The prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes, Nice is a fantastic playground for athletes. At the heart of the Côte d’Azur, it offers kilometers of heavenly beaches and beautiful green parks. With sunshine all year round, playing sports in Nice is a true delight. Runners, fitness enthusiasts, or yoga practitioners, discover the 5 best spots for your physical activities.
Spot #1: Promenade des Anglais
The famous Promenade des Anglais is a must-visit in Nice. Highly appreciated by tourists and locals alike, it stretches over 7 kilometers along the seafront and offers an exceptional view of the Bay of Angels.
The Promenade des Anglais begins at the Quai des États-Unis and ends at the Promenade Édouard Corniglion-Molinier. If you feel like it, you can extend your route to the port of Nice (Port Lympia) to admire the boats.
It gets its name from the many English people who made Nice their favorite holiday destination as early as the 19th century.
Hundreds of joggers frequent this famous avenue every day, at all hours of the day. Whether for a classic run or an interval training session, the Niçoise promenade offers an idyllic setting for your sports practice.
This running spot also has a cycling path. You can cycle safely there and enjoy the azure seafront.
Spot #2: Stade Vauban
About 1 kilometer from the Palais des Congrès Nice Acropolis, Stade Vauban is a meeting place for athletes.
Accessible via tram line 1, this stadium is equipped with basketball courts and an athletics track.
It is also well-known among locals for its street workout area. You will find all the equipment needed for bodyweight training, alongside other enthusiasts. This street workout park features pull-up bars, parallel bars, and a monkey bridge.
With the athletics track and the fitness equipment available, Stade Vauban is the perfect place to train with a personal coach in Nice. Whether you wish to get back in shape, lose extra pounds, or gain muscle mass, your personal trainer will find all the necessary equipment there to help you reach your goal.
During the week, Stade Vauban is open to the public from 6:30 to 8:00, from 12:00 to 14:00, and from 17:30 to 20:30. On weekends, you can access it between 8:00 and 17:30 (until 20:30 during the summer season).
Spot #3: Parc du Mont Boron
Bordering Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer, Parc du Mont Boron is a forest massif with highly varied routes.
Once reserved for livestock grazing, the Mont Boron hill offers an extraordinary view of the bay. Many locals make Parc du Mont Boron a place for walks or picnics at the first ray of sunshine.
With 57 hectares and over 11 kilometers of marked trails, this green space is also an ideal playground for trail runners, hikers, and Nordic walking enthusiasts.
There are multiple paths to reach the summit of this wonderful preserved site, from the Veire stairs to the Agaves trail, via the ridge path or Ernestine stairs. Perfect for varying pleasures and breaking the routine of your training.
Served by bus line 14, this green space is easy to access.
Spot #4: Promenade du Paillon
The Promenade du Paillon is another spot favored by local athletes.
Just a few meters from Place Masséna, this urban park is located in the city center. Also known as the green flow, it connects the Promenade des Anglais to the national theater of Nice.
This 12-hectare promenade features an enchanting water mirror and has flora from all over the world. Perfect for cooling off during hot days.
Runners love heading to the Promenade du Paillon for fartlek or high-intensity running sessions.
For those who prefer fitness, it is quite possible to perform bodyweight exercises under the beautiful Nice sun.
Spot #5: Jardin Albert 1er
Jardin Albert 1er is undoubtedly part of the heritage of the Côte d’Azur. It is one of the oldest public gardens in the city.
A stone’s throw from Carras beach and Avenue de Verdun, this 3-hectare park is one of the green lungs of Nice. Its lawns and fountains make Jardin Albert 1er a favored training spot for city residents to exercise in Nice.
After your workout, nothing stops you from covering the few meters to the Mediterranean Sea for a dip to cool off.
