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 Public gardens with children's carousel |
Place Masséna Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6000 France |
This is the ideal place to take a break and unwind before continuing a tour of the city. It is a haven of tranquility with a large lawn, fountains, pine and palm trees, and inviting blue chairs, perfectly placed to connect Vieux-Nice, the city centre and the seaside Promenade des Anglais. The kids will be delighted to ride in the charming wrought-iron merry-go-round, playing cheery tunes when it is in operation. You cannot miss the towering sculpture en forme d'arc created by artist Bernard Venet. The Albert I garden is among the oldest in the city and was named after the Belgian king in 1914. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Huberific |
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An open-air museum for plant life |
78 Corniche Fleurie Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6200 France +33 4 9229 4180 http://www.nice.fr/mairie_nice... |
Nice's botanical garden really couldn't be anywhere else but on the aptly named Corniche-Fleurie, meaning 'Flowered Balcony'. Literally a museum out in the great wide open, spread over three hectares, this garden grows an impressive quantity of different Mediterranean floral species. Remarkably well kept throughout, it's somewhat of a surprise that so few Niçois actually come to visit. A car-park is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Butterfly paradise |
306 Avenue Mozart Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6600 France +33 4 9333 4949 http://www.marineland.fr/ |
A good 25km from Nice (but just 200m from the biot train station), this park takes you on a voyage through the tropics and on a discovery tour of its wildlife. An entire jungle has been recreated here beneath the dome in which magnificent butterflies of many different and often rare species fly free. This is also home to other animals native to the same tropical climate, such as spiders, crocodiles and bats. This visit can often be combined with a trip to Marineland, the Petite Ferme (little farm), Adventure Golf or Aquasplash, all located on the same premises. With this in mind, day passes valid for 2 or 3 parks or a 2-day/5-park passport available from 1 July until 31 August, may prove worthwhile. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fabio Gozzoli |
 Where Dufy & Matisse are laid to rest |
Place du Monastère de Cimiez Colline de Cimiez Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côted'Azur 6000 France |
The thought of visiting a cemetery is certainly not one that appeals to everybody. However, bathed in light and overlooking the city from the hilltop at Cimiez, this one hardly inspires morbid or lugubrious thoughts. Practically all the graves are very old, the majority being individual miniature white-marble chapels, some of which are adorned with beautiful sculptures. But the true allure of this cemetery lies in two graves in particular: those of painters Raoul Dufy and Henri Matisse, who both ended their days in Nice. Dufy's - a small, discreet grave, and very low - is almost hidden from view and a little difficult to find. To point you in the right direction, head for the gate that links the Monastery garden to the cemetery - it is level with this. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: massi69 |
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Popular park in the heart of the city |
Montée du Chateau Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6300 France +33 (0)4 9392 8282 (Tourist Information) |
Situated on the hill between the old town and the harbour, this park is a favourite with locals and tourists alike. Surrounded by a typically Mediterranean backdrop of pine trees, carobs, figs, and aloes, the park's impressive waterfall, children's play area, breathtaking views over the city, medieval ruins and Maritime Museum are all part of its appeal. Get here on foot, by car or take the lift from Rue des Ponchettes at the foot of Bellanda Tower. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christophe Borgers  |
 Photo: Frankinho |
 Photo: Happy A |
 Photo: George Dunkley |
 Photo: gregoryjameswalsh |
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Gardens, amphitheatres & museums on this historical hill |
Avenue du Monastère de Cimiez Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6000 France |
The parkland extends over the hill of the chic residential Cimiez district, presenting a different panorama at every turn. It includes a charming olive grove, Roman amphitheaters and a monastery garden, which together make up a rambling paradise. The olive grove and amphitheaters provide the perfect setting for hosting the annual Nice Jazz Festival and folk fairs. The archaeological museum is also worth visiting, especially in view of the fact that Cimiez, formerly Cemenelum, was the heart of Nice in antiquity. Admission is free, except for special events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Helen Mason |
 Photo: Helen Mason |
 Photo: Tim King |
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Hillside forest - superb for scenery & strolling |
Boulevard du Mont-Boron Route forestière et chemin des Hespèrides Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côted'Azur 6300 France +33 (0)4 9392 8282 (Tourist Information) |
Mont Boron is one of the many hills bordering the city of Nice. Stretching out above the port, it is a favorite walking spot for families and nature enthusiasts. Dating back to 1860, this forest features vegetation native to the Mediterranean, such as the Aleppo pine and the Holm oak. When you reach the heights, stop a while to take in the beautiful panorama over Nice and the surrounding bay. With 11km of signposted footpaths, it is the perfect place enjoying the fresh air while hiking or mountain biking. Don't miss the nearby fort on Mont Alban - a magnificent example of 16th-century military architecture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: laun_78 |
 Photo: SHRAVANA |
 Photo: Jean-pierre Chhang |
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Parklife |
Boulevard de Garavan Nice 06500 France http://www.menton.fr/article.p... |
At the Parc du Pian, you may wander among groves of olive trees, some hundreds of years old. It's a perfect way to experience the source of traditional Mediterranean way of life, for where would the region be without its olive oil? Parc du Pian is located in the town of Menton, about thirty kilometers east of Nice. Open daily, admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Vast hothouse home to rare plants and butterflies |
405 Promenade des Anglais Face Aeroport Nice Cote d'azur Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6200 France +33 4 9229 7700 http://www.nice.fr/mairie_nice... |
Re-discover nature's kaleidoscope at the seven hectare (17 acre) Parc Phoenix. It is home to one of the largest glass-houses in the world, the Diamond Vert ("green diamond"), where the rarest species of plants bloom and thrive in their native climates. Step back in time and discover some of the earliest types of plant life on the Ile des Temps Révolus (Island that Time Forgot), set in the middle of an artificial lake. Ethnographic artifacts are treasured at the park's Musee Departmental des Artes Asiatiques. This nature lover's paradise is suitable for all ages and makes the perfect getaway for both educational visits and fun days out for children. The vast animal collections, intriguing plants and exotic flowers will leave you spellbound by nature's beauty and abundance. Themed exhibitions and educational activities organized throughout the year. Admission: EUR2, children under 12 free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brice DEKANY |
 Photo: Julien Falissard |
 Photo: Edwin Collingridge |
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Pocket-sized paradise |
Avenue Jean Lorrain Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côted'Azur 6300 France |
Just a few metres from the sea at the foot of Mont Boron and near the Cap de Nice, you'll find a tiny patch of greenery - the Théodore de Banville garden. This is a very beautiful part of the city, a less built up area with a slightly village feel to it. The garden fits perfectly into these surroundings. A couple of rather large trees provide some welcome shade during the summer months and from one of the benches in the garden, visitors can gaze out over the sea. A beautiful sculpture adds even more charm to this neat little park, which is an ideal place for a picnic of delicious 'pan-bagnats' - the region's own special spin on the traditional sandwich. Review © 2007, Wcities |