A hidden river flows beneath Nice, once covered for urban development, now transformed into a 12-hectare park offering a green space above the Paillon.
River's origin and path
The Paillon is a river more than 35 kilometers long, beginning at an altitude of 1,300 meters and flowing into the sea beneath the Jardin Albert-Ier. It originates in the hinterland of Nice and flows underground through the city center, where it is nearly invisible to the naked eye.Historical covering of the river
Between 1867 and the 1970s, about 2.3 kilometers of the river's course was covered, stretching from the Promenade des Anglais to the Palais des Expositions. This covered section is equivalent to more than 20 football fields and was used for various urban developments.The Paillon Promenade
In 2013, the Paillon Promenade was inaugurated, spanning 12 hectares above the river. The promenade was built on the site of a former bus station, parking lot, and several public spaces, creating a continuous and unified area for public use.The river's characteristics and history
The Paillon is mostly dry, with four smaller rivers converging in the commune of Drap to form the Paillon de Nice. Despite being covered, the river was never completely forgotten, as it was once used by laundry women and was the site of a flood in 1887 that trapped three people.River's historical uses and challenges
The river once served as a natural defense for the old town, bordering its fortifications and being used for transport and milling. However, sudden floods made covering the river difficult, and the process was often interrupted. Issues of hygiene, aesthetics, and later traffic led to the decision to cover the river.Urban development and river coverage
Starting in the 1860s, Nice began covering the river, with the first projects initiated by hoteliers. Coverage expanded to build the municipal casino, with the Pont-Neuf eventually submerged under pavement. The northern section was covered starting in 1956, accelerated by the rise of the automobile.Design and features of the promenade
Landscape architect Michel Péna designed the Paillon Promenade to create a visual link between the old town and the modern city. The park includes a large water mirror, a misting area for children, and a rectangle of over 2,000 poppies near the Lycée Masséna, recalling the flower's historical export.Future expansion of the promenade
A second phase of the Paillon Promenade project is underway, targeting nearly 20 hectares—about 8 hectares more than the first phase. Construction for this phase was already underway in 2024, aiming to further expand the public space above the river.
