Nice — the glittering jewel of the French Riviera, where people come to tan, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and pretend they’re in a perfume advert. But let’s be real, if you’ve got ants in your pants and a taste for adrenaline, lying flat on a beach towel all day just isn’t going to cut it.
Fear not, intrepid traveller. Nice isn’t just for sun worshippers and postcard collectors. Behind its glamour and pastel shutters lies a wild side, just waiting to be discovered — preferably while clinging to a parachute, a paddleboard or the side of a cliff.
So buckle up (or zip up your wetsuit). Here are 10 of the best adventure activities to do in Nice that will get your heart racing and your Instagram poppin’.
1. Paragliding Over the French Riviera
🪂 Like flying — but fabulous.
Soar like a stylish seagull over Nice’s coastline with a paragliding experience in nearby Mont Gros or Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. The views are jaw dropping, the air is crisp and yes you’ll scream like a tourist, but a very chic one.
📸 Bonus: You’ll look cool even with wind-swept eyebrows.
2. Canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes
💦 Jump, slide, scramble. Repeat. Regret nothing.
An hour from Nice, the Alpes-Maritimes offer spectacular canyons full of waterfalls, natural slides and rock pools. It’s wet, wild and way better than any spa day.
🧗 Perfect for: Anyone who thinks “a short hike” should include a helmet and a harness.
3. Snorkelling and Diving in the Mediterranean
🐠 Fancy meeting Nemo? He’s très French now.
The waters around Nice are clear, calm and full of underwater magic. Join a snorkelling or scuba diving tour to explore reefs, rocky caves and maybe even the occasional shipwreck. Oui, Captain!
🤿 Don’t worry, you don’t need to be Jacques Cousteau to enjoy it.
4. Jet Ski Safari Along the Côte d’Azur
🌊 Zoom past mega-yachts like the Bond villain you were born to be.
Rent a jet ski and ride along the sparkling Riviera coast, with views of Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Monaco. You’ll get wet, you’ll go fast and you might spot someone vaguely famous.
🏁 Tip: Sunglasses and smug expressions strongly encouraged.
5. Rock Climbing at La Turbie
🧗 Where the climb is tough, but the views are tougher.
La Turbie, perched just above Monaco, offers epic climbing routes for all levels with sweeping views over the sea. It’s basically like climbing in a postcard, only sweatier.
🎯 Ideal for: Those who think “hanging out” should be taken literally.
6. Paddleboarding Around the Bay of Angels
🧘 Balance, sun, sea… and possibly some flailing.
Try your hand (and legs) at stand-up paddleboarding along Nice’s gorgeous shoreline. It’s part workout, part sightseeing and fully hilarious when your travel buddy falls in.
💡 Early morning paddles = calm water and fewer spectators to witness your wobbles.
7. Sea Kayaking to Hidden Beaches
🚣 Like exploring — but with biceps.
Rent a kayak and paddle along the coast to discover secret coves and rocky inlets only accessible by sea. Pop into Èze-sur-Mer or Cap de Nice for the kind of serene beach day the locals keep to themselves.
🍷 Pack a picnic. You’ll feel like the French mermaid you always knew you were.
8. Hiking the Coastal Trails of Cap Ferrat
🥾 Step into scenery so pretty it should be illegal.
The Cap Ferrat coastal path offers gorgeous sea views, cliff-top trails and the occasional whiff of pine and bougainvillaea. It’s not exactly death-defying, but it will make your calves burn and your camera weep with joy.
👟 Also perfect for: Casual adventurers who still want a croissant at the end.
9. Windsurfing at Plage de Carras
🌬️ Catch the breeze, catch the vibe.
When the wind picks up, head to Plage de Carras to try your hand at windsurfing. Lessons are available if your only prior experience is yelling at a kite. It’s fast, freeing and slightly chaotic just like Nice itself.
🌊 Note: You will fall off. Embrace it.
10. E-Mountain Biking in the Hills Above Nice
🚵 Tour de France vibes… with a little electric help.
Explore the scenic countryside and olive groves of Bellet or Falicon on an electric mountain bike. Cruise up steep hills without breaking a sweat, then zoom down like an absolute legend.
🍇 Optional detour: Wine tasting. Because you’ve earned it, sweaty adventurer.
✨ Final Splash of Wisdom:
Nice might be best known for its chilled-out Riviera lifestyle, but if you scratch the surface (or just leap off it), you’ll find a playground full of daring, diving, paddling, gliding and grinning.
So, whether you’re sky high in a paraglider or sea-deep with a snorkel, just remember: life is better with a little adrenaline and a lot of sunblock.
Now off you go, thrill-seeker. And don’t forget, even adventurers deserve an apéro at the end of the day. 🍹
