Here are a few suggestions for itineraries in the region, with the guarantee of many sunny days!
Activities in the heart of the Nice Côte d'Azur metropolitan area
Attractions in the heart of the Nice Côte d'Azur metropolitan area
Highlights
Over 3 days, climb 2 mythical passes of the 2020 Tour de France: the Col Saint-Martin and the Col du Turini. Discover villages perched high above ...
The iconic Promenade des Anglais is a real jewel in Nice, known across the world. The people of Nice ...
Located at the heart of Vieux Nice, Cours Saleya is an essential living space, known for its iconic ...
For gravel enthusiasts, this Auron-Nice route is an unforgettable adventure between high altitudes and paradisiacal beaches. Reserved for the most ...
Bridge used by the Pagarine route.
The Franco-Italian hiking route "la route pagarine" connects Nice to Cuneo in 10 stages, passing through the Vésubie valley, the Mercantour ...
A strategic gateway between France and Italy.
Nice Côte d'Azur, land of trails
The metropolitan region of Nice-Côte d'Azur is one of the few areas in the world that combines sea and mountains – the glittering coastline with the magnificent Mercantour National Park.
Over the centuries, the landscapes have been shaped and the economy built up as paths were constructed to make the region accessible. Important trade routes for the Alpine population emerged early on and have contributed to the diverse cultural landscape of southern France ever since. Where traders and mules used to rest, tourists now enjoy the magnificent landscape.
Today, many of the routes can be explored on foot or by bike. Let us take you back in time: Auron-Nice mountain bike route, GR de Pays® Lou Camin Nissart, GR® 5, GR®52A, Route des Grandes Alpes, Via Alpina, Chemins du Soleil... And coming soon, hiking routes to discover the Salt Roads!
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Spotlight on the "Salt Routes" ("Routes du Sel" in French):
The "Routes du Sel" are a series of Franco-Italian walking routes, in three volumes: the Pagarine Route between Nice and Cuneo, the Royal Route between Menton and Cuneo, and the Smugglers' Route between Imperia and Mondovi. This collection, which is presented in the original format of fictionalized topographical guides, is a fun way to discover this period of history linked to the salt routes, in a way that is both faithful and fictional.
Set off on an adventure in the footsteps of our heroes to discover the region's countless treasures in the heart of the magnificent landscapes between the Alps and the Mediterranean!
Video: Nice Côte d'Azur Sports de nature
The ''Route des Paysages'' between the coast and the middle of Nice
Nice Côte d'Azur, land of cycling
From paths to tracks and roads, discover the region on gravel!
Discover Nice Côte d'Azur from a different angle by opting for a Gravel bike route. Between roads and trails, mountain bike and road bike, with departures possible from 7 different communes, from the coast to the high country.
Embark on an adventure along some fantastic routes, recommended by our ambassadors.
The perfect spot for road cycling!
Follow in the tracks of the greatest champions who have left their mark on the history of cycling, whether by climbing France's finest mountain passes or simply taking a family outing.
There are more than 30 road cycling circuits for all levels and 4 cycling routes departing from 7 different towns to discover the region's rich heritage, follow the historic routes of the Tour de France and the Paris/Nice race, and climb legendary mountain passes such as La Bonette, Eze, La Lombarde, Vence, Saint-Martin, Turini...
These loops have been awarded the "Espace cyclo-sport Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur, terre de vélo" label by the French Cycling Federation (FFC).
Mountain bike trails for all levels
Enjoy a wide range of mountain bike trails to suit all levels, with over 50 signposted routes certified by the French Cycling Federation.
As you explore, discover hilltop villages steeped in history, enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the coastline and the Mercantour, tackle legendary mountain passes, and visit the ski resorts of Auron, Isola 2000, la Colmiane, and Roubion les Buisses.
Nice Côte d'Azur is your gateway to aquatic adventure!
Whether you're a scuba-diving enthusiast, an adventure kayaker, a canyoning enthusiast, or a paddleboard enthusiast, Nice Côte d'Azur offers many opportunities for unforgettable aquatic experiences, both at sea and on the river.
Nice Côte d'Azur, diversity of landscapes
The metropolitan region of Nice Côte d'Azur is characterized by an extreme diversity of landscapes. It is made up of 51 municipalities spread over three complementary geographical spaces: the coast, the Moyen-Pays, and the Haut-Pays peaks.
The exceptional climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the rich cultural heritage, the beaches, the high villages, the panoramic views of the sea and the mountains, the agriculture, the Nissard gastronomy, and the reliefs of the Mercantour mountains, make this region a truly unique area.
Video: Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur
Un patrimoine exceptionnel à ne pas manquer
Au cœur de la Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur, à 1h de Nice, le massif du Tournairet illustre la richesse d’un territoire où se rencontrent patrimoine, paysages et culture.
Il rassemble 8 villages perchés au caractère marqué :
- Utelle, dominé par le sanctuaire de la Madone d’Utelle, perché au-dessus des vallées de la Vésubie et de la Tinée, le site offre un panorama exceptionnel jusqu’à la mer, reliant symboliquement montagne et Méditerranée. La commune d’Utelle se distingue également par les granges de la Brasque, ancien casernement réhabilité en refuges de randonnée et reliant les 2 vallées ;
- La Tour-sur-Tinée, village perché en nid d’aigle reconnu pour ses rues pavées et ses maisons de pierre, il offre des points de vue emblématiques sur le Var et la Tinée ;
- Clans, perché à 650 mètres d’altitude, est authentique par ses fontaines, lavoirs et moulins et par la prestance de sa collégiale, unique dans le département ;
- Marie, perché sur un piton rocheux avec ses ruelles pavées, son lavoir gothique et l’église Saint-Pons ;
- Lantosque, ancien poste de douane sur la route du sel, riche de chapelles et de fontaines dans ses hameaux ;
- Roquebillière, porte d’accès au Mercantour, conjugue patrimoine et bien-être entre les thermes de Berthemont et le fort de Gordolon ;
- Venanson, belvédère naturel aux remparts médiévaux, domine la vallée dans une vue à 360° ;
- Valdeblore, avec ses différents hameaux authentiques, perpétue la mémoire d’une vallée fertile, entre terrasses agricoles, châtaigneraies et forêts.
Nice Côte d'Azur, land of gastronomic excellence
Soak up the unique know-how of the farmers and craftsmen of Nice Côte d'Azur. Discover the olive oil and olives of Nice (AOP), the vineyards of Bellet (AOC) and Saint-Jeannet, the different types of beer, perfumes, soaps, and aromatic herbs, saffron, but also chocolates, honey, and nougat – so many products created locally and whose manufacturing secrets are passed down from generation to generation.
In Nice, gastronomy is so important that the cuisine of Nice has its own seal of quality. ‘Cuisine Nissarde, le respect de la tradition’ awards gourmet addresses in the region every year.
Let yourself be tempted by an aperitif with a piece of socca or a pissaladière, followed by an authentic salade niçoise, small farcis, a pan bagnat or ravioli à la daube. And finish with the traditional dessert: the sweet chard tart (tourte de blettes).
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