The warmth of the Côte d'Azur and the beautiful beaches of Nice attract bathers from all over France. Those with a taste for thrills can indulge in the many water-based activities offered by seaside companies. Jet-skiing, boat trips, towed buoys or parasailing - there's something for everyone. More or less affordable, these little nautical pleasures leave their mark on the minds of adventurers who take the plunge and spice up everyday holiday life, between cultural visits and strolls through the centre of town. If the machines aren't hurtling along at top speed, take in the breathtaking scenery from the Baie des Anges, just a few hundred metres from the pebbled beaches. Hold on tight and get ready for some discovery, fun and thrills, usually departing from the Promenade des Anglais.
To round off a day's sightseeing with a relaxing activity, take a sunset boat trip and discover Nice in a whole new way. Departures from Port Lympia are regular, and the trips can be of varying lengths.
Nice
Heading for Monaco, Cap Ferrat or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, these excursions offer a wide range of options and are a firm favourite with tourists in search of new discoveries. Some companies even offer the chance to share a drink and a meal, to suit all budgets and tastes.
Exploring the Mediterranean seabed and the thousands of species that lurk beneath its azure blue is a breathtaking experience, to say the least! Fish, coral, seaweed and sea urchins are all waiting to be discovered by budding divers during a first dive accompanied by an instructor. In Nice, several diving centres offer this adventure right on the seafront.
Small shoal of fish in the Mediterranean Sea at Nice.
- © Alexey Masliy / ShutterstockOnce the mask, snorkel, wetsuit and oxygen tank are in place, you can set off by boat for a short distance from the coast, before plunging into the depths of the sea. It's a memorable experience that can becaptured on video for an additional fee.
Flat on your stomach, seated or on your back, there are plenty of towed buoys on offer on the beaches of the Côte d'Azur. Whether you're with the family or friends, you're guaranteed to have a great time if you're a thrill-seeker! Quite affordable, this activity carried out by a boat or jet-ski launched at full speed generally appeals to the youngest, ready to take off a few centimetres above the waves.
Jet-ski towed buoy at sea.
- © Balashnikoff / ShutterstockDeparting from the beaches along the Promenade des Anglais, this sensational outing is also the perfect way to enjoy an impressive panorama of the Nice coastline. In a solo buoy, on a sofa for three or four people, or even on a giant banana boat, you'll need to be a bit crazy to dare take the plunge!
Fans of motorised board sports have plenty to choose from when it comes to jet-skiing! You'll be off for dozens of minutes, reaching speeds of over 80 kph as you cruise along the beautiful beaches of the Baie des Anges and the hills of Nice, such as the hill of the Château. Whether you're on your own or with a partner, you'll be able to experience the joys of driving on the water.
Man on jet ski on the sea.
- © diy13 / 123RFAs a romantic getaway for two, parasailing is a unique way to enjoy a view of the city, particularly Old Nice, which very few people have. Skim along the beaches under the sun and above the azure blue water, while being towed by a boat severaldozen metres below. The perfect opportunity to get laid!
Parasailing on the Nice coast.
- © Andrei Antipov / ShutterstockStrapped in by their feet and propelled by the pressure of the water, adventurers who launch themselves onto a flyboard experience some totally unusual sensations! It's like defying gravity and experiencing the effects of weightlessness for just a few minutes. It's a fairly expensive activity, but one that those who dare to take the plunge won't soon forget.
A man trying his hand at flyboarding.
- © Yashkin Ilya / Shutterstock
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