If the climb takes it out of you, look for the two hilltop cafés selling drinks and refreshments.
Nice’s Colline du Château is a beautiful park on a hill 92 metres above Nice. It is named for a 12th century castle that Louis XIV unceremoniously levelled in 1706, and which was never rebuilt: today, the site is popular for its stunning views over the city.
The park’s highlights include Tour Bellanda, an intriguing old residence whose terrace is decorated with mosaics and built on the foundations of the old castle. Its Greek motifs make reference to Nice’s history - this is where the old town was first established by the Phocaean Greeks around 350 BC. The tower’s terrace offers an excellent viewing platform.
The hill also comprises a cemetery, which is split into three sections (Protestant, Catholic and Jewish), and at its summit is the artificial waterfall Cascade Dijon, constructed in the 19th century on the site of the old castle keep. There is even a playground to entertain children who haven’t been worn out by the climb.
The main attraction, though, is the view. The wide vista over the Baie des Anges and Nice’s sunny rooftops is truly spectacular, offering superb photo opportunities.
It’s well worth the climb - equivalent to around 15 floors - which has many points to stop and admire the panorama along the way before reaching the summit. If you don’t fancy the trek, however, there is a free lift (the Ascenseur du Château) whose arched brick entrance can be found beneath Tour Bellanda.
Discover Nice’s Old Town, by wandering the many colourful lanes and marketplaces accompanied by your expert local guide and see some of the most famous sights in Nice while also getting to explore some of the city's lesser-known gems.
On your private tour, you will:
Step into one of the most iconic and idyllic cities on the French Riviera with a private guide to show you the best of the city. On your tour, you will explore the elegant square Masséna, see the many quaint boutique stores, the Opera de Nice, and the Palace Square, home to the stunning Palace of Justice.
On the colourful Saleya Square, you will have time to enjoy the famous flower market stalls and some of the many local delicacies on offer when the market is operating (mornings, most days of the year).
The Old Town has some great eateries, old-fashioned bakeries, classic Italian ice-cream parlours and chocolate stores, and your guide will happily recommend several which you can pop into or return to after your tour. You will have time to try it all as well as to take wonderful photos of old Italian Nice.
You will also have the pleasure of walking along the Promenade des Anglais to view the many historic highlights this area boasts, including the magnificent Hôtel Negresco and Opera de Nice.
You will also have the pleasure of visiting Nice’s Castle Hill, which was the original site of the trading town founded by the Greeks 2,500 years ago. Not only will you visit Bellanda Tower and the sweeping waterfalls which cascade down to the sea, but also the magnificent viewpoints over the Bay of Angels and Old Town.
After descending the hill, your guide will take you to the #ILoveNICE sign to take a memorable photo!
Discover Nice on a full-day tour, with a half-day spent wandering Old Town and the afternoon spent in the comfort of a private vehicle, exploring other city highlights less easily reached by foot.
On your private full-day tour, you will:
Step into one of the most iconic and idyllic cities in the French Riviera with a private guide to show you the best of the city. On your tour, you will explore the elegant square Masséna, see the many quaint boutique stores, the Opera de Nice, and the Palace Square, home to the stunning Palace of Justice. On the colourful Saleya Square, you will have time to enjoy the famous flower market stalls and some of the many local delicacies on offer when the market is operating (mornings, most days of the year).
The Old Town has some great eateries, old-fashioned bakeries, classic Italian ice-cream parlours and chocolate stores, and your guide will happily recommend several which you can pop into or return to after your tour. You will have time to try it all as well as to take wonderful photos of old Italian Nice.
Then visit Nice’s Castle Hill, which was the original site of the trading town founded by the Greeks 2,500 years ago. Not only will you visit Bellanda Tower and the sweeping waterfalls which cascade down to the sea, but also the magnificent viewpoints over the Bay of Angels and Old Town. After descending the hill, your guide will take you into the city centre or back into Old Town to enjoy an hour’s respite for lunch.
In the afternoon, hop in the car to cruise through several more of the city’s highlights, including Promenade des Anglais, a favourite walk-way of the European nobility of the last century and home to the magnificent Hôtel Negresco, the art deco Palais de la Méditerranée, and Le Opera de Nice. Then ascend Mont Boron for spectacular views over the mountainous and seafront landscape. Visit the Garden of Arenas Cimiez, ancient Roman ruins, which sit atop one of the hillsides of the area. After your tour ends, your guide will drop you off at your hotel or in the city centre, which you can discuss with your guide on the day of the tour.
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