Castle / Ruins Sights in Nice — 8 of Our Favourites

The scale of the scenery up here is just breathtaking; looking out from the front of the castle you can see the peninsula of Cap Ferrat jutting out to your far left with the bay of Villefranche-Sur-Mer curving round below the cliffs, just a few strides to the other side of the castle and the city of Nice unfolds beneath you. The fabulous views of the coastline stretch from Cap d’Antibes in the west all the way to Bordighera (Italy) in the east and on a clear day you can just about make out Corsica in the distance.

The condition of the fort is really very impressive - we’re not talking about a ruin here, it is a fully intact building where you can literally walk up the steps to the massive wooden front-door (although you are advised not to stand on the drawbridge). Look up to the turrets and you’ll see the sun glinting off the beautiful coloured tiles that overlap like fish scales, then stroll all around the fort to see the towers and crenellations.

It was originally a medieval defence tower built onto an old acropolis which was destroyed during the reign of Louis XIV. It was transformed in 1825 into a belvedere decorated with mosaics depicting Greek motifs.

Although closed, you can enjoy its beautiful exterior and the breathtaking views of the sea from its terrace.

Built in 1300 by Rainier Grimaldi as a military stronghold, this castle dominates the small medieval quarter of Haut de Cagnes and can be seen from miles around. Chateau Grimaldi was transformed in 1620 by Jean-Henri Grimaldi into more of a palatial residence than a defensive fort. Acquired by Cagnes-Sur-Mer in 1937 it was turned into a museum and declared a historic monument in 1948; as well as retaining many original architectural features it also houses a small museum dedicated to olive farming, with traditional tools on display.

As well as the ever-changing contemporary art exhibitions there is also a permanent collection dedicated to Suzy Solidor - singer, muse and actress extraordinaire of the 1930’s. She set out on a mission to become the most painted woman of all time and amassed a collection of over 200 portraits of herself; in a not-at-all-narcissistic gesture she kindly donated 40 of them to the chateau on the condition that they never be separated and that they remain on permanent display in a room of her choice.

Once you’ve perused the olive museum and art exhibitions you should make your way up to the tower; the views stretch out for miles in all directions from mountains to sea across the red-tiled rooftops of Cagnes-Sur-Mer and beyond. The tower is sometimes closed in windy weather but if it’s open, it’s worth a look.

The castle was built in Medieval times but was taken down completely at the command of Louis XIV in 1706. A park was created here in 1829 and has since been expanded to produce a great space for all the family, wth paths, children's play areas, toilets, restaurants and gift shops. It's a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.

It is easily accessible from the old town via a lift (or steps if you'd like to enjoy a picturesque walk). The views from the top are wonderful.

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.

Built in 1557, the citadel now houses the Town Hall, a convention centre, three museums and an open-air theatre.

Also within the old stone walls is a collection of bronze and copper sculptures by the artist Volti.

Designed by architects Charles and Marcel Dalmas its prestigious inauguration included an impressive line up of celebrities and politicians from France and abroad, all invited as guests of American billionaires Franck and Florence Gould.

From the unveiling of the Art Deco façade, the early 20th century visitors marvelled at the sculpting of Satori, the white marbled, lobby, the massive staircase, the stained glass windows, precious woods and sparkling crystal chandeliers.

Hailed as a gaming palace, the Casino rooms enjoyed some of the most stunning views over the Mediterranean through enormous picture windows.

A 1,000-seat theatre attracted the greatest names in the world of Arts and Entertainment, among them Maurice Chevaliers, Jules Romain, Edith Piaf and Josephine Baker. After the glitz of the roaring 20s and subsequent glamour of the 30s, the grandeur of the Palais declined little by little until it eventually closed its doors in April of 1978.

The building was demolished with the exception of the façade which was a listed monument.

It was renovated and converted into a luxury five star hotel in 2004.

The date of its construction remains uncertain, but what is certain is the building was used as residence by the Dukes of Savoy during their constant visits and stays in Nice for 250 years (from 1610 to 1860). Hence, it was called the Royal Palace, the Palace of the Dukes of Savoy or the Palace of the Kings of Sardinia. Since 1861 until now it has been accommodating the headquarters of the Prefecture of the Maritime Alps Department of France (Prefecture des Alpes-Maritimes).

Architecturally speaking, the current Prefecture Palace does not retain much of the former Palais Royal. In fact, the repeated restoration works carried out throughout the centuries have screened or completely removed most of the original architectural elements. In spite of this evidence, certain sections of the edifice (the main staircase, the façade and the roof, for instance) do enjoy the statute of historical monument (declared as such in 1996).