Itineraries for Your Trip to Nice
3 Days in Nice for Families
For a laid-back sun-and-sea break in France with the kids, look to Nice on the Côte d’Azur. Offering seaside charm with the convenience of city transport links, there are plenty of things to do in Nice with kids. For those with young kids (like me), the city affords simple sunny pleasures: spins on the carousels, skimming stones at the pebbly Bay of Angels, and wandering past the skaters on the Promenade des Anglais at night. For older adventurers, day trips offer water sports at Li Rateta beach, independent boutiques at Juan-les-Pins, and outdoor adrenaline fixes at Verdon Gorge.
Whatever the age of your tribe, there’s fun to be had. I’ve rounded up some of my tips for three days in and around Nice.
Nice is sunny and mild year-round; in summer, bring a shade for your stroller.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a ride on the city’s electric mini-train, Le Petit Train de Nice.
To explore Nice, you can rent a bike or take the city trams for easy trips along the Promenade des Anglais. Near the airport is Parc Phoenix, a botanical garden with a petting zoo, terrarium, and fountains. Stop at the garden bar for lunch, and then head back to the old town.
After a whirl on the carousel at Jardin Albert, wander the garden paths to Place Massena, and head into the Promenade du Paillon with its climbable pirate ship, swinging octopi, and trampolines. Nearby is the Nice Modern and Contemporary Art Museum—free for kids, with quirky exhibitions.
You've got options when it comes to sightseeing in and around Nice. There are pedicabs for some out-and-about adventures, and the carts generally allow young ones to ride on adult’s laps. Older kids will find Segway or bike tours fun, with a wide choice of e-bike outings, city tours, and vineyard rides, which offer Provence wine for the grown-ups and picnic lunches amid the vines.
Other outdoor options nearby include snorkel tours, hikes in the Verdon Gorge, and white water rafting on the Verdon River.
Head to Colline du Chateau today, a hill for young and old explorers. Active kids can take the 300 steps to the top from the old town, or there's the easy way—via elevator or Petit Train. Once there, you’ll find a picnic spot, ruins, playground, and views over the Bay of Angels.
Flop on the beach for the afternoon. The Plage des Marinières in Villefranche-sur-Mer is worth the short and easy bus ride. Unlike in central Nice, the water stays shallow for longer, and the beach is sandy. It’s a safer option for kids and with bucket-and-spade fun, too.