Cimiez
A tranquil oasis sat on the hillside above Nice with great views
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.
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have been enjoying the serenity of Cimiez since the 16th century; the monastery houses hundreds of works of art and historical documents including the Pietà, Crucifixion and Deposition, by the Renaissance Italian artist Ludovico Brea, but the main draw is the beautiful gardens that look out over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.
Sights in Nice
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Promenade des Anglais
Just as Cannes has its Croisette, Nice has the Promenade des Anglais; 7km of beaches, palm trees, hotels, restaurants and bars.
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Palais Lascaris Museum
This grand noble residence dates to the early 17th century and was the property of the Lascaris-Vintimille family. It has an interesting collection of Baroque art and furniture.
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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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Cote d'Azur Observatory
This astronomical observatory is located on top of mont Gros. It was built in 1881 and was designed by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris Opera House, and Gustave Eiffel, the celebrated creator of the Eiffel Tower.
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Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
This impressive villa was built in 1906 by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. It overlooks the Mediterranean sea from Cap Ferrat and it is full of antique furniture, Old Master paintings, sculptures and a collection of rare porcelain, while the gardens are classified as Notable Gardens of France.
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Ferrero Gallery
Founded as a photographic studio in 1958, and opened as a gallery in 1972, Jean Ferrero exhibited works from the School of Nice and the New Realism genre.
Dining in Nice
Restaurants in Nice
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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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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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Ma Nolans Restaurant, Vieux Nice
Ma Nolan’s, Vieux Nice has a large inviting terrace, high vaulted ceilings, authentic bar counters and wooden floors.
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Salon de The de la Villa Ephrussy de Rotschild, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Set in the room that Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild’s used as a dining room, the tea room/restaurant's terrace overlooks the Bay of Villefranche. All day, you can break for a delicious snack in this calm oasis with an unrestricted view of the bay.
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Les Deux Canailles Restaurant, Nice Centre
Les Deux Canailles is an intimate and welcoming restaurant offering French cuisine, fresh and elegant, with a few Japanese touches.
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Le Passe Plat Restaurant
At the heart of the port of Nice, the young chef Anthony Coppet is proud to welcome you in his restaurant. He invites you to share his passion around a traditional cuisine which adds a touch of modernity and innovation according to his inspirations.
Events in Nice
Events in Nice
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Carnaval de Nice
The 'Carnaval de Nice' almost rivals Rio with its extravagant and colourful parades down the Promenade des Anglais.
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La Fete de Mai (Spring Festival)
The start of spring is celebrated every Sunday in May with a grand celebration in the Jardins de Cimiez.
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Marathon des Alpes Maritimes Nice-Cannes
This marathon takes place in the cooler autumn, starting in Nice and heading over a slightly varied route each year to the finish in the glamorous centre of Cannes.
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Le Salon du Mariage (wedding fair)
A date for the diary if you are planning a wedding. Here you will find a collection of marriage and wedding companies all under one roof.
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Live music at the Opéra de Nice
The wonderful Opéra de Nice venue, on the Promenade des Anglais in the old town of Nice, hosts some of the best classical music concerts in the French Riviera.
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'Un Festival C'est Trop Court' Short Film Festival
The festival is a much-anticipated event in the European cinematic calendar and has become a popular rendezvous for young creators.
Things to do in Nice
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.
Things To Do in Nice
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
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Motorbike day tour
A fantastic way to experience the breathtaking scenery of the South of France.
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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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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.
Hotels in Nice
Hotels in Nice
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Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau, Vence
Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a former 12th century Knights Templar Commandery with superb views over the sweep of the Côte d’Azur. A place of consummate natural beauty set in a 32 acre park, a high point on the French Riviera where sea and the mountains unite.
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Le Palais de la Mediterranee Hotel
Located on the famous Promenade des Anglais, this contemporary hotel features a casino, an indoor & outdoor pool and spa facilities.
Price: €4,945
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Le Chateau de la Chevre d'Or Hotel, Eze
Boasting remarkable sea views of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this luxurious hotel is listed among the 500 World's Best Hotels.
Price: €12,950
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Eza Chateau Hotel, Eze
Exquisite and intimate, the rooms and suites of Château Eze cling to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old Medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea.
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Royal Riviera Hotel, Beaulieu sur Mer
This hotel has been entirely renovated, combining the historical ambience of its past, plus the modern conveniences of an international luxury hotel.
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Windsor Hotel
Charming hotel with a secluded tropical garden set in the heart of Nice within a walking distance to the city's main attractions.
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.
Transfers for Nice
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Private airport transfers
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Property For Sale in Nice
Property for Sale in Nice
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Apartment for Sale
In one of the most sought-after neighborhoods of Nice, in the heart of the prestigious Cimiez district, come and discover this charming apartment located within a Belle Époque residence full of character, combining architectural elegance with an exceptional living environment.
Price: €259,000
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Villa for Sale
Located in the heart of the historic center of Nice, the Villa du Château de la Tour enjoys an exceptional location, just a 5-minute walk from the beach, restaurants, and the Museum of Fine Arts. This elegant townhouse stands out for its commanding position and rooftop terrace offering a pleasant view of the sea and the castle.
Price: €1,565,000
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Villa for Sale
Facing Villefranche harbour, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, this exceptional 1,200 sq m development is set in a rare and sought-after location. The result of an architectural project combining the elegance of the past with modernity, this property has planning permission to create a prestigious villa, incorporating a listed building.
Price: €9,500,000
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Villa for Sale
Overlooking the Mediterranean and enjoying a southwest exposure, this exceptional villa benefits from a privileged location, just steps away from the prestigious Grand-Hôtel Four Seasons in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Price: €22,900,000