Cimiez

Overview

Cimiez is Nice's elegant hilltop quarter, home to the Matisse Museum, Roman ruins, a Franciscan monastery, and Belle Époque grand hotels. The Roman arena and thermal baths recall when it was Cemenelum, the capital of the Roman province.

Highlights

• Roman ruins: A 1st-century arena (5,000 seats), thermal baths, and archaeological museum.
• Franciscan Monastery: A 16th-century church and gardens with views over Nice.
• Belle Époque villas: Grand hotels like the Régina that housed Queen Victoria.

History

Cemenelum was the Roman administrative capital of the Alpes Maritimae province. The hill's mild climate attracted wintering European royalty in the 19th century.

Visitor Tips

• Combine museums: Matisse + Roman ruins + monastery garden in half a day.
• Bus 15 or 17: From Place Masséna to Cimiez.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.