What are the best places to observe the city of Nice as a whole? Focus on panoramic views in Nice.
Like many places along the French Riviera, Nice offers a breathtaking view of its coastline and old town. It is not difficult to find breathtaking panoramas – some are free and require a climb, others are more luxurious and involve a drink. In any case, Nice has a configuration that allows you to admire the city from exceptional panoramas. Continue reading our guide to discover the best panoramic views in Nice.
La Colline du Château
The park and the hill of the castle of Nice are undoubtedly the best place to enjoy panoramic views of the Nice region. On a clear day, you can see Antibes, along the bay to the Old Port of Nice, and even further to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat! The castle hill closes at 7pm, but there is one weekend a year where you can go up to see Nice by night. This is the Castle Festival, the last weekend of June.
To go up there, you have three choices. The most authentic but also the most sportive is to climb the many stairs to reach the top of the castle hill. This will allow you to wander through the alleys from the Old Nice, to climb up little by little on the heights. You will be rewarded for your effort when you reach the top.
For the less motivated or less sporty, you can take the elevator. Located 1 Rue des Ponchettes, it is open every day of the week from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
The last choice is the car. By this means of transport, the only access is Montée Montfort, on the port side. Note that you will have to finish on foot no matter what happens. Cars can only go up to the cemeteries. The road is then blocked. There is a paid parking lot where you can park, but it has few spaces.
The view from the Castle Hill is a must for anyone visiting Nice for the first time.
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Parc du Mont Boron
A communal forest whose first plantations date back to the second part of the 19th century, Mount Boron has 11 km of marked trails between Aleppo pines and rare species. From the Mont-Alban fort, a unique panorama stretches from Italy to the Esterel, embracing the Villefranche bay, the Cap-Ferrat peninsula, Nice and the mountainous relief of the Alps. This park is accessible on foot from Old Nice, as well as by car.
Address :
4 Boulevard Maurice Maeterlinck, Nice
Jardin du monastère de Cimiez
At the bottom of the garden of the monastery of Cimiez, located in the northern part of Nice, superb panoramic views of Nice and its surroundings are reserved for you. Close to the Arena, the garden of the Monastery of Cimiez reminds somewhat of the Italian garden. Former kitchen garden and monks’ orchard of almost one hectare, it has kept its original layout with its central well and its old pergolas entirely covered with climbing roses. You will appreciate the multitude of varieties of flowers that embalm the atmosphere.
Opening hours :
Church open from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Monastery gardens open every day from 10 am to 6 pm.
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Promenade des Anglais
You don’t need to be up high to find a fantastic panorama in Nice. The Promenade des Anglais is the quintessence of Nice, where you can find everyone wandering around, each to his or her own liking. “La Prom'” as it is called here, stretches for 11 kilometers, so that on a clear day you can see from Nice airport to the tip of the Old Port of Nice. Treat yourself to an ice cream and walk along the promenade, or if you feel less energetic, sit down on one of the traditional blue chairs and read a good book.
Moon Bar, le bar panoramique de l’Hôtel Aston La Scala
Not all the panoramas of Nice need to offer a sea view. Moving a little further inland allows you to have a magnificent view of the Mediterranean rooftops of the old town of Nice. These views are possible from some privileged and exclusive places like the rooftops bars of hotels in Nice where you can have a glass of local wine or a cocktail. One of these famous places is the Hotel Aston La Scala in Nice. The giant but refined hotel is located on the beautiful Avenue Félix Faure. This street is home to the vast pedestrian park that stretches inland from the Promenade des Anglais. Take a seat at the Moon Bar, overlooking the gardens and fountains of the Promenade du Paillon.
Hours of operation :
The terrace, pool and bar are open 7/7, from 10am to 5pm from June to September (depending on the weather!). The Moon Bar then turns into a lounge with panoramic view from 6pm to midnight.
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Rooftop bar de l’hôtel Le Meridien
Everyone loves the roof terrace of the Hotel Le Méridien, located in the heart of the Promenade des Anglais. It offers beautiful views from its ninth floor, if you’re willing to pay the price of a drink as your “entrance ticket”. Locals say that the hotel does not have as much character as its main rivals on “La Prom'”, but its panoramic views of the bay and the city of Nice are sublime.
Opening hours :
Every day from 10am to 11pm
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