Monastère de Cimiez Nice
Historic monastery with serene gardens offering panoramic views of Nice, plus significant frescoes and Matisse's final resting place.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful gardens, fewer crowds
Monastère de Cimiez Nice
Best Time
Peaceful gardens, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic monastery with serene gardens offering panoramic views of Nice, plus significant frescoes and Matisse's final resting place.
"A beautiful monastery with very detailed frescoes, and a series of gardens, including a re-wilded one full of flowers and a more formal garden."
🚶♀️ Walk up for views
The uphill walk from Nice offers stunning city vistas. Wear comfy shoes!
⏰ Check museum hours
The church and museum have specific hours, so plan accordingly to see the frescoes .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Monastery Gardens
Cimiez Hill
Fairytale-like gardens with orange trees, roses, and panoramic views of Nice and the sea.

Franciscan Monastery Church
Monastery interior
Discover detailed 15th-century frescoes by Brea and a serene 17th-century architectural setting.
Matisse's Grave
Cimiez Cemetery (adjacent)
Pay respects to the renowned artist Henri Matisse in a peaceful cemetery setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Garden Hours & Monastery Access
Getting There: A Scenic Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk up for views
The uphill walk from Nice offers stunning city vistas. Wear comfy shoes!
⏰ Check museum hours
The church and museum have specific hours, so plan accordingly to see the frescoes.
🌿 Enjoy the tranquility
A perfect spot for quiet reflection amidst beautiful gardens and history.
📸 Capture the panorama
The garden views of Nice and the Mediterranean are breathtaking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk up for views
The uphill walk from Nice offers stunning city vistas. Wear comfy shoes!
⏰ Check museum hours
The church and museum have specific hours, so plan accordingly to see the frescoes.
🌿 Enjoy the tranquility
A perfect spot for quiet reflection amidst beautiful gardens and history.
📸 Capture the panorama
The garden views of Nice and the Mediterranean are breathtaking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Monastère de Cimiez for its beautiful, tranquil gardens offering stunning panoramic views of Nice, and its historically significant frescoes. It's seen as a peaceful escape from the city bustle, with free entry to the gardens making it a great value. Some note that museum hours can be limited, and access to the church might be restricted during services.
"Beautiful Monastery with very detailed frescoes, and a series of gardens, including a re-wilded one full of flowers and a more formal garden. Great place to sit and be quiet. Free entry.
The cemetary is lovely too, housing Matisse's grave, and is next door to the park, which houses the Roman arena and the Matisse museum.
We walked from here to the Chagall museum and then back to Nice.
Very enjoyable afternoon"
Jo Turney
"Interesting architecture of Monastere XVII century. And lovely little garden."
Dara Mazina
"A little away from the city, the monastery is a nice place to visit if you want to be surrounded by nature and enjoy some silence. It has a beautiful garden and a nice view of the city. Also can walk up there for someone who like walking, it’s moderate hill and it took me less than 45min from the city."
Stephanie Tsang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus (e.g., Line 5) up to the Cimiez neighborhood, which is a convenient option. Alternatively, it's a moderate uphill walk from the city center, taking about 45 minutes and offering scenic views along the way.
Many visitors enjoy the walk as part of the experience.Yes, there is parking available in the Cimiez area, though it can be busy. Using public transport or walking is often recommended to avoid parking hassles.
It's a significant uphill walk, approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace. The route offers beautiful views but requires good stamina.
Bus lines like Line 5 are frequent and will take you close to the monastery and its surrounding attractions in Cimiez.
It's considered a moderate hill climb. If you enjoy walking and want to see more of Nice, it's a rewarding journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the gardens of the Monastère de Cimiez are free to enter and explore, making it a wonderful budget-friendly activity.
The monastery gardens are typically open from 8 AM to 8 PM. The church and the Franciscan museum have more restricted hours, usually open weekdays from 10 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 5:30 PM, and Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 PM.
Yes, you can visit the church, which houses beautiful 15th-century frescoes by Brea. However, access may be limited during services.
The Franciscan museum is generally open Monday to Friday, with limited hours. It's best to check the most current schedule before your visit.
No advance booking is required for the gardens, as entry is free. For the museum, it's advisable to check their specific opening times on the day of your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in the monastery church, but it's always respectful to be discreet, especially during services. Flash photography is usually discouraged to protect the frescoes.
The panoramic viewpoints overlooking Nice and the Mediterranean Sea are spectacular.
The formal garden areas with fountains and pergolas also offer lovely shots.Drone usage is typically restricted in most urban areas and historical sites in France, including Nice. It's best to assume it's not allowed unless explicitly permitted.
Mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds for peaceful garden shots. Late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour light for panoramic views of the city.
Yes, you can take photos of the grave and the surrounding cemetery, which is a peaceful and historic site.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
The site boasts beautiful gardens with diverse flora, offering stunning panoramic views of Nice.
Adjacent to the monastery are Roman ruins, the Matisse Museum, and the cemetery where Henri Matisse is buried.You can spend anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your interest. A quick stroll through the gardens and a peek at the church might take an hour, while exploring the museum and cemetery could extend your visit.
Yes, the gardens are consistently described as well-maintained and beautiful, offering a serene environment for visitors.
Absolutely. The monastery and its gardens are often highlighted as peaceful havens, perfect for quiet contemplation away from the city's hustle.
The monastery dates back to the 8th century, with significant parts rebuilt in the 17th century. It's a testament to centuries of history and religious presence in the region.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🎨 Art & History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Gardens of Cimiez
The gardens are not only beautiful but also offer some of the most stunning panoramic views of Nice and the surrounding coastline. From here, you can see the city stretching out below, the blue expanse of the Mediterranean Sea, and the historic Castle Hill. It's a popular spot for photographers and anyone seeking a moment of quiet contemplation away from the bustling city center. The combination of natural beauty and sweeping vistas makes the gardens a must-visit attraction.
Beyond the formal gardens, there's also a more re-wilded section that adds to the natural charm. This area is full of flowers and offers a different, more organic kind of beauty. The entire complex, including the monastery and its gardens, is a testament to the enduring appeal of Cimiez as a historic and picturesque district of Nice.
Artistic Legacy: Brea and Matisse
Just adjacent to the monastery lies the Cimiez Cemetery, which holds a special connection to the art world. It is the final resting place of the renowned artist Henri Matisse, who lived and worked in Nice for many years. Visiting his grave offers a moment of reflection on his immense contribution to modern art and his deep connection to the French Riviera. The cemetery itself is a peaceful and well-maintained space, adding another layer of historical and cultural significance to the Cimiez area.
Furthermore, the Musée Matisse is located nearby in the Cimiez district, dedicated to the life and works of Henri Matisse. While not directly part of the monastery complex, its proximity makes Cimiez a hub for art lovers. Exploring these artistic connections provides a richer understanding of the cultural tapestry of Nice.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit