If you’re visiting Nice with kids, you need to find places for them to run, play and to just be kids in between all the sightseeing.  That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best parks in Nice, France.  Well, what we think are the best parks anyway.  These are in no particular order with the exception of my kids favorite park being listed at the top.

Even if you’re not visiting with kids, some of these parks are great to relax and have a picnic.  Adults need a break too.

Not sure what else to do in Nice?  Don’t miss all my Nice recommendations.  We’ve lived here for a year, after all.

Best Parks in Nice, France

PROMENADE DU PAILLON

Right in the heart of the city is our favorite park, Promenade du Paillon. My kiddos call it the “whale park” due to the large wooden whale-shaped play structure.

The park starts at Place Masséna with two mirror fountains, one with mist and the other with water jets. K and Lucy have the time of their lives running through these fountains on a hot summer day.

As you walk further to the north into the park,  you’ll come to some lovely age specific play equipment. Just look at the wooden signs posted by each plates to see the ages, although it’s pretty obvious which structures are meant for young kids and which are meant for older children.  The park has all sorts of wooden marine animals to entertain kids such as a huge whale and a sea turtle.  They also have two octopuses with net swings, a pirate ship and a fort amongst several other fun structures.

The whole length of the park is surrounded by vegetation from several different regions, making it a great place to relax or have a picnic even if you don’t have kids.  It’s common to see teenagers sitting in a circle in the grass or older residents relaxing on a bench soaking up the sun.

Getting there – This park is located right in the center of town, in fact,  it divides the Old Town from the new.  Since you will likely be staying around Old Town, you’ll see the park along the tramline.

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