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Cimiez

A tranquil oasis sat on the hillside above Nice with great views

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Nice
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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.

Cimiez, an historic neighbourhood up on the hill behind Nice, is renowned for splendid Belle Époque architecture, its Roman ruins and its famous residents, Henri Matisse and Queen Victoria. You can reach Cimiez by taking the local bus no.15 from Nice, or take the lovely stroll uphill from the train station - it's not a strenuous walk and should take you about 20 mins, taking you past some wonderful buildings and gardens.

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  1. History & Culture in Nice
  2. Sights & Attractions in Nice
  3. Beaches in Nice
  4. Dining in Nice
  5. Events in Nice
  6. Things to do in Nice
  7. Cycling in Nice
  8. Hiking in Nice
  9. Yachts & Sailing in Nice
  10. Watersports in Nice
  11. Families in Nice
  12. Nightlife in Nice
  13. Villas in Nice
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  15. Hotels in Nice
  16. Campsites in Nice
  17. How to get to Nice
  18. Property For Sale in Nice

History & Culture in Nice

Franciscan monks have been enjoying the serenity of Cimiez since the 16th century; the monastery houses hundreds of works of art and historical documents including the Pietà, Crucifixion and Deposition, by the Renaissance Italian artist Ludovico Brea, but the main draw is the beautiful gardens that look out over Nice and the surrounding hills.

Cimiez was once known as Cemenelum and was a Roman settlement. The ancient ruins are part of the nearby archaeological museum, which is free to enter and includes a Roman arena, amphitheatre, thermal baths, and paleochristian basilica. Inside the museum are many typical Roman artifacts as well as a rather jolly collection of headstones, coffins and burial paraphernalia.

More recent history can be seen in the splendid Belle Époque architecture; a calling card from the glamorous aristocrats that favoured Cimiez towards the end of the 19th century. The best examples can be found on Boulevard de Cimiez and Avenue de Arènes de Cimiez. Queen Victoria was fond of staying at the Hotel Regina when she was in town; there is a statue of her at the entrance, even though it is no longer a hotel.

Sights & Attractions in Nice

Most people come to Cimiez to visit the Musée Matisse, a grand 17th century mansion that the artist lived in for many years. The museum displays many of his major works and is free to enter. If you're interested in art then the wonderful Chagall museum is nearby as well.

Cimiez was once a Roman settlement known as Cemenelum; you can see ruins, baths and the ancient amphitheatres in the grounds of the archaeological museum. There is also a 16th century Franciscan monastery, housing hundreds of works of art and a smalll museum with a beautiful garden overlooking the hills of Nice.

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If you’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle of Nice and are in need of some quiet repose, bring a picnic and spend a few lazy hours in the park overlooking the coast below, lounging under the shade of the olive trees or strolling round the rose gardens.

The park is popular with locals and often hosts music concerts and other events during the summer evenings.

Cimiez boasts beautiful architecture, the best examples of the Belle Époque style can be found on Boulevard de Cimiez and Avenue de Arènes de Cimiez, including the old Hotel Regina where both Queen Victoria and Matisse stayed.

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How to get to Nice

Buses 15, 17, 20, 22 and 25 all stop nearby at “Arenes”, or it takes about half an hour from Place Garibaldi on foot. Our advice is to get the bus uphill and then stroll back down the Boulevard de Cimiez to have a gander at all the grand residences.

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