours on 11 km of footpaths and hiking trails.

On the way back down, descend towards Nice or on the other end towards Villefranche.

Note: there are no shops or cafes here. So bring water and a great picnic.

Adresse: Route Forestiere du Mont Boron
How to get there: From Place Massena walk 10 minutes to Promenade des Arts. From here, take bus no.33 (for 14 stops) to Chemin du Fort stop. Walk 5 minutes to the park



PARK PHOENIX 

best-parks-nice-greenhouse


Parc Pheonix is one of the best parks in Nice with activities for kids. 

It has an incredible greenhouse that stretches to 7k square meters and transports you to the tropics via all the exotic plants.. it’s quite steamy inside so bring water 🙂

Further into the park, discover different bird species and enjoy the swans in the small lake. 

There’s a lovely botanical garden and enough green space to have a picnic if you don’t want to eat at the on-premise cafe. 

The park is located near the airport on the east side of the Promenade des Anglais. Entrance fee 5e – free under 12.


Website: Parc Phoenix

How to get here: Tram line 2 Parc Phoenix stop. Walk around to the Arenas entrance.
Other option: use a Velo bleu: station no. 10



CANAL DE GAIRAUT

stream with stone bridge


Escape the city’s hustle and bustle and walk along a charming old canal nearly 2km long. 

The path is surrounded by fruit trees and a hit with joggers, walkers, and those just enjoying a quiet afternoon stroll.

You can park in the small lot near the school.

Try to go early in the morning when there are fewer people.

Dogs allowed

Adresse: access from Avenue de Gairaut
How to get here: It’s best to come by car.



JARDIN DU MONASTÈRE DE CIMIEZ

trees lined up in park

Usually, the best parks in Nice with lots of green space are on top of a hill. 

Cimiez is no exception. 

A calm residential neighborhood lucky enough to have a top-rated park called Le Jardin des Arenes de Cimiez. 

This park in Nice boasts more 100-year-old olive trees than you can count, plus lots of green areas to relax, exercise, play or picnic, a cafe, a merry-go-round.

In addition, explore the archeological ruins and admire the beautiful onsite Musee Matisse.

And don’t forget the flower garden 🙂



Take a look at this video on Cimiez Garden.


Adresse: 184 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez
How to get here: From Place Massena, walk behind the Galeries Lafayette (close to Tiger). Take bus no. 5 and get off at the stop: Arenes/Musee Matisse. 




PARC COLLINE DU CHÂTEAU 

brick facade elevator
Elevator Entrance to Castle Hill. Photo Credit: VNT


On the west end of the Promenade des Anglais, this park in Nice gives you a labyrinth of green and beautiful views over the Mediterranean and the port. 

You can take the lift or, if you’re brave, climb up many, many, many steps!

How to get here: Walk to the end of the old town along the Promenade des Anglais.
Take the stairs or the elevator.

Read more about The 5 Top Things to Do in Nice, Including Parc Colline du Chateau, considered one of the best parks in Nice


PARC ESTIENNE d’ORVES

trees in park

Are you willing to go a bit further away from the city center to enjoy another great park in Nice?

Then make your way to St. Philippe hill and onto Estienne d’Orves park. 

A shady haven with picnic tables and play areas.

Lots of space to stroll or relax.


Walk 15 minutes to the edge of the park and enjoy a beautiful view of the city below. 

Dogs allowed.

Note: You could combine a visit to this park as well as the Russian Orthodox Church nearby.

Adresse: 31 Avenue Honoré d’Estienne d’Orves
How to get here: It’s best to come by car.




PARC CASTEL DES DEUX ROIS

palm trees park castel


One of the best parks in Nice for younger kids. But kids of any age will enjoy the green lawn to run around. 

Enjoy relaxing picnics under the palm trees and run through the sprinklers in summer to keep cool, 

Onsite snack bar, picnic tables, parking.

Adresse:Corniche André de Joly, 32 Avenue du Mont Alban
How to get here: paying parking lot / or from Place Garibaldi 20 min by foot (uphill towards the end)



ENJOY THE BEST PARKS IN NICE

This list of the best parks in Nice isn’t exhaustive by any means.

However, it is a good start for when you visit Nice and need a relaxing break for sightseeing.

Enjoy a little green, a few trails, or take the kids on the merry-go-round, have a coffee among the olive trees, and maybe even sneak in a bit of history.

Sounds like a plan.

Enjoy.

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