Well, you’ll be very pleased to find out that there are some great free activities to enjoy in and around Nice!
Here are just a few of our favourites:
Enjoy epic views from Castle Hill
For the most iconic panoramic views across Nice and the Baie des Anges, you need to head up to Castle Hill. We recommend that you brave the stairs for the full experience, but there is also a free lift at the far end of Promenade des Anglais if required.
At the top of the hill, as well as the fabulous views, you’ll find a lovely park and a magnificent artificial waterfall.
There was once a castle on this hill, as the name would suggest, but there are just a few ruins remaining now. And there are a couple of cafes if your group need any drinks or snacks after the climb up the hill!
Explore Nice's famous flower market
Prepare for your senses to be overwhelmed at this fabulous flower market! Cours Saleya is famous for its markets, particularly the flower market. A visit here isn’t just a delight for the eyes and nose, it actually offers a bit of insight into Nice’s history.
That’s because Nice was home to the very first wholesale cut flower market in the world, which opened in 1897.
The flower market is open from Tuesday to Sunday. There’s also a fruit and vegetable market held here on the same days. And if you do happen to visit on a Monday, you’ll find a flea market being held here instead.
We always recommend visits to markets as great activities for school groups, particularly French groups. That’s because students will have the opportunity to put their French skills into practice by asking the stallholders about their produce.
Visit the Matisse Museum
Henri Matisse is widely considered to be one of the most influential French artists of the 20th century. Although born in the north, he moved to Nice in 1917 and remained in the area for the rest of his life.
The Matisse Museum is housed in the beautiful Villa des Arènes in the Cimiez district of the city. It opened in 1963 and is home to one of the largest collections of works by Matisse, as well as a number of objects from his own personal collection, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the artist’s creative process.
School groups are welcome to visit the museum for free, although bookings do need to made in advance.
Discover the perfume capital of the world
Nearby Grasse is considered the perfume capital of the world, and this is where professional ‘noses’ come to train to distinguish different scents. So, while you’re on the Côte d’Azur, don’t miss out on a free guided tour of the Fragonard Perfumerie!
Fragonard was founded by Eugène Fuchs in 1926. It was named after Jean-Honoré Fragonard, who was a famous 18th century painter from Grasse.
You’ll be guided on your tour by a professional perfume maker who will tell your group about the history of perfume making and the manufacturing techniques. You’ll also be able to test your noses to see if you could make it in the business of perfume!
Please note that although the tour is free, it does need to be booked in advance.
Ready to start planning your school trip to Nice?
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information or to request your tailor-made quote.
