{"id":9712,"date":"2024-02-16T20:22:21","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T19:22:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/visit-tour-saint-francois-nice\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T09:46:41","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T08:46:41","slug":"visit-tower-saint-francois-nice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/en\/visit-tower-saint-francois-nice\/","title":{"rendered":"Saint-Fran\u00e7ois Tower (Nice): visit + photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Out and about in the capital of the French Riviera? With its mix of Italian influence, Belle \u00c9poque architecture and nature, Nice has a lot to offer! Visit the Saint-Fran\u00e7ois Tower<\/strong> in the heart of Vieux Nice and climb up to admire the best views of the city!Here are some useful tips<\/strong> for planning your visit to the Saint-Fran\u00e7ois Tower in Nice on the C\u00f4te d’Azur.<\/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 the Saint-Fran\u00e7ois Tower in Vieux Nice worthwhile?<\/h2>\n\n

Yes, the Saint-Fran\u00e7ois 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.<\/p>\n\n

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<\/a>. The Tour Saint-Fran\u00e7ois has been a listed historic monument since 1993.<\/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

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

Italian-influenced architecture<\/h3>\n\n

As soon as you arrive in front of the Saint-Fran\u00e7ois 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.<\/p>\n\n

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The clock<\/h3>\n\n

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-Fran\u00e7ois, 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.<\/p>\n\n

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The stairs<\/h3>\n\n

The Tour Saint-Fran\u00e7ois 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.<\/p>\n\n

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Inside the tower<\/h3>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

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The bell<\/h3>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

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Splendid 360-degree views<\/h3>\n\n

From the top of the Tour Saint-Fran\u00e7ois, 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<\/a> in the distance!You’ll also be able to make out the dome of the Cath\u00e9drale Sainte-R\u00e9parate<\/a>, as in the photo below, and the legendary Belle \u00c9poque-style H\u00f4tel Excelsior R\u00e9gina Palace<\/a>, where Queen Victoria stayed.Or perhaps you’ll find the homes of stars such as the famous artist Elton John nestling in the heights?<\/p>\n\n

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Saint-Fran\u00e7ois Tower in Nice: how to get there<\/h2>\n\n

Where to find the Saint-Fran\u00e7ois Tower<\/h3>\n\n