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Adrenaline rush in Cannes

Get wild with adventure sports in and around Cannes

featured in News & reviews Author Pam Williamson, Cannes Editor Updated

While many visitors to the French Riviera seek a leisurely vacation of wining, dining, and sunbathing, we know that some of you seek something a bit more exciting during your break than sneaking in a cheeky glass of rosé before midday.

For those who love getting the adrenaline pumping on holiday, we’ve put together a list of adventure sports to be enjoyed along the Côte d’Azur within reach of Cannes.

Jets'Cool, Theoule-sur-mer

Make a splash with some watersports

Jetskiing has to be one of the most adrenaline fuelled watersports you can easily enjoy.

Under the guidance and safety of a professional instructor, you can enjoy half an hour, an hour or even a two-hour tour on a jetski in and around the Cannes area.

If you prefer to sit back and let the action happen then perhaps a doughnut ride, flying fish or banana boat are more up your street. regardless you are sure to spend as much time in the water as out and have a whole lot of fun.

Parasailing, St Jean Cap Ferrat

Combine water and air...

Combine your watersports and sunbathing with some adrenaline-fuelled flying along the Côte d'Azur and take to the skies above the waters of Cannes with some parasailing.

This fun sport will have you hanging from a parachute about 50m above the water as a speed boat whisks you along the coast. Mostly a gentle sightseeing experience, the adrenaline will no doubt kick in with the exciting take-off and landing.

Mountain Biking Trails of Pays des Paillons, Peille

World class mountain biking

The South of France is absolutely littered with high-quality mountain-biking trails, and because of the wide range of terrains and altitudes, you’re sure to find a great track year-round.

If world-class mountain biking with breathtaking views strikes your fancy, then there are some superb trails near Nice, particularly at Peille, the training ground of world mountain biking champions Nicolas Vouilloz, Fabien Barel and Nicolas Filippi.

If you prefer to head in the other direction towards the Esterel mountains, then Circuit des Monges offers an easy circuit through the rolling hills with great sea views, while those looking for a bike park should head to Mougins Bike Park.

There’s so much more to know, so check out our mountain biking guide here.

calanques near Marseilles

Rock climbing some of the most famous routes in the world

With its rocky coastline rising steeply to forested hills and craggy Alps, the French Riviera has some absolutely fantastic rock climbing on offer.

The Grand Face route at La Turbie offers one of the best sea views on the planet as you hover above Monaco, while the excellent climbing at the Gorge du Loup offers multi-pitch routes 300m high, the iconic Divers crag with its many 9as and high 8s, and great climbs at Mesa Verde, Jurassic, and Cayenne.

The Cave at Peillon is also a fantastic climb, while the cliff of Giet at Mont St Martin is a great multi-pitch route catering to many levels of ability.

For more detailed information, see our Climbing Guide.

A man is walking across a rope bridge to a tree house

Swing from the trees in Villeneuve-Loubet

This one may be a little less extreme, but the adventure courses at Riviera Nature Adventure Park and Le Bois des Lutins are great fun and offer various levels of difficulty over many different and challenging routes.

Zip-line, climb and swing your way across the forest canopy, or just chill out and watch from one of the picnic tables. You'll also find other activities such as zorbing and inflatables so you can be adventurous, no matter your age.

More inspiration...

We know we’re just scratching the surface of adventure sports along the coastline of Cannes. Check out our activities for some inspiration and more to see and do in and around Cannes.