Parks and gardens Outdoor activities for families activities

PRE DE LEVENS

Description
A large village field in the heart of Levens ideal for running, ball games, bike riding (and learning to bike ride as it is grassy to make falls that little less scary), picnic etc. Its only negative point is that there is no shade so make sure that you go with sun cream and hats when necessary. Not far away from Tourette Levens, it can be combined with a visit to the Castle and Insect and butterfly museums.

CHATEAU DE LA NAPOULE
Mandelieu la Napoule
Tel +33 (0)4 93 49 95 05  

Description
A castle, converted into an art museum. A treasure hunt helps children to discover its gardens.

SCENOPARC - ALPHA LE TEMPS DU LOUP
Le Boréon
Tel +33 (0)4 93 02 33 69  

Description
A 20 hectare park located in the central part of the Mercantour that offers 2 themes: the time of men (2 renovated cow farms) and a 3D performance called the time of wolves with 3 packs of wolves in their natural habitat. Lasts 3 hours. Open: all year except from November 15th to December 15th. From January 1st to April 14th, on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm and the rest of the week reservation compulsory. From April 15th to May 31st, everyday from 10am to 5.30pm, from June 1st to September 3rd from 10am to 6.30pm. Price: children under 3 years old go free; 7€ for 4 to 12 year olds and 9€ for those over 12 years.

VILLA ET JARDINS EPHRUSSI DE ROTHSCHILD
1 av Ephrussi de Rothschild
Tel +33 (0)4 93 01 45 90
Fax +33 (0)4 93 01 31 10  

Description
Open: all year, every day during the summer, 10am-7pm and every day except Mondays during the winter, from Tuesday to Friday 2pm-6pm and 10am-6pm at weekends. Price: under 7's free entrance; 7-17 yrs 7€; adults 8€. Built on the narrowest part of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat promontory, this sumptuous palazzo, one of the finest listed buildings on the French Riviera, has views over the Bay of Villefranche on one side and the Bay of Beaulieu on the other. The Villa is set among seven magnificent themed gardens. Here, strolling visitors will be surprised and enchanted by the exact symmetry of the formal French garden, the lush vegetation of the Spanish and Florentine gardens, the fragrant profusion of the rose garden, the rare trees in the exotic garden, or the archaeological remains in the Stone garden. Children can also enjoy the visit participating in a treasure hunt - ask at the entrance.

PARC EXFLORA

Tel +33 (0)4 92 90 53 00

Description
Exflora Park. Juan les Pins. Located between Antibes and Gulf-Juan. This beautiful 5 hectare park was designed by the architect-landscape designer Alain Goudot who combined several gardens of different styles together: Roman, Moorish, Provence, Tuscan and Greek. There are century old trees, olive-trees, maple trees, olive-trees, cypress, and pine trees. The Italian Renaissance is evoked by an outdoor theatre bordered by arcades and a small maze leads to a view-point where you can admire the sea. There is also a hispano-Moorish orange grove and a Moroccan palm plantation with a blue tiled kiosk so one can rest in the shade. It is like a small voyage through different cultures.

CAROL DE ROUMANIE
23 av. de Fabron

Description
Open: every day. 1st April-31st May, 8am-7pm ; 1st July-31st Aug., 8am-8pm ; 1st Sept.-30th Sept, 8am-7pm ; 1st Oct-31st March, 8am-6pm.
Price: free. Situated in Nice's western district, this large park is ideal for picnics. There is a large play area, health track, water games and don't forget a ball.

CASTEL DES DEUX ROIS
Corniche André de Joly

Description
Open: every day. 1st April-30th June, 8am-7pm ; 1st July-31st Aug., 8am-8pm ; 1st Sept.-30th Sept, 8am-7pm ; 1st Oct-31st March, 8am-6pm.
Price: free. A large grassy area perfect for ball and racket games situated in Nice's eastern district. There is a playground, a water fountain in the summer and a goat enclosure.