Things to do in Nice
Follow in the footsteps of a famous French philosopher
The French Riviera is not all watery thrills; in fact some of the best days out require no money at all. Coastal walks to the east of Nice offer endless sea views and beautiful mountain backdrops. Follow in the footsteps of Nietzsche: the philosopher's trail, Nietzsche's Path, runs from Nice to Èze.
Go wreck diving in the Cote d’Azur
The Cote d’Azur has some fantastic dive sites and Nice is an ideal place to base yourself if you want to explore them. There are some great wrecks and caves nearby, which suit a wide range of abilities from novices to advanced divers. Nice Diving (tel:+33 614 460 406; www.nicediving.com) offers beginner courses and excursions.
Keep your balance with some wakeboarding
The azure waters of the Mediterranean are the ideal place to discover wakeboarding. The learning curve may be wet but at least it's warm. Nice-based Glisse Paradise (tel: +33 618 294 618; www.glisseparadise.com) offers lessons for beginners and tours for experienced wakeboarders. For those who fancy something a little more futuristic, the operator also rents Flyboards.
Pull a pose on a jet ski
In many ways the jet ski is a metaphor for Nice; flashy, brash, and frivolous. And if you’d like to scythe your way through the water like some of the local posers then speak with Jet Evasion (Tel: +33 619 546 678; www.jet-evasion.net). If you want the thrill without the posturing, they also offer banana boat rides.
Take a picturesque ride to Digne-les-Bains
For an easy day trip, hop on the 151km (94-mile), narrow-gauge 'Pine Cone Train' for one of Provence's most picturesque rides to Digne-les-Bains. The medieval village of Entrevaux makes a good lunch stop.
Wine tasting in Bellet
High in the hills, 9km (5 miles) northwest of Nice, is the tiny wine-producing area of Bellet. You can tour the picturesque vineyards before indulging in a tasting. Outstanding estates include Chateau de Bellet and Château de Crémat.
