Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Where it is & how to get there

• Free lift: The Ascenseur du Château runs from the end of Quai des États-Unis (Rauba Capeù) up to the park.
• Stairs: Several staircases climb from the old town and from the seafront, about 15 minutes up.
• Tram: Tram 1 to Cathédrale – Vieille Ville, then walk up through the old town.

The story of Castle Hill

Nice was born on this hill. The Greeks settled around it, and in the Middle Ages a fortified castle, a cathedral and a whole town stood on top. In 1706, during the War of the Spanish Succession, Louis XIV's troops captured the fortress and destroyed it, leaving only ruins.

In the 19th century the hill was turned into a public park, with shady paths and an artificial waterfall fed by the Vésubie canal. The Bellanda Tower, where the composer Berlioz once stayed, stands on the seafront side, and the summit platform gives the most photographed view of Nice.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Take the free lift up from the end of the Quai des États-Unis, then walk down through the old town.
• Walk up one side and down the other: through the old town one way and to Port Lympia the other.
• The park has playgrounds and picnic spots, great for families.

What's around Castle Hill

• The waterfallThe cascade at the top of the park, cool on hot days.
• Port LympiaThe colourful harbour on the eastern side of the hill.
• Bellanda TowerRound tower above the seafront with a lookout terrace.
• Vieux NiceThe old town directly below the hill.

Questions travellers ask