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.
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- History & Culture in Nice
- Sights & Attractions in Nice
- Beaches in Nice
- Dining in Nice
- Events in Nice
- Things to do in Nice
- Cycling in Nice
- Hiking in Nice
- Yachts & Sailing in Nice
- Watersports in Nice
- Families in Nice
- Nightlife in Nice
- Villas in Nice
- Holidays Rentals in Nice
- Hotels in Nice
- Campsites in Nice
- How to get to Nice
- 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have been enjoying the serenity of Cimiez since the 16th century; the monastery houses hundreds of works of art and historical documents including the Pietà, Crucifixion and Deposition, by the Renaissance Italian artist Ludovico Brea, but the main draw is the beautiful gardens that look out over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.
Sights in Nice
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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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Modern & contemporary art Museum
The museum of modern and contemporary art was opened in 1990 and features artworks from the 1960s to the present day.
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Musee de Paleontologie Humaine de Terra Amata
The museum of palaeontology is located on the excavation site of the Terra Amata where there is evidence of human inhabitation going back 400,000 years.
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Natural History Museum
Founded by Jean Baptiste Barla in 1850 (locals know it as Museum Barla), this museum showcases a rich collection of zoological, botanical and geological specimens.
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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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Volti Museum
The sculptor, Antoniucci Volti, was born in Italy in 1915 but his family lived in Villefranche-sur-Mer. His collection is housed in the town's 16th-century citadel.
Beaches in Nice
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 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.
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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.
Dining in Nice
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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HANgout Restaurant
Modern open kitchen serving French creative and inventive seasonal cuisine with a twist of Japan.
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Le 111 Restaurant, Nice Centre
The restaurant Le 111 offers a gourmet interlude in a contemporary and cosy atmosphere. Its stone walls and soft lighting give an undeniable charm to the place. In the kitchen, the chef will delight you with its traditional French cuisine, market fresh and home made.
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Olive & Artichaut Restaurant, Vieux Nice
Small and cosy restaurant in the middle of the old city of Nice. The kitchen is open space and right in the middle of the room for everybody to see the chefs cooking.
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Le Tire Bouchon Restaurant
Sophisticated intimate dining rooms and an attractive terrace on a narrow pedestrian street.
Events in Nice
Events in Nice
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Beaulieu Classic Festival
The Beaulieu Classic Festival showcases both local and international talent set in the most mythical and enchanting surroundings on the French Riviera.
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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.
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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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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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Carnaval de Nice
The 'Carnaval de Nice' almost rivals Rio with its extravagant and colourful parades down the Promenade des Anglais.
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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Motorbike day tour
A fantastic way to experience the breathtaking scenery of the South of France.
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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 hire
Based in Nice, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore 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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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.
Cycling in Nice
Cycling Routes in Nice
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Mont Lauze Cycle Route
This intense little loop packs quite a lot into a short ride, taking you up to the serenity of the high mountains and back down to the hustle of the seafront in just 30km.
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La Grande Corniche Cycle Route
La Grande Corniche is one of the classic cycle routes of the Riviera and this ride takes you from the heart of Nice all the way to Menton on the Italian border and back.
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Aspremont Tourette Falicon Cycle Route
This half-day ride takes you on a panoramic tour via four of the region’s famous sixteen “perched villages” - ancient towns built high amongst the mountains of the Alpes-Maritime. There is a fair bit of climbing involved in this ride, 1500m over just under 60km, but there are also plenty of long flowing descents where you can drink in the magnificent views of mountains in one direction and sea in the other. The biggest climb is the first one up to Aspremont, so once you’ve nailed that you can relax and take the rest nice and easy.
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Col de Vence Cycle Route
A challenging ride up a steep mountain pass to a summit of 963m, the Col de Vence is a classic cycling route of the Cote d’Azur. Starting from Nice along the Promenade des Anglais, follow the cycle path past the airport to Cagnes-Sur-Mer; you’ll know you’ve reached Cagnes-Sur-Mer when you come to a long stretch of seafront and a dangling rhinoceros (you’ll understand when you see it), turn right up Avenue General Leclerc - it’s the second road after the church.
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Col de la Madone de Gorbio Cycle Route
When Lance Armstrong describes a training route as “mythical” you know it’s not going to be easy…
Hiking in Nice
Walking Routes in Nice
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Promenade du Paillon Walk in Nice
Nice’s flagship urban park covers 12 hectares in the heart of the city, just a few minutes walk from Promenade des Anglais. Promenade du Paillon used to be a very congested and rather ugly thoroughfare where the old bus station and multi storey car park were situated. It was demolished in 2011 and a 3 year development project took place to turn it into the oasis of green open space, safe play areas and impressive water features that we enjoy today.
