© Yacht Club de Monaco
Adrenaline rush in Monaco
Get wild with adventure sports in and around Monaco
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 Monaco.
Whether it’s tearing down a mountain bike track with an endless view of the Mediterranean, paragliding off mighty cliffs near Monaco, or jetting around in the crystal clear waters, we have the adventure activity for you.
Worth knowing
We know we’re just scratching the surface of adventure sports along the French Riviera. Check out our activities for some inspiration and more to see and do in and around Monaco.
Paragliding at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Soar above the vertiginous coastline of the French Riviera at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, one of the great paragliding destinations of Europe. On the steep stretch of coast between Monaco and Menton the cliffs plummet steeply away into the cobalt blue Mediterranean, making the perfect jumping-off point for paragliding or hang-gliding. As you float above the landscape you’ll look down on medieval villages, huge superyachts, and opulent villas surrounded by lush gardens with swimming pools and tennis courts.
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 Monaco, particularly at Peille, the training ground of world mountain biking champions Nicolas Vouilloz, Fabien Barel and Nicolas Filippi. There’s also superb tracks at Sospel for experienced riders and a great range of trails at Tende in Haute Roya.
Make a splash with some water sports
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 Monaco area and over on the peninsula of St Jean Cap Ferrat. 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.
Rock-climb 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 here.
Combine water and air...
Combine your watersports and sunbathing with some adrenaline fueled 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!
