When I think Nice, I don’t necessarily think “baby-friendly.” You either? Well, now that I’m a single parent trying to live my best life, I don’t really care about “baby-friendliness” as much as other people might. And you know what? I have a great time wherever I go with my daughter anyway! I did find some very baby- and kid-friendly things to do on our recent trip to the second-most visited city in all of France. Here is your guide for what to do with a baby in Nice, France!
Go to the Beach
Well, beach is a bit of a stretch… It’s rocky! The benefit of that? No sand in places sand shouldn’t go! The waves and currents can be rough, so be aware of conditions, but the water truly is gorgeous. It’s one of the most beautiful shorelines I’ve ever seen–and I love to visit beautiful beaches! We had fun at the beach a couple of times during our trip watching the parasailers, seeing the planes fly in, and enjoying the water. Fair warning, though: This is France, and there may be topless sunbathers. That’s important info if you plan to bring your older kids here.
More here: What to Know Before You Visit Nice
Take a Walking Tour (with Baby in a carrier)
I took a great walking tour of Old Town Nice with Nice Fun Tours. As with most city walking tours, the distances aren’t that far, and the stops are long. I don’t recommend bringing your baby on the tour in a stroller, because it’s just harder to navigate old cities with wheels. But if that’s how you need to do it, you do you! The carrier is generally easier for walking around with my daughter, but she is also on the small side, so she’s easy to carry. You can take the lift up to the castle to end the tour, but there will also be some terrain to traverse once you’re there.
I thought the tour was fascinating (did you know Nice was once part of a different country that no longer exists, and that the castle that’s now ruined was once one of the largest in Europe?), and I got some of the best food recommendations from our guide! I love to take notes during tours like that and go back later to spend more time at the locations that interest me most. Feel free to ask your tour guide for more baby- and kid-friendly ideas to add to this list!
Then treat yourself: The N La Spa at the Negresco Hotel, Nice
Play at the Parc de la Colline de Chateau
There is a great playground at the top of the castle ruins, la Colline de Chateau. You can take the lift up (no stairs required!), and let your baby or toddler wear themselves out. How many babies do you know who can say they’ve played in a real castle? This is also a great activity to plan around a meal or snack time, because you can get lunch, beverages, gelato, etc., at the nearby food stand. Lemonade with a view, anyone?
More here: The Top 10 Places toTravel Before You Die
Ride le Petite Train Electrique
This one is fun for all! There is a little electric train (le Petite Train Electrique) that will take you and your little one on a tour of Old Town Nice, including the hill to the top of the Castle. It’s very cute and a lot of fun. An audioguide is included as well, just in case you don’t have the energy for that walking tour mentioned above. My daughter and I had so much fun on this little “ride,” and the driver even let us get our photo in the “engine” while we were on a break! The total trip is about 50 minutes, and there is plenty to see along the way. The adult price is 10 Euros, children 5-11 are 5 Euros, and children 4 and under are free!
Read next: 5 Practical Ways to Travel Sustainably
Peruse Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya (the Flower Market)
This is such a great thing to do with a baby. Not only do you get to do a little shopping, you get to introduce your little one to new things. I use the tote bag I got at this market all the time now, and I love the locally made soaps I found here, too. I also picked up some fruit for my baby and me to share, tried out the little French I know, and pointed out all the beautiful things to her: Flowers, fruits, veggies, sweets, artwork, and more. Plus, everyone wanted to tell me how beautiful my baby was. It’s a winning activity for all!
Keep reading: 3 Things Single Parents Need to Know about International Travel (with your own kids)
Stroll Along the Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade is one of the best things about Nice, in my personal opinion. A walk along any part of the 4-mile long pedestrian path boasts beautiful views, beach access, and airplane sightings. My daughter loves to sleep in the wearable carrier, so she got to nap and I got to enjoy the sunshine. The same could be true if your little one prefers the stroller. There are even covered sections with benches underneath to shield you both from the sun as needed.
Also helpful: How to Get Your Baby’s First Passport
Ride the Carousel
We missed this one, but I hope you don’t! We had terrible timing for this, as we arrived just as they were beginning a three-hour break. They are also a cash only business, and I only had my credit card on me at the time. Hopefully you’ll be more prepared than I was! This would be such a fun memory, and one my baby and daughter and I will have to go back for in the future!
Read next: 7 Reasons Why Single Parents Should Travel with Their Kids
Want more? Check out my dedicated France Page!
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