Places to go

Cimiez

Founded by the Romans around 300 AD as the capital of the Province of Alpes Maritimes, Cimiez is now one of the most sought after residential hill side areas about a mile or so North of Nice.

It was a very enjoyable 45 minutes walk to reach the summit from Place du Pin via The Musée d'Art Moderne, the Acropolis and Avenue des Arènes flanked by luscious gardens around imposing villas some of which, in the past, had certainly enjoyed better days.

Half way up the hill a couple of benches under the shadow of umbrella type trees and a fresh water public pump welcomed us. Busses with happy tourists were whizzing by but we resisted the temptation of an easy ride.

The olive grove at the top of the plateau was struggling to hide the splash of colour of the Matisse Museum or the more severe roman amphitheatre, its baths and the modern Musée Archeologique. A leisurely walk around Les Jardins des Arènes took us to the Monastère de Cimiez. It was preserved and looked after by Franciscan monks for some 500 years, and the adjacent lovely garden offering breath-taking views over Nice.

On our way back we could not avoid le Regina: a sumptuous palace build by The Queen Victoria during the belle Époque. Donated to The city of Nice, it became a luxurious hotel and is now divided into apartments.