Cimiez Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Cimiez
Browse the collections of some of the Riviera’s most famous artists and explore ancient ruins in this Nice neighborhood, which was once a separate city.

Sitting inland and uphill from Nice’s waterfront, the neighborhood of Cimiez has a long and colorful past. Discover its fascinating history dating back to the ancient Roman period and learn about how it emerged as a favorite area for many iconic artists and painters in recent centuries.

Begin your discovery of Cimiez at the Matisse Museum, dedicated to the life and work of one of the region’s best-known residents. Matisse moved to Cimiez during World War I and created much of his later work here. Browse the museum’s galleries, get to know his work and view his personal objects, including a paint-spattered desk.

Continue your journey through Cimiez’s artistic heritage with a visit to the Marc Chagall Museum. This collection houses the works of Chagall, a French-Russian artist who produced paintings, sculptures, stained glass and more. His works were often inspired by religion many depict biblical scenes. A short way southeast of the museum, find the Nice Acropolis Convention and Exhibition Center, where a range of events and performances are held throughout the year.

Discover more about the ancient history of Cimiez as you explore ancient Roman ruins throughout the district. Visit the remains of the Cimiez Amphitheater, which in Roman times accommodated up to 4,000 spectators. Learn more at the Musée d'Archéologie site de Cimiez, where ancient artifacts tell the story of Cemenelum, as Cimiez used to be known.

After learning about the district’s ancient history, move forward a few centuries at the Franciscan Monastery. This beautiful church and monastery date from the 15th century and sit across a peaceful park from the Matisse Museum. Matisse himself is buried in the church’s cemetery. Enter a small museum where you can learn about the history of the Franciscan order.

Cimiez is about a 10-minute drive northeast of Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. Navigate the city easily on foot. Alternatively, use local buses.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Cimiez Hotel Deals

Novotel Nice Centre Vieux Nice
Novotel Nice Centre Vieux Nice
4 out of 5
8-10 Esplanade du Parvis de l'Europe, Nice, Alpes- Cote d'Azur
The price is AU$209 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$209
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (994 reviews)
"Good hotel"

Reviewed on 6 Mar. 2024

Novotel Nice Centre Vieux Nice
Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
3 out of 5
4 avenue Max Gallo, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is AU$279 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$279
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Great little hotel in a perfect location. Walkable to everything and only 15 mins from the main station. Would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
Fairmont Monte Carlo
Fairmont Monte Carlo
4 out of 5
12 Avenue de Spélugues, Monte Carlo, Monaco
The price is AU$604 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$604
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Monaco. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Fairmont Monte Carlo
Hotel West End Nice Promenade
Hotel West End Nice Promenade
4 out of 5
31 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is AU$302 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
AU$302
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"The staff were lovely and the room very clean we just had some slight plumbing issues in our room otherwise we had a wonderful stay"

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2024

Hotel West End Nice Promenade
Hôtel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo
Hôtel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo
3 out of 5
19 Bis Boulevard Victor Hugo, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is AU$238 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
AU$238
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 3-star boutique hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Superb ! Spotlessly clean, fabulous location and above all the check in staff were warm, welcoming, friendly and a credit to their hotel. Very much looking forward to a return visit…. Tres Bien et Merci !"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Hôtel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo
Le Meridien Nice
Le Meridien Nice
4 out of 5
1 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is AU$438 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$438
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (421 reviews)
"Fantastic location in Nice with easy access."

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 2024

Le Meridien Nice
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Cimiez

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Centre Ville-Gare

4.5/5(71 area reviews)

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Centre Ville-Gare. Check out top attractions like Basilique Notre Dame and Avenue Jean Medecin, and jump on the metro at Thiers Tramway Station or Jean Medecin Tramway Station to see more of the city.

Centre Ville-Gare
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Carabacel

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Carabacel. A stop by Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art or Promenade du Paillon might round out your trip.

Carabacel
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Riquier

Well liked for its waterfront views, historical sites and seaside views, there's plenty to explore in Riquier. Attractions like Place Arson are a major draw, and you can hop on the metro at Acropolis Tram Station or Palais des Expositions Tram Station to see more of the city.

Riquier
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Musicians Quarter

While visiting Musicians Quarter, you might make a stop by sights like Avenue Jean Medecin and Theatre Athena.

Musicians Quarter
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Quartier du Port

While you're in Quartier du Port, take in top sights like Place Garibaldi and jump on the metro at Garibaldi Tram Station to see more of the city.

Quartier du Port
Nice showing interior views, markets and food

Jean-Médecin

While you're in Jean-Médecin, take in top sights like Promenade des Anglais or Nice Etoile Shopping Center, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Massena Tramway Station or Jean Medecin Tramway Station.

Jean-Médecin

Cimiez Travel Guide

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