Here is one of the highlights of Nice la belle, the current day… Seven hectares of discoveries and sensory adventures. More than 2,500 plant species. Over 2,000 animals representing 70 species, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects. A 7,000 m² greenhouse where six tropical and subtropical climates are recreated. Is more needed to explain the nearly 365,000 visitors who, in 2019, came to escape at Parc Phoenix? A look back at 30 years of success and the promotion of ecological diversity!
Parc Phoenix: A “remarkable garden”
It was 30 years ago, on February 15, 1990. In the presence of Jacques Médecin, Parc Phoenix opened its doors for the first time after more than two years of construction. At the time, everyone was wondering what this famous park would be like, replacing the marshy area that gave its name to the “des grenouillères” crossroads.
The presence and taste for authentic gardens, as the site still shows, were well shared in these western districts of Nice, not far from the former cultivation sites of the famous carnations of Nice. The neighbors of the new park had carefully observed for 26 months the comings and goings of the 80 companies, the arrival of 14,000 m³ of soil, 2,000 tons of rocks, and the creation of artificial valleys to control the marsh water. A real technical challenge that cost the equivalent of 40 million euros.
From the opening, everyone was captivated. The 7,000 m² greenhouse, among the largest in the world at the time, captured all the attention. The work of architect Mr. Aragon immortalized Parc Phoenix in the legend of Nice, a must-see on the path of the millions of tourists visiting France.
Originally dedicated to promoting the worlds of trees and flowers, Parc Phoenix diversified throughout its 30 years to integrate more and more animal species. However, it has remained above all a garden. An incredible garden, even a “remarkable garden”, a label of exception acquired in 2011 and renewed in 2016.
A garden to discover and experience
On the occasion of this thirtieth anniversary, the current Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, President of the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur, and Deputy President of the PACA region, visited Parc Phoenix. He was accompanied by a group of children from the municipal leisure center “Sainte-Hélène.” These young visitors were even more enthusiastic than the officials present during the preview of Parc Phoenix’s treetop adventure course.
This new activity, accessible from the age of 3, includes, depending on the age of the participants, a net course, zip lines, and even an 8-meter free-fall jump… Its opening is expected to further solidify the Parc’s undeniable success among tourists from around the world as well as local residents. The goal of 400,000 annual visitors seems plausible in the medium term.
It must be said that the close proximity of tramway line 2 greatly facilitates access to “Phoenix,” as its regulars call it. Numerous activities, both entertaining and educational, allow all audiences to always find something to learn and marvel at within the green heart of Nice. In addition to these activities, Parc Phoenix is also an exhibition venue. For example, “Nice, Bay of Lights,” a festival of traditional Chinese lanterns, was held there from November 29, 2019, to last February 23. At nightfall, visitors could discover nearly 600 monumental lanterns including an 18-meter-high Great Wall of China and two 50-meter-long dragons. Enough to leave a lasting impression!