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A short leisurely hike near Coco beach
This is the shortest and most easily accessible of the Sentier Littoral walks; making it easy to fit into a quiet afternoon when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Nice town.
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Villefranche Sur Mer to Cap de Nice
This rugged coastal footpath runs from Villefranche-Sur-Mer all the way to Nice, providing excellent views of the harbour and lots of opportunities for secluded swimming and sunbathing along the way.
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Circuit de la Rade
Leave the old town of Villefranche-sur-mer and escape into the wooded hills as far down as Cap Ferrat. Take a tour of the old city via Rue Obscure, a shady path the winds its way through vaulted cellars from the old harbor.
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Sentier Littoral : Tour du Cap Ferrat
This easily accessible promenade starts at the Port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and finishes at Plage de Passable, taking you right around the peninsula of this beautiful coastline.
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Hike from Nice along the Plateau St Michel
This is a fairly easy but rewarding hike starting from Eze-sur-Mer and finishing in Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, both villages are on the train and bus line.
Yachts & Sailing in Nice
Watersports in Nice
Watersports in Nice
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Parasailing, Villefranche Sur Mer
Fly at 50 metres above the sea by yourself or with friends security attached, enjoy a spectacular view of the gorgeous Baie des Anges, mountains and surroundings.
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Jet Evasion Watersports
Located on Carras beach in Nice, Jet Evasion rents licence-free jet skis & sea scooters.
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Cap Ferrat Diving School
Whichever excursion you choose, you will be closer to discovering the many secrets of the underwater world.
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Nikaia Watersports
The beach front of Nice is the best place for watersports and situated at the heart of the city front is the company Nikaia Watersports.
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Club Nautique de Nice
Rowing, power boating and sailing. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, whether you prefer a leisure or competitive approach, the club offers its resources, its equipment, its fleet (except for power boating).
Families in Nice
Nightlife in Nice
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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La Cave Nature Restaurant
In a simple and relaxed atmosphere, La Cave Nature is a place of tasting organic wines and specialities of the house such as sandwiches, Mediterranean products freshly prepared, and tastings of cheeses and Italian delicatessen.
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Shapko Bar
Originally set up by Russian jazz musician Dimitri Shapko, this venue plays host to local and international jazz, soul and R&B.
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Casino de Beaulieu
Reopened in December 2014 and restored to its original elegance with a touch of modern glamour this is 'must see' building as well as fantastic entertainment venue.
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AMF Acropolis Bowling
Located behind the Acropolis, the AMF centre is one of the largest bowling alleys in France.
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High Club Nightclub
This night club is one of the highest rated discos in Nice. Some of the most reputed DJs are constantly invited here to perform to the satisfaction of the public thrown in a raving dancing trance.
Villas in Nice
Villas in Nice
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Hsud0034 Villa, La Gaude
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
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Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
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Hsud0145 Villa
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
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Hsud0058 Villa, Saint Paul de Vence
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
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Aurelia Villa, Vence
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
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Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
Holidays Rentals in Nice
Holiday Rentals in Nice
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Hsud0058 Villa, Saint Paul de Vence
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
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Hsud0034 Villa, La Gaude
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
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Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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Hsud0081 Villa
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
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Aurelia Villa, Vence
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
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Hsud0145 Villa
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
Hotels in Nice
Hotels in Nice
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Le Mas de Pierre Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
This five-star Relais & Châteaux resort offers elegant rooms, exceptional facilities and a peaceful setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
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Suisse Hotel
The Hotel Suisse is ideally situated between right on the beach front and offers fantastic, uninterrupted sea views right in the heart of Nice.
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Cap-Ferrat Grand Hotel, Cap-Ferrat
Distinguished turn-of-the-century resort hotel with a sophisticated aura, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped 14-acre park.
Price: €42,940
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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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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.
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Le Saint Paul Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
Tucked inside the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, Hotel Le Saint Paul offers timeless charm, artistic flair, and refined hospitality in a Relais & Châteaux setting.
Campsites in Nice
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 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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Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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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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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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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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Villa for Sale
Co-Exclusive: Mont Boron - located just 2 km from the Mediterranean Sea, this magnificent 306 sq m art deco villa enjoys breathtaking views of Nice and the sea. Facing southwest, it offers an exceptional living environment.
Price: €2,995,000
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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
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