© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
Cap de Nice
Wonderful national park area with a hilltop fortress
Cap de Nice and Mont Boron is a peaceful exclusive area to the east of Nice and is a mix of affluent residential properties and a national park.
Perched on one of the “collines” of Nice, Mont Boron sits at just over 190m and is home to a forest that covers 57 hectares and contains about 11km of footpaths that are perfect for exploring the area, including a 1.5km fitness trail with exercise stations.
Cap de Nice is not so far from the town itself but is a bit cut-off due to its elevated position and its location on the peninsula; many beautiful properties have been built here because of the glorious views from the city of Nice all the way to Cap Ferrat.
History & Culture in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Historical markers are in evidence all over the area, from the Paleolithic era to the present day. At the foot of Mont Boron is the Grotte du Lazaret, a prehistoric cave that has revealed remains of prehistoric animals including woolly mammoths, panthers, lynx and bears - alongside human remains that suggest that it was occupied almost two hundred thousand years ago.
At the very peak of Mont Boron you’ll find Fort Mont Alban, built in 1557 on the orders of the Duke of Savoy in response to the siege of Nice. Only the outside of the fort is accessible, the inside is closed to visitors, but it's almost perfectly preserved and well worth the hike up for a look around. It’s a real fairytale castle with turrets, towers and a drawbridge.
More recently, the Batterie du Mont Boron is a 400m long military bunker built in 1886 to protect the Baie des Anges. Take a stroll around the Circuit de Bellevue, which follows the walls of the Batterie and looks out over the bay between Nice and Villefranche-Sur-Mer.
Sights & Attractions in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Visits to the caves are only possible by arrangement, but you can can see lots of exhibits from the site at the Musée Terra Amata in the port district.
Things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
If you nip round the back of the pizzeria you’ll see a sign saying “Escalier Pieton”, if you follow this you’ll come to a steep narrow staircase that leads directly to the sea and onto a wonderful coastal path leading all the way to Coco Beach in Nice.
Dining in Villefranche-sur-Mer
The Cap de Nice and Mont Boron area is generally very quiet and residential, which is perfect if you want to escape the frenetic atmosphere of Nice and enjoy the tranquility.
However, this means that there are few restaurants in the area - your best bet is to take a short stroll down Avenue Jean Lorrain where you’ll find two excellent restaurants both on the seafront before you reach the port. If you simply want a quick bite, there is a pizzeria (that also does takeaway delivery) on the Boulevard Maurice Maeterlinck.
Where to stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Cap de Nice then there are plenty of lavish Belle Époque villas to choose from, when you consider that residents include the mega-rich and mega-famous like Elton John, you can imagine the price tag.
Totally at the other end of the scale is the local hostel tucked away in the forest - accommodation is self-catered and dormitory style. Somewhere in between there are lots of very elegant apartments to let with excellent sea views.
Directions
Take buses no.81 or no.100 to get to Cap de Nice (bus stop Maeterlinck) or bus no.14 to go directly to Mont Boron.
