The French Riviera is home to such a great diversity of landmarks it’s difficult to choose one that stands out, especially since its luxurious resorts and wonderful beaches often tend to steal the attention of holidaymakers. However, today we introduce you to a lesser-known, yet impressive attraction, the Parc Phoenix Botanical Gardens in Antibes, France.
Get to Know the Parc Phoenix Botanical Gardens
The Parc Phoenix Botanical Gardens, spread out over a generous seven-hectare surface is located very close to Cannes, as well as at the entrance to Nice. It is home to no less than 2.500 plant species, some of which are exceptionally rare to come by. The Mediterranean setting also provides a wonderful backdrop to the impressive 7.000 square meter greenhouse, one of the largest in Europe. The interactive location is 25 meters tall. Overall, the botanical gardens in Antibe comprise no fewer than twenty theme gardens.
The main attractions of the Parc Phoenix Botanical gardens include the Island of Past Times, which hosts ancient plants, whose history expands over more than eight million years. There is also a typical ethno-botanical garden, with many fragrant flowers and a multicolored living carpet covering the ground, irrespective of the time of year when you choose to visit. The bamboo reserve will also delight you and introduce you to more subspecies of bamboo plants than you ever knew existed.
Good to Know about Parc Phoenix Botanical Gardens
Choose to amble around the botanical gardens at your own pace. If and when you get tired, you may rest on any of the benches placed along the course of the river that courses across the location. There is also a lake, inhabited by a diverse population of birds, such as pelicans, black swans and ducks. See the turtles at play and admire the wonderful performance of the Mediterranean cascades set up along the course of the river.
Exotic wildlife can also be experienced at the botanical gardens: insects (including many species of tarantulas), aquariums, home to a wide range of fish species, and the aviary, with many species of birds of prey and exotic birds.
The range of the garden is displayed in six themed tropical climates, which include the Louisiana Garden, the orchid greenhouse and the South African greenhouse.
What to See near the Parc Phoenix Botanical Gardens
One of the most popular landmarks in Nice is the Castle Hill, also known as Colline du Chateau in French. Irrespective of the season when you choose to visit the city, you will enjoy what is perhaps the best view in the whole of the French Riviera – a sweeping, all-encompassing take of the city, the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps. The landmark is recommended for those who enjoy long walks, and who will definitely want to take the 100+ steps to the top of the hill.
La Promenade des Anglais is a famous street which travels along the Mediterranean waterfront in Nice. Admire the waves, relax, stop at a restaurant and bask in the warm sunlight. You will experience tranquility like never before.
Nice’s Old Town (or Vieille Ville in French) is a bustling urban area, filled with tourists at all times, and ideal for sampling local restaurants – provided you actually manage to get a seat! If you decide to take the boat trip to Monaco, you’ll enjoy a guided sighting of the homes owned by celebrities on the French Riviera and see where Elton John, Bono or Sean Connery live when in Monaco.
Address: Phoenix Parc Botanical Gardens, 405 Promenade des Anglais, Nice, Antibes, France
