Out and about in the capital of the French Riviera? With its mix of Italian influence, Belle Époque architecture and nature, Nice has a lot to offer! Visit the Saint-François Tower in the heart of Vieux Nice and climb up to admire the best views of the city!
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Saint-François Tower in Nice on the Côte d’Azur.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to the Saint-François Tower in Vieux Nice worthwhile?
Yes, the Saint-François Tower in the Vieux Nice district is well worth a visit. Standing 50m high, it was originally installed in the 13th century. It was completely rebuilt in the 18th century to serve as a bell tower for the former Franciscan convent, of which only vestiges remain today. To this day, the tower is well preserved and has undergone several restoration works.
This is one of the most beautiful Baroque sites to visit in Nice. In fact, we listed it in our article on the best things to do in the city. The Tour Saint-François has been a listed historic monument since 1993.
What you can see
Italian-influenced architecture
As soon as you arrive in front of the Saint-François Tower, you’ll notice the details that reveal the influence of the Baroque architectural style born in post-Renaissance Italy. On the last part of the tower, where the clock is located, take time to admire the friezes and ornamentation reminiscent of Baroque monuments in Rome, Florence or Turin. The bell tower was built in the 18th century and acquired by the commune in 1798 after the French Revolution, followed by the desertion of the Franciscan convent.
The clock
You won’t want to miss the clock on the top of the building. The bell tower was converted into a clock tower between 1837 and 1841, with a one-storey addition and the installation of a bell. Did you know that it was designed by architect Joseph Vernier, who had it manufactured in the Jura region in 1839? At the time, the only public clock in the area was at the Rusca Tower, a 10-minute walk from the Tour Saint-François, so it was added to extend to the eastern quarters of the old town. It thus became a “campanile” bell tower, typical of Italian Renaissance buildings.
The stairs
The Tour Saint-François is famous for its bell tower and clock, but the staircase to the top is also the talk of the town! We climbed almost 300 steps to reach the top and enjoy a splendid view of the city and its surroundings. So, are you ready to take on the challenge of this spiral staircase?
The panoramic tower will be inaugurated in 2019, with this metal spiral staircase to facilitate visits.
Inside the tower
As you climb the steps inside, take short breaks to get a taste of the view through the small windows. You’ll notice a difference as you approach the top. At the time of its construction, the tower comprised only a cupola and a cross, which were later dismantled. When architect Joseph Vernier rebuilt the building in the 19th century, he removed the cupola, transformed it into a square tower and added a campanile to house the future bell.
The bell
Congratulations, you’ve reached the summit after climbing the 288 steps! Catch your breath and admire the bell in front of you before turning towards the view. It was cast by a Genoese foundryman in the 19th century. Its Baroque bell tower is reminiscent of that of Turin’s Superga Basilica, designed by Italian architect Filippo Juvara. Do you know how much this marvel weighs? Weighing in at over 1,500kg, this majestic bell stands tall before you! For those who know some Latin, take a closer look. It is engraved “Pour sonner au loin les heures” in Latin.
Splendid 360-degree views
From the top of the Tour Saint-François, we enjoyed exquisite panoramic views over the whole of Nice. On the horizon, with a clear blue sky, we could even see Cap d’Antibes in the distance!
You’ll also be able to make out the dome of the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, as in the photo below, and the legendary Belle Époque-style Hôtel Excelsior Régina Palace, where Queen Victoria stayed.
Or perhaps you’ll find the homes of stars such as the famous artist Elton John nestling in the heights?
Saint-François Tower in Nice: how to get there
Where to find the Saint-François Tower
- At 3, ruelle Saint-André in Nice
- From Nice-City station = 30min walk and 15min drive
- Located in the Old Nice district
Access by car and parking
The Saint-François Tower is located in the Old Nice district, where most streets are pedestrianized. Access by car is reserved for local residents.
If you’re driving, we recommend parking at the Parking des Arts near the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain de Nice (MAMAC). It’s a 5-minute walk from the tower, with vehicle entrance at 18 Avenue Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Public transport access
- Tramway: line 1 (Cathédrale Vieille-Ville stop)
- Bus: lines 8, 11, 14, 52, 59, 70 (stop Cathédrale Vieille-Ville or JC Bermond)
Access on organized tours
Nice’s Saint-François Tower is one of the must-see sites in Nice. You can choose to go there on your own, or include it in an organized tour with a guide, for example:
- With a digital audioguide to explore Old Nice – see program and availability
- Hop-on Hop-off Nice Le Grand Tour bus (get off at the Cathédrale/Vieille Ville stop) – reserve your ticket
- Electric velotaxi private tour – discover the activity
Visiting difficulties
The visit can be quite difficult, as the staircase is a little narrow. Note that there are almost 300 steps to climb to reach the top and enjoy the views. Once at the top, there’s not much room to “walk” around the bell on the small balcony.
The site is not at all accessible to people with reduced mobility. We do not recommend going there with children. Children under the age of 7 are not allowed access to the tower.
DISCOVER Nice
- Best things to do in Nice
- Where to stay in Nice: 15 best hotels
- Where to eat in Nice: 20 best restaurants
- The 12 best museums in Nice
- Best beaches
- Visit the Palais Lascaris
- Visit the MAMAC Museum
- Visit the Museum of Photography
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days – 5 days – 7 days
- Rent a car in Nice (airport or train station)
- Most beautiful villages around Nice
Useful tips for visiting the Saint-François Tower
Schedules and prices
The tower is open:
- Fridays from 7 to 10 pm
- Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Price list:
- Full price: €6
- Reduced: €2.50
- On-site payment is by credit card only, or at the Heritage Centre at 14, rue Jules Gilly. See the latest news on the city’s official website here.
How long
Allow 30min to 1h maximum to climb the steps and enjoy 360-degree views of Nice and the surrounding area.
Best moment
There are only a few slots to visit the Saint-François Tower. We recommend that you plan your visit for the morning opening, to avoid the crowds at weekends. It’s one of Nice’s must-visit sites, and while it’s likely to be crowded during the summer months, the Côte d’Azur is a popular destination all year round. So there will always be visitors.
Direction of visit
As you have to climb the stairs to reach the top of the tower and then come back down the same way at the end of your visit, the direction of the tour is “imposed”.
Eating out
There is no on-site dining area, and picnicking is not permitted inside or outside the site. As you’re right in the center of Nice, discover our selection of the city’s best restaurants.
Hotels
You’re right in the center of Nice. Here are our recommendations:
WHERE TO STAY IN Nice
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
On the waterfront, with sea view:
Anantara Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
In the new town, close to the sea:
Hotel Apollinaire, elegant and bright – See prices, photos and availability
In the old town, with all the charm:
AparthotelAMMI Vieux Nice very practical and pleasant – see prices, photos and availability
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO provence
Our articles are coming!
- Most beautiful cities in Provence (coming soon)
- Most beautiful beaches of Provence (coming soon)
- Most beautiful villages of Provence (to come)
- Most beautiful destinations in Provence (coming soon)
