A Genuine Look at the 2025 ‘Sightseeing tour of Nice : 3 hours Nice Segway XXL circuit’

Getting Started: Your First Moments on a Segway

So, you’ve decided to see Nice in a way that’s a little different, right? I went for the 3-hour Nice Segway XXL circuit, and, to be honest, it was a very memorable way to see the city. The whole thing really begins with getting used to the machine itself, you know. Before you hit the famous Promenade, there’s actually a pretty thorough training session in a quiet square. Our guide was extremely patient, I mean, he showed everyone how to lean to move forward, pull back to stop, and, most importantly, how to turn without, like, tipping over. It feels a bit wobbly for about five minutes, and then, seriously, something just clicks. You sort of realize the machine is balancing for you, and honestly, you can just relax a little.

It’s almost like learning to ride a bike, but much, much faster. The guide, as a matter of fact, made sure everyone in our small group could comfortably start, stop, and weave around some cones before we set off. This part is actually very important, because you’re about to go out into the real streets. They give you a helmet and an audio receiver with an earpiece, so you can clearly hear the guide’s commentary without him having to shout. It’s a pretty smart system, you know, and it means you don’t miss any of the cool facts he shares along the way. At the end of the day, that initial practice session gives you the confidence you really need for the three hours ahead.

Gliding Through the Charm of Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Well, once everyone is comfortable, you pretty much glide away from the meeting point and straight into the historic heart of Nice, Vieux Nice. This part is just incredible. The streets get narrower and are, like, lined with tall, pastel-colored buildings that have those classic green shutters. You are literally rolling over old cobblestones, and you can feel the history of the place under your wheels, you know. It’s a very different experience from just walking. On the Segway, you’re sort of elevated, just a little, so you get a better view into the shops and can see above the heads of some of the crowds.

The guide leads you through a maze of charming alleyways, and honestly, you’d probably get lost if you were on your own. He points out little details you would absolutely miss otherwise, for instance, a hidden stone carving or the story behind a particular fountain. We actually stopped for a few minutes at the Cours Saleya flower market, which was a real treat for the senses. You’re just surrounded by the smell of fresh flowers, local spices, and socca, which is a kind of chickpea pancake they make here. Anyway, cruising through Old Town feels more or less like you’ve stepped back in time, but, you know, on a futuristic scooter. It’s a really interesting mix of old and new.

The Effortless Climb to Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Okay, so after the Old Town, you start the ascent up to Castle Hill. If you’ve ever walked up there, you know it can be quite a climb, especially on a hot day. But, on the Segway, it’s honestly a breeze. You just lean forward slightly, and the machine pretty much does all the work for you. It’s a very satisfying feeling to just effortlessly zip up the winding paths while others are, like, taking a break to catch their breath. The route up is actually quite scenic in itself, with trees providing some nice shade.

As a matter of fact, the real reward is what’s waiting for you at the top. The view is seriously breathtaking. I mean, from one side you see the entire expanse of the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels) with the Promenade des Anglais stretching out below. Then, you turn around, and you have this incredible view of the Old Town’s red-tiled roofs and the bustling port on the other side. Our guide gave us plenty of time up there to just park the Segways, walk around, and take a ton of pictures. We stopped by the man-made waterfall, which is pretty cool, and he shared some of the history of the castle that used to stand there. To be honest, this part of the tour alone is almost worth the price.

Cruising the Famous Promenade des Anglais

Coming down from Castle Hill is just as fun as going up, maybe even more so, you know. And from there, you roll directly onto the legendary Promenade des Anglais. This is basically the iconic image of Nice everyone thinks of. You are literally gliding along the famous walkway, with the gorgeous, impossibly blue Mediterranean Sea on one side and grand, Belle Époque hotels on the other. It feels very glamorous, in a way. The path is wide and smooth, so it’s a really relaxing part of the tour where you can just open up a bit and enjoy the ride.

There’s so much to see, and you’re kind of a part of the vibrant street life. You pass by people jogging, cycling, and just relaxing on the famous blue chairs that face the sea. Your guide, by the way, will point out famous landmarks like the Hotel Negresco with its distinctive pink dome. It’s a completely different feeling from the enclosed streets of the Old Town; it’s all about open space, sea air, and soaking up that classic French Riviera atmosphere. Honestly, you just feel incredibly cool while doing it.

What Puts the ‘XXL’ in This Circuit?

So, you might be seeing shorter Segway tours offered and wondering what the ‘XXL’ really gets you. Basically, it’s all about covering more ground and seeing more diverse parts of the city. While shorter tours might just stick to the Old Town and the Promenade, this 3-hour circuit goes further. For instance, we spent a good amount of time exploring the Port Lympia area. It was actually fascinating to get an up-close look at everything from small traditional fishing boats, called ‘pointus’, to some of the most extravagant super-yachts you can imagine.

This extended route gives you a much fuller picture of Nice. You get to see it not just as a tourist beach destination but as a living, working city with a rich maritime history. We also, you know, went through some different squares and saw different monuments that aren’t on the typical tourist trail. In other words, you get more time on the Segway, more historical context from your guide, and a more comprehensive view of Nice’s different neighborhoods. At the end of the day, if you really want to feel like you’ve seen a good chunk of the city, the extra time on this XXL circuit is definitely well spent.