Nice: Segway City Tour Old Town, Promenade & Castle Hill

Summary

Segway past palm trees into Nice’s alleys and market stalls

You’ll roll past Nice’s palm-lined promenade, glide through colorful Old Town alleys with your guide sharing stories only locals know, taste fresh socca at Cours Saleya market, and catch your breath above the city on Castle Hill. Expect laughter, little surprises, and moments that stick with you long after you’re back on foot.

What’s the experience like?

We were already wobbling a bit before we even left the shop — helmets on, trying to look cool but mostly just grinning at each other. Our guide, Luc, had this dry sense of humor and kept calling out “Relaxez-vous!” as we practiced on the Promenade des Anglais. The sea was right there — that kind of blue that looks fake in photos — and the air smelled faintly salty with something sweet drifting from a bakery nearby. I’d never been on a Segway before; honestly, I thought I’d fall off before we made it to Old Town.

But after five minutes it felt like flying. We zipped along under palm trees while joggers gave us that half-amused look (I get it). Luc pointed out these blue chairs lined up along the seafront — apparently they’re kind of iconic here? He told us about the tiny Statue of Liberty tucked away by the Opera House, which I’d have missed completely if he hadn’t stopped us. Then suddenly we were ducking into the narrow lanes of Vieux Nice. The colors hit me first — yellows and reds and shutters in every shade of green. You could hear snippets of French and Italian mixing together as people haggled over flowers or fruit at Cours Saleya market. Someone handed me a piece of socca, still warm; it tasted smoky and soft inside, crunchy outside. I probably had chickpea flour stuck in my teeth for an hour after.

I liked how Luc would pause for stories — sometimes about Matisse living just above us for years, sometimes about why there’s trompe l’œil everywhere (he made us guess which windows were real). There was this moment near St Réparate’s Cathedral where everything went quiet except for church bells echoing between buildings. For a second you forget you’re on wheels at all.

The climb up Castle Hill was easier than I expected (thank you, Segway). At the top, everyone got quiet again looking out over the Bay of Angels — gulls circling below us, light bouncing off rooftops all the way to the sea. Luc said something about how even locals come here when they need to clear their head. I get why now. We lingered longer than planned; nobody seemed in a hurry to leave that view behind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Segway tour of Nice highlights

• Meet guide at agency
• Train on Segway at Promenade des Anglais
• Segway along seaside palm trees
• Visit Opera House of Nice
• Enter Old Nice district
• See iconic Promenade chairs
• View Nice's Statue of Liberty
• Explore Cours Saleya flower market
• Pass by former lord's residence
• Ride through narrow alleys of Old Nice
• Pass Matisse's former home
• Visit Old Town center and cathedral
• Stop at Castle Hill viewpoint
• Ride through Castle's Park
• Admire Castle Hill waterfall
• Pass by famous marina

Top questions

How long is the Nice Segway city tour?

You can choose between a 1-hour or 2-hour Segway tour in Nice.

Does the Segway tour include Castle Hill?

Yes, both tour options include riding up Castle Hill for panoramic views over Nice.

Is there food included during the Segway tour?

No meal is included but you’ll have time to try local snacks like socca at Cours Saleya market.

What age do you need to be for the Nice Segway tour?

The minimum age is 14 years old; anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Are helmets provided on this Segway tour?

Yes, helmets are provided and required for all participants.

Where does the Nice city Segway tour start?

The tour starts at the agency near Promenade des Anglais in central Nice.

How big are the groups for this Segway sightseeing tour?

The group size is limited to eight people for a more personal experience.

Is training included before starting the Segway ride?

Yes, there’s a short training session before heading out onto the streets of Nice.

What’s included

Your day includes a friendly local guide leading you through central Nice with full Segway training and helmet provided before setting off along Promenade des Anglais and into Old Town; small group size ensures everyone gets personal attention throughout your ride.