From mountains to coast, there’s something for everyone on the Côte d’Azur. Here are top 12 recommendations for getting outside in nature. Note: This article is part of a bigger magazine feature called “Take it Slow on the Côte d’Azur”
MONTS D’AZUR NATURE RESERVE
700 hectares of wild mountain countryside where bison, wild horses, deer, wild boar, and foxes roam freely. Walking safaris, guided tours, carriage rides, snowshoe expeditions and sleighs in winter.
VESÚBIA MOUNTAIN PARK
A unique indoor venue in Saint Martin-Vésubie where you can try your hand at a range of outdoor pursuits such as canyoning, caving, wild swimming and climbing. Or just relax in the pool, Jacuzzi and sauna, if that’s more your speed.
DONKEY TREKKING
Discover the heart of the Mercantour National Park with a four-hoofed companion or let this local team guide you to the best hiking routes and places to stay, to make the most of your excursion in some of France’s greatest scenery.
THERMAL BATHS
Just an hour from Nice and you could be soaking away your cares in the revitalising mineral spa baths of Berthemont-les-Bains, enjoying the incomparable views over the enchanting mountains and valleys of the Vésubie.
COASTAL KAYAK
Your guide will take you on a stunning kayak adventure around the turquoise waters of the beautiful Cap d’Antibes, dotted with cypress trees, umbrella pines and glamorous villas. What better way to admire it than from the Med itself?
WINE TOURS
What makes a great Provençal Rosé wine? Find out for yourself on an escorted tour of the vineyards of the Côte d’Azur. Visit some of the top châteaux as well as the less well-known domaines and indulge in a dégustation or two.
WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING
All aboard the splendid SantoSospir, a replica Turkish caïque, for a cruise under sail, learning about the protection of the marine environment and a chance to encounter our cetacean friends.
SAFFRON FIELDS
At Le Jas des Rochers, a picturesque saffron farm in the Préalpes, you can enjoy a tasty brunch while learning all about the cultivation and harvesting of this precious ‘red gold’ which is treasured by chefs the world over. Pick up some gifts to take home, too!
E-BIKE THE RIVIERA
Looking for something to do in the fresh air that’s not too demanding? An e-bike tour can take you around the best sights Nice has to offer, or into the hills, through little-known vineyards and to the enchanting medieval citadel of Villefranche.
VOLCANOES AND HIDDEN VALLEYS
Specialised local tour guides invite you to discover the secret natural jewels of the Riviera: a hidden valley, inside a volcano, Jurassic landscapes and a forgotten dam disaster. A great way to get to know the area.
SKI ON THE RIVIERA
Well, not literally on the Riviera, but 1hr 15mins from the coast by car is this traditional village offering plenty of summer and winter mountain activities for skiers and non-skiers. Head back to the coast for a dip in the azure Mediterranean sea afterwards!
LEISURE PARKS
For some family fun look no further than the top ten days out on the Côte d’Azur. Marine encounters, water parks, tree-top adventures, funfairs, theme parks and a favourite: Parc Phoenix in Nice.
From France Today magazine
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