{"id":11564,"date":"2024-05-21T00:16:07","date_gmt":"2024-05-20T22:16:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/visit-parc-colline-chateau-nice\/"},"modified":"2026-02-19T18:12:39","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T17:12:39","slug":"visit-parc-colline-chateau-nice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/en\/visit-parc-colline-chateau-nice\/","title":{"rendered":"Parc de la Colline du Ch\u00e2teau (Nice): visit + photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Visiting Nice and looking for a green space to fill your lungs with fresh air<\/strong>? Direction the Castle hill Park<\/strong>! This 19-hectare estate offered us a sublime view over the Baie des Anges, and is just a stone’s throw from the old town and port. An ideal spot for a stroll<\/strong> or a picnic<\/strong>!Here are some useful tips<\/strong> for planning your visit to the Parc de la Colline du Ch\u00e2teau in Nice.<\/p>\n\n

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This guide is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Is a visit to Castle Hill Park worthwhile?<\/h2>\n\n

Yes, Nice’s Castle Hill Park is well worth a visit. We went there to fill our lungs! It’s an ideal place to relax in the open air. The panorama was quite exceptional once we reached the top.<\/p>\n\n

This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nice<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

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What you can see<\/h2>\n\n

The 2 park entrances<\/h3>\n\n
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If you’re ready to climb the 500 steps of the Escalier Lesage, the entrance on the south-west side of the park is close to the Promenade des Anglais and the Nice sundial. On this side, an elevator also gave us access to the park. The 2nd entrance is at the top of Mont\u00e9e Montfort to the north of the park, near the cemeteries and parking lot.<\/p>\n\n

Exceptional views of the city and bay<\/h3>\n\n
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Climbing up the elevator or stairs on the Promenade des Anglais side, we first enjoyed an exceptional view of Old Nice, the Baie des Anges and the promenade.<\/p>\n\n

The Bellanda Tower and its panorama<\/h3>\n\n
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You’ll then arrive at the Bellanda Tower, erected in 1826. It stands on the site of the former Tour Saint-Elme, destroyed when the fortress was dismantled in the early 18th century. Overlooking the Escalier Lesage and its 500 steps from the seafront promenade, this tower is now an art exhibition venue and, above all, a great place to admire the view!<\/p>\n\n

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The rolling hinterland loomed in the distance, the blue of the clear sky blending with the azure of the sea. An image engraved in our memory! Educational panels helped us understand how the landscape in front of us has changed over time. Fluctuating sea levels, eroding mountains and shifting rivers have all shaped the landscape over the years.<\/p>\n\n

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WHERE TO STAY IN Nice<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the waterfront, with sea view:Anantara Hotel<\/strong> – See prices, photos and availability<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the new town, close to the sea:Hotel Apollinaire<\/strong>, elegant and bright – See prices, photos and availability<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the old town, with all the charm: AparthotelAMMI Vieux Nice<\/strong> very practical and pleasant – see prices, photos and availability <\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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See our complete selection of the best hotels in Nice<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See available accommodation for your dates >>.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Castle ruins<\/h3>\n\n
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Climb the stone staircases to reach the castle ruins. Did you know that these ruins are the cradle of Nice, an ancient site fortified by the Celto-Ligurians? In the 3rd century BC, the Phocaean Greeks settled here and established a trading post. We have learned that Nice (formerly “Nikaia”, the Greek name of the goddess of victory) was occupied by the Romans at the beginning of the Christian era. It was then that the medieval city was born! It was on this hill that the ancient Cathedral of Sainte-Marie was built. You’ll notice that this no longer exists, having been replaced in Vieux Nice by the Sainte-R\u00e9parate Cathedral<\/a>, restored and enlarged over the centuries to accommodate more worshippers.<\/p>\n\n

The Cascade de la Colline, refreshing and surprising<\/h3>\n\n
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Take the time to refresh yourself by admiring the beautiful Cascade de la Colline after climbing a few more stone steps. Built on the former castle keep, it’s a sight to behold! The cascade is fed by water from the V\u00e9subie canal, built at the end of the 19th century.<\/p>\n\n

Location of medieval towers and terraces<\/h3>\n\n
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If you’re looking for exceptional views of the surrounding area, you’ve come to the right place! A number of destroyed medieval towers, such as Tours Saint-Victor and Saint-Charles, have given way to beautifully refurbished stone terraces.<\/p>\n\n

Remains of the “castrum” wall, medieval tower<\/h3>\n\n
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After walking along the stone and gravel path, you’ll come to the remains of the castrum wall in local limestone. Can you see the impact of the cannonball on this wall?<\/p>\n\n

The traditional firing of the Nice cannon<\/h3>\n\n
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Did you know that the cannon shot that you’ll hear every lunchtime is fired from the Colline du Ch\u00e2teau? It surprised us the 1st time, but we’re getting used to it, so don’t panic! A tradition that dates back to the 19th century and continues to this day (with a real cannon nowadays), every day except July 14th.<\/p>\n\n

Floor frescoes and mosaics<\/h3>\n\n
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Stone staircases with fairly wide steps then lead you to new terraces and viewpoints. Look up to see the blue sky and the trees above you, but don’t forget to look down. You’ll notice beautiful stone mosaics…<\/p>\n\n

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Do you recognize these scenes from Greek mythology? Inherited from the Greeks who settled on this hill several centuries BC, we were surprised to (re)discover Homer’s Odyssey transcribed in stone mosaic on this stepped floor. Curiosities lurk everywhere in this magnificent park, the city’s green lung!<\/p>\n\n

The remains of the medieval cathedral<\/h3>\n\n
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Continue your tour in search of the wonders of this verdant park full of surprises. You’ll then come face to face with more colorful mosaics, heralding the remains of the medieval cathedral dedicated to Saint Mary, rebuilt in the Middle Ages.<\/p>\n\n

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A virtual reconstruction helped us visualize the 1st cathedral built in the 11th century, then the site of the church rebuilt in the 15th century, enlarged with the addition of a vault and bell tower. Stone remains are still visible on the historic site, as you can see from the picture.<\/p>\n\n

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OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN \nProvence<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n