Hidden Gems in and around Nice, French Riviera

Parc Pheonix Nice

2011-03-27T17:41:00.001+02:00

If you are interested in Nature and flowers then a visit to Parc Pheonix is must.
Parc Pheonix is a combination of landscaped gardens, tropical greenhouse and menagerie rolled into one.
The landscape garden is split into regional areas containing interesting plants and meandering paths, with a large lake and fountains taking centre stage. The main lawn is edged with seasonal flower borders which give a colourful lift. In spring, the flower beds abound with daffodils, tulips and numerous other spring flowering plants.

Spring borders Parc Pheonix

The greenhouse is divided into 7 tropical regions with some beautiful and rare plants, including a large collection of rare orchids and ferns. Turtles, alligators, fish and flamingoes also find a home here. See if you can spot the chameleons and iguanas in the reptile house. An aquarium has fish and interesting insects.
Here are some photos to give you a taste of the variety of plants on show

Tropical greenhouse beauties

Outside, the animals include various birds - cranes, parrots, owls, black swans, pelicans to name but a few. Another feature of the park is a musical fountain.
I will add another blog showing photos of the animals in the nex couple of days.

There is enough to keep both adults and children entertained for a few hours including a childrens play ground where you can rest while the kids run off some energy. We often go - I love looking at and photograhing the flowers and we often take our grand daughter as she enjoys seeing the flowers, animals and playing in the playground.

Situated at the beginning of the Promenade opposite the airport, it is easily accessable by bus (Nos. 9, 10, 2) or by using the blue bikes.
Hours are 9:30 to 19:30 April to September, 9:30 à 18:00 October to March.
Entrance fee is 2€ for adults and free for children.

Nice botanical garden

2011-01-03T22:15:00.002+01:00

I have been living in the area for nearly six years and I have never visited the botanical garden. Last September I took the plunge and went visiting on a lovely sunny afternoon.

It's a little unfair to give a review of the garden in September after a very dry summer, as most plants are dormant here until the rain starts, usually towards the end of September, beginning of October. But, nevertheless I did manage to get some nice shots of the flora.

The garden is small by international standards and it doesn't take long to walk around it. It concentrates on Mediterranean plants and is divided into the different Mediterranean habitats - showcasing the plants of those areas.
Here are some photos taken during my visit.

There are some nice views across to the surrounding hills from the top of the gardens. The garden is well worth a visit and a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.
I look forward to revisiting it in the spring.
Access by Bus :
Line 73, station Jardin Botanique (Except sunday and holidays)
Line 8, (n°6, sunday and holidays) terminus "les Casernes", then,
15 minutes walk by the avenue Lois Cappatti.
Nice Botanic Gardens website

Walks within reach of Nice - 1. Cap d'Antibes

2007-11-19T19:05:00.000+01:00

A drive around the Cap d'Antibes provides wonderful views of the med and, on the eastern side, views of the ramparts of Antibes. However, the drive cuts across the apex of the cap and the rugged coast cannot be seen by car. Take the time to get out of your car and walk around the cap to be rewarded with beautiful views of the med and to get a better feel of the coast.

The walk starts at at plage de la homonyme where there is plenty of parking. The walk hugs the coast with the walls of the large villas on the one side and the water on the other. The path is well maintained and is easy, although be warned that the path follows the up and down of the rocks so there are many steps both up and down.

We did the walk on a sunny, calm November Sunday. The deep blue of the Mediterranean sea contrasted nicely with the white limestone rocks worn away by the force of the sea, although on this day it was hard to believe that the sea could be dangerous!

I would not recommend this when the mistral is blowing as the sea can be very rough and some of the path was very close to the water. Be sure to take some water on hot days as the walk takes about an hour and a half and there are no refreshements available.

November in Nice

2007-11-03T17:40:00.000+01:00

November is the low season for holiday rentals in Nice. However, it is a good time to visit as the crowds are gone and you can still enjoy all the amenities that Nice has to offer as, unlike many holiday destinations, Nice stays open all year round. The heat is over, and although the nights are getting colder, the day time temperatures are still in the low 20s - which is great for walking around, having an alfreso lunch and exploring the area. Today has been 22oC and the forecast is the same for the next couple of days.

Now that the summer heat haze has disappeared, the days are brilliant and clear, giving good uninterrupted views of the cote d'zure or the hills that surround Nice.

I advise a trip up to the top of Mont Born where the panorama is breath taking. You will be able to see out to Cap d'Antibes on one side and over Cap Ferat towards Monaco on the other.

Access is easy, take the number 14 bus from the city centre to the terminus on Mont Boron. The ride gives you some breath taking views of the surrounding mountains that are already snow topped. There is an easy walk at the top with good view points all around. Oh! and don't forget your camera.