Parc de la Colline du Chateau
(Castle of Nice)

The amazing Chateau is one of the top tourist attractions of Nice and is adored by the locals. Now a public park where young and old meet with picnic baskets and a bottle of wine to share during warm evenings, game of petanque, morning exercise or a walk with a dog. Don’t visit just once, experience the place early in the morning and at dusk for different perspectives and of course for the most beautiful photos of Nice you will get to take.

The highlights include the artificial waterfall Cascade Dijon and Cemetery divided into 3 sections, a Jewish section, a Protestant section and a Catholic section. One of the most beautiful cemeteries in France, it is a great place to wander around and visit the tombs of famous characters buried here, or just looking at some of the best memorials in Europe.

The park is a great spot to bring your kids to, read more in the articles dedicated to activities with children.

The Greeks colonised the hill about 500 BC for two obvious reasons, it’s strategic position allowed them to spot any enemies coming from the sea or by land and with a natural spring on the top of the hill they had a source of drinking water. The Greeks named it victory – Nike (later renamed Nizza and Nice) and built a castle and village. The popular village got very crowded, so the habitants got transferred to what is today known as the ‘Old Town’ and the Chateau was used for military purpose only.

Nice was constantly under an attack, but the Chateau stood proud and untouched until 1705 when it was lost in battle to Louis the XIV who gave orders to dismantle the heroic castle, fortress and village, stones from which were used to pave up Promenade des Anglais.

Address: Rue des Ponchettes – Rue de Foresta – Montée Montfort – 06300 NICE
Opening hours: 8:30-18:00 from 01/10 to 31/03 and then 8:30-20:00 from 01/04 to 30/09