Monastère de Cimiez, Nice - a large building sitting on top of a lush green field
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Monastère de Cimiez Nice

4.6
·1k reviews·Nice, France

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Peaceful gardens, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Monastère de Cimiez, Nice - a large building sitting on top of a lush green field

Monastère de Cimiez Nice

Best Time

Morning

Peaceful gardens, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(1k reviews)

"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."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Monastery Gardens

Monastery Gardens

Cimiez Hill

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

Franciscan Monastery Church

Franciscan Monastery Church

Monastery interior

Discover detailed 15th-century frescoes by Brea and a serene 17th-century architectural setting.

Matisse's Grave

Matisse's Grave

Cimiez Cemetery (adjacent)

Pay respects to the renowned artist Henri Matisse in a peaceful cemetery setting.

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Planning Your Visit

Garden Hours & Monastery Access

The monastery gardens are generally open from 8 AM to 8 PM, offering a peaceful escape. The church and Franciscan museum have more limited hours, typically closing earlier. Check specific times to avoid disappointment, especially if you want to see the frescoes or exhibits.Reddit

Getting There: A Scenic Climb

While a bit of a walk from central Nice, the monastery is accessible by bus or a moderate uphill hike. The journey offers rewarding views of the city and sea, making the climb part of the experience.Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Peaceful gardens, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🇫🇷6-DAY ITINERARY • French Riviera ☀️ Day 1: Nice - Full Day: Set base in Nice and explore Nice’s Promenade des Anglais and Old Town. ☀️ Day 2: Eze and Villfranche-sur-Mer - Morning: Drive to Eze (30 min from Nice). Explore the mediaeval village and Jardin Exotique. - Afternoon: Visit Villfranche-sur-Mer. Relax at the beach and stroll through the old town. ☀️ Day 3: St Paul de Vence and Tourettes-...
@zenwander
119.8K likes • 2.4M views

🚶‍♀️ Walk up for views

The uphill walk from Nice offers stunning city vistas. Wear comfy shoes! Reddit

⏰ Check museum hours

The church and museum have specific hours, so plan accordingly to see the frescoes.Reddit

Rating everywhere I visited in the South of France on my 2 week summer trip last year 🇫🇷 And yes, I give my pronunciation 1/10 😜 Covering Nice, Eze, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Grasse, Antibes, Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Lourmarin, Roussillon, Gordes, Arles & Toulouse. It’s a long list 😅 #southoffrance #southoffrancereccomendations #southoffrancetravel #southoffrance🇫🇷 #southoffrancesummer
@jesslouiseellis
113.6K likes • 2M views
Garden in Nice: Such a fairytale🧚‍♀️🌸🌈🏰 📍Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez, Musée Matisse, Nice 🫶🏻Make sur to follow @mademoiselle_roksana for your daily dose of Côte d’Azur magic & 🌍💘 #nicefrance #frenchriviera #aesthetic #azure #cotedazur #visitcotedazur #visitnice #alpesmaritimes #pepitesdefrance #mood #fall
mademoiselle_roksana
0 likes • 6.4K views

🌿 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. Instagram

Aller Go pour une visite du Monastère de Cimiez et de son jardin à Nice 📍
hassencz
34 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk up for views

The uphill walk from Nice offers stunning city vistas. Wear comfy shoes! Reddit

⏰ Check museum hours

The church and museum have specific hours, so plan accordingly to see the frescoes.Reddit

🌿 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. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

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

Beautiful, peaceful gardens
Panoramic city views
Free garden entry

What People Dislike

Limited museum hours
Church access restrictions

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.Reddit Many visitors enjoy the walk as part of the experience.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the gardens of the Monastère de Cimiez are free to enter and explore, making it a wonderful budget-friendly activity.Reddit

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.Reddit

Yes, you can visit the church, which houses beautiful 15th-century frescoes by Brea. However, access may be limited during services.Reddit

The Franciscan museum is generally open Monday to Friday, with limited hours. It's best to check the most current schedule before your visit.Reddit

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.Instagram The formal garden areas with fountains and pergolas also offer lovely shots.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.Instagram Adjacent to the monastery are Roman ruins, the Matisse Museum, and the cemetery where Henri Matisse is buried.Instagram

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.Reddit

Yes, the gardens are consistently described as well-maintained and beautiful, offering a serene environment for visitors.Reddit

Absolutely. The monastery and its gardens are often highlighted as peaceful havens, perfect for quiet contemplation away from the city's hustle.Reddit

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

The Monastère de Cimiez gardens are a fantastic spot for families. Kids can enjoy the open spaces to run around, explore the different plants, and marvel at the beautiful views. The free entry makes it an accessible outing. While the church frescoes might not captivate younger children for long, the overall peaceful atmosphere of the monastery grounds can be a nice break. Consider combining the visit with the nearby Roman ruins and the Parc des Arènes de Cimiez, which often has more space for children to play.

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The Monastère de Cimiez is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers as the gardens are free to enter.Reddit You can enjoy stunning views, peaceful surroundings, and a glimpse of history without spending a euro. The walk up from Nice is also a free way to experience the city's landscape. While the museum has a fee, simply exploring the grounds and the adjacent cemetery (where Matisse is buried) offers a rich experience for free.

🎨 Art & History Buffs

This site is a treasure trove for art and history lovers. You can admire the 15th-century frescoes by Louis Bréa inside the monastery church Reddit and then pay your respects at Henri Matisse's grave in the adjacent cemetery.Instagram The area also boasts Roman ruins and the dedicated Matisse Museum, making Cimiez a significant cultural destination. The well-preserved architecture of the 17th-century monastery adds to the historical appeal.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enchanting Gardens of Cimiez

The Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez is a true highlight, offering a tranquil escape with breathtaking views. Spanning nearly 10,000 square meters, these gardens are a vibrant tapestry of orange trees, pomegranate trees, lemon trees, and countless roses.Instagram Visitors often describe them as fairytale-like, a perfect spot to sit, relax, and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere.Reddit The meticulously maintained grounds provide a serene backdrop for a peaceful afternoon, with fountains and pergolas adding to the charm.Instagram

The gardens are not only beautiful but also offer some of the most stunning panoramic views of Nice and the surrounding coastline.Instagram 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.Reddit 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.Instagram

Artistic Legacy: Brea and Matisse

Within the Monastère de Cimiez itself, art enthusiasts will find significant works by the Niçois painter Louis Bréa. The church houses incredibly detailed 15th-century frescoes by Bréa, offering a glimpse into the religious art of the period. These vibrant and historically important artworks are a key reason to step inside the monastery and appreciate its artistic heritage.Reddit The serene interior of the 17th-century monastery provides a fitting setting for these ancient masterpieces.

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.Instagram 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.TikTok

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