Chateau & Parc Valrose
19th-century gothic castle in a 10 hectare parkland
This lovely 10 hectare park is home to a Neo-Gothic 19th-century castle, built for a Russian aristocrat with the most luxurious interior of painted frescoes and chandeliers.
Baron Paul von Derwies, entrepreneur and counselor of tsar Alexander II built one of the most extravagant properties on the Riviera, designed by architects David Grimm and Antonio Crocci. The most spectacular room is the concert hall made by Mikhail Makaroff in 1869, which can host up to 400 people. The baron hired the services of an orchestra with 70 musicians.
Its gardens are full of rare and interesting species as well as a traditional Russian wooden dwelling known as an izba. Today the park is also the location of the University of Nice's Faculty of Science.
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When to come
The park is open during school hours, from 08:00 to 18:00.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Nice
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The Alps self-guided motorbike tour
A bike trip for advanced riders, where you can enjoy some of the most scenic roads of the French Alps.
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Road bike hire
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
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Motorbike day tour
A fantastic way to experience the breathtaking scenery of the South of France.
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Sunset Boat Trip
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
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Motorbike hire
Based in Nice, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Solar Powered Boat Trip
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Nice
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Restaurant des Rois, Beaulieu Sur Mer
The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.
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Le Chantecler Restaurant
In a Regency-style dining room decorated with magnificent 18th century woodwork, Jean-Denis Rieubland proposes two menus, "Découverte" and "Chantecler".
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Ô Saveurs Du Marché Restaurant
Fresh, seasonal produce bought at the local markets is at the centre of this restaurant's culinary offering.
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L'Aromate Restaurant
New premises in 2018 have become the lair of Chef Mickaël Gracieux.
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Cote Marais Restaurant, Vieux Nice
In a cosy and warm atmosphere and a charming decor, Coté Marais restaurant offers a French cuisine cooked to perfection.
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Les Sens Restaurant
Traditional yet modern this French restaurant prides itself on good, friendly service and delicious fresh cuisine.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in Nice
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Le Bar du Negresco
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
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Les Compagnons de la Grappe
The wine cellar specialises in rare wines and old vintages while the restaurant sits 45 people.
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Cave Wilson Restaurant, Nice Centre
This is one of the oldest jazz bars on the Mediterranean - been around since 1904. The atmosphere in Cave Wilson is very pleasant, and Antoine, the owner, offers excellent wine with a plate of cheeses, bread and quality music.
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Master Home Nightclub
Right on the corner of the Place du Palais de Justice is a little cluster of bars, our favourite of which is Master Home.
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Nomad Bar, Vieux Nice
Located in Vieux Nice, this bar serves breakfast, lunch, tapas and drinks. A great place to soak up the sun while enjoying a meal.
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La Havane Live Jazz
If you are looking for something a little different then this bar could be for you - you will be transported to a different country!
Beaches nearby
Beaches in Nice
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Promenade des Anglais Beach
This long stretch of pebble beach in Nice runs along the Baie des Anges and is backed by the Promenade des Anglais.
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Plage des Bains Militaires Beach
The name might sound a bit intimidating but Bains Militaires is actually quite a nice quiet beach, away from the hustle and bustle of Nice centre.
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La Plage de Coco Beach
The glamorously named Coco Beach is more of a launchpad into the deep blue sea than a true beach.
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Plage de la Darse Beach
Plage de la Darse is a secret beach, hidden from view and discretely signposted. It never gets very busy because so few people know that it’s there - so keep it on the down-low if you plan to head here.
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Plage de Lenval Beach
This public beach sits at the western end of the Promenade des Anglais and is situated near the Lenval hospital.
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Plage des Mariniers Beach
The main beach at Villefranche is one of the best located for easy access and convenient facilities. Situated right next to the charming old port area and just a few minutes walk from the old town, there are both bus and train stops nearby.
Sights nearby
Sights in Nice
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Chateau & Parc Valrose
This lovely 10 hectare park is home to a Neo-Gothic 19th-century castle, built for a Russian aristocrat with the most luxurious interior of painted frescoes and chandeliers.
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Sainte-Jeanne d'Arc Church
This modern church dedicated to Joan of Arc was built in the 1920s in an Art Deco style with a large white central dome surrounded by three smaller domes.
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Musee et Site Archeologiques Nice-Cemenelum Museum
This museum moved to its current location in 1989 though it has been open since 1960. It houses a variety of objects, from ancient times to the Middle Ages, including the Roman town of Cemenelum.
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Marc Chagall National Museum
Housing the largest collection of the Russian painter, Marc Chagall, the Chagall museum is one of Nice's top attractions.
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Matisse Museum
A small collection of some of Matisse's works and items from his own personal collection and that of his descendants are housed in an impressive 17th century Genoese mansion.
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Cimiez Arena and Gardens
A lovely 3 hectares park in Nice, very close to the Matisse Museum and the Cimiez Monastery, with ancient olive trees.
Golf-clubs nearby
Golf Courses in Nice
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Royal Mougins Golf Course
Founded in 1993, the Royal Mougins Golf Club is a course of exceptional quality. Designed by world-famous American architect, the late Robert von Hagge, the par 71, 18-hole course extends for 6,004 m through a lush, wooded vale.
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Cannes-Mougins Golf Country Course
The Cannes-Mougins Golf Club provides all features you are expecting from a modern golf within an historical environment. The Cannes Country Club was founded in 1923 by a group of illustrious gentlemen such as Aga Khan, Prince Pierre of Monaco and Baron Edouard de Rothschild.
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Le Provencal Golf Course, Biot
The route goes up and down hills through pines and cork oaks, shrubs and flowers, with large undulating greens and meets the expectations of any golfer.
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Saint Donat Golf Course, Grasse
This beautifully situated golf club has two courses, one 18 hole and one 9 hole, plus a practice range and practice bunker.
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Old Course Golf Course, Cannes-Mandelieu
The Cannes-Mandelieu Old Race golf course was drawn and traced by Harry Colt in 1891 at the request of Grand Duke Michel of Russia.
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Golf Course de Villeneuve-Loubet, Villeneuve Loubet
A great course for beginners to experienced players, slightly hilly, the greens are linked in a calm and exotic atmosphere in the heart of the Riviera.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Nice
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Cimiez
High up above the hot crowds of Nice is a tranquil oasis with shady trees, panoramic views and, if you’re lucky, a cool breeze. Off the typical tourist trail, Cimiez lies about 2km north east of the centre of Nice.
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Cap de Nice
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.
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Villefranche-sur-Mer
Just to the east of Nice lies the coastal town of Villefranche-sur-Mer; with its little cobblestone lanes and 16th century citadel.
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Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is filled with Belle Époque buildings, cafés and restaurants.
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Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Sitting on a beautiful rocky peninsula of pine trees and palms just to the east of Nice is Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This area is the epitome of elegance and old Riviera glamour: from the small, chic harbour to the palatial gated villas and magnificent gardens of celebrities, oligarchs and famous family dynasties.
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Eze
A wonderful medieval village, Eze is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Riviera with a ruined 12th century castle at its pinnacle. It's actually split into two very distinct areas - Eze-Sur-Mer and Eze Village.