THE CASTLE HILL

Nice

Once the cradle of the city, the hill of the Castle of Nice offers you an ideal walk with its undergrowth, its waterfall and its remains of the old fortification.
Discover the panoramic view of the Promenade des Anglais, the Old Nice and the port.
You can have a picnic in the shady alleys or enjoy the restaurant and the snack bar. For children, a playground and a garden are available.
In the summer, the castle's nocturnes are organized as well as other events. You can attend plays, concerts and dance performances. In August, you can see a theatrical reenactment of the traditional midday cannon fire!

The Castle Hill and its Park

View of the Cimiez monastery on the hill of Nice castle

19 hectares of greenery appreciated for the freshness of its undergrowth and its surprising waterfall, this place of walks offers a remarkable point of view on the Baie des Anges, the old town and the port.
Access to the site is free and open to all.

On site you will find :

• Landscaped walks
• Classified cemeteries
• Archaeological remains
• Thematic tour
• Games for children
• Restaurant, refreshment bar
• Paying toilets
• Drinking water fountains

Cascade of the Château de Nice

In the park you will find very few remains of the old fortification. The latter was destroyed under the orders of Louis XIV in 1706: total destruction of the fortification, the castle and also the cathedral.

Here is a representation of the Castle of Nice and its fortifications

Representation of the fortification of the castle of Nice

During your walk you will be able to see some fragments but it will be hard to see the monumental whole to which they belonged.

The history of the Château de Nice

The Colline du Château is a large park located on the seafront between the Port and Old Nice.
It was the site chosen by the Phocaean Greeks to establish their trading post and thus found the city of Nice, a few millennia ago. It is not known whether the Greek city of Nikaïa was located on top of the hill, but excavations have shown that it was occupied at the beginning of the Protohistoric period (definition on Wikipedia).

It takes its name from its monumental fortification. Destroyed in 1706 by the troops of Louis XIV, this place was the place of life of the medieval city. Later on, the dwellings spread out below in the Old Nice and the port.
Inside this fortification are the palace of the Counts of Provence and the Cathedral, discovered thanks to archaeological excavations.
A protected site since the 18th century, it contains in its subsoil the remains of this medieval town, but also of more ancient periods.

The Castle's nightlife

Castle Hill, its port

Throughout the summer, the "nocturnes du Château" take place.
Theater, music and dance take over the Cathedral Space on the Castle Hill.
Discover the program

Reconstruction of the noon gunshot

Every Sunday until October 3, 2021, come and watch the re-enactment of the famous 12 o'clock shot!
Discover this theatrical staging of the traditional cannon shot!
Discover the legend and the reconstruction >

Timetable for the firing of the cannon

11:45 - Every Sunday from 4 July to 3 October 2021 (except 15 and 22 August).

Tariff

Free of charge - Limited space, mask required.

Location

Located on the Nietzsche terrace in the Parc de la Colline du Château de Nice

How to get to the Castle Hill?

From Vieux-Nice, at the end of the Quai des Etats-Unis, you can get there on foot by the Lesage staircase or by the Art Deco style lift:
- free lift (rue des Ponchettes)
- rue Rossetti,
- montée Monica-Rondelly
- rue Catherine Ségurane

You have other means of access:
- Buses n°3, 7, 9, 10, 14/27, 81, 82, T32
- Little tourist train
- By car: Montfort rise, Eberlé rise,