In the heart of Nice, a new Acti’Santé loop of 3.6 kilometers combines sport, architectural discovery, and well-being. Around fifty seniors gathered this Monday morning to inaugurate this course designed for everyone.
One, then two, then ten and up to about fifty. This Monday morning, they arrive in small groups, smiles on their faces and sneakers on their feet. In the Jardin Alsace-Lorraine, under the trees and in the shade of the already hot sun, Nice residents over 55 gather in front of signs. Coline, a teacher from the Maison Sport-Santé, guides them, under the curious eyes of park passersby. They all came to inaugurate the third Acti’Santé loop in the city of Nice. “It’s a real pleasure to see so many of you here, thank you,” enthuses Barbara Prot, municipal councilor in charge of health prevention and education.
A 3rd loop in the city center
After Nice Nord and Fabron, it’s now the city center’s turn to host its health loop. Measuring 3.6 kilometers and dotted with 17 stages, including five parks and gardens, this itinerary has been designed to allow everyone to engage in gentle physical activity at any time of the day. The idea? Encouraging walking as a simple and free remedy against sedentary lifestyle. “Walking three times for forty minutes a week is excellent for memory, bone density, prevention of diabetes or obesity,” reminds Barbara Prot.
Looking up while walking
But here, people don’t walk solely for their health. The goal is to look up and marvel at the city’s heritage. “This loop is also a way of learning to see and look differently,” smiles Alain, a guide on this walk. “The real journey is to step outside and see things with fresh eyes,” he softly says. Participants can cross the square Raimu and Alziari de Malausséna, pass in front of the Russian Church of Saint-Nicolas and Sainte-Alexandra, the column of Pius VII, etc. “It’s a loop that can be done anytime, at one’s own pace. We pass through calm, green places; it’s very pleasant. And in each park and garden, muscle-strengthening exercises are offered,” comments Isabelle Visentin, deputy mayor in charge of the Cœur de Nice area, who praises her own sporting practice of walking “ten kilometers a day”.
The loop is thus completed, and participants can now roam the Nice streets, discovering this rich cultural heritage.
