On weekdays, at midday, the Albert 1st Gardens may be Nice’s most popular hotspot. That is when tourists and locals descend on the well-manicured lawns, dotted with benches, to eat lunch and revel in the Riviera sunshine, no matter the time of year. Join them on visit to Albert 1st Gardens, stopping at the nearby shops and restaurants to put together a picnic or take the time to simply appreciate the landscaping and amenities of this 19th-century park.
Enter from the north, onto the well-maintained walkway leading to the expanse named for Albert 1st, the King of Belgium who refused to allow German passage to attack France before World War I.
Stroll quietly along the main alley, watching for interesting statuary, such as Bernar Venet’s 65-foot-tall (20-meter) black metal Arc Monumental 115.5° that represents the angle of curvature of the universe. Sniff various scents carried on the breeze: rose, juniper and salt air. Admire the way the tall trees are silhouetted against the bright blue sky. On a hot day, cool down with a stroll near the pretty fountains. Look for rainbows in the mist.
Release kids into the playground, where they can climb and play for hours. In December, shop for trinkets and snacks at the Christmas market, with mulled wine under the bright blue sky. Watch a show at the Theatre de Verdure, which often features big stars. Reaching the southern end, look out at the blue sea, glittering just across the road.
Find the Albert 1st Gardens in the heart of Nice’s main tourist district, on the Promenade des Anglais. Walk from the main train station in 15 minutes or travel by tram in 10 minutes. Extremely limited metered parking can be found in the vicinity. Especially during the summer, public transportation is the best option for getting around. Walk from the Old Town in about 10 minutes.
Most parts of the park other than the concert venue are always open. Buy performance tickets online. You will need to pay a small fee to use the restrooms in the park.
