Le Château, Nice

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Everyone visiting Nice climbs the steps of the "Colline du Chateau" up to the summit, which offers fabulous vista over the Baie des Anges, Old Nice ,and the Port, some of the most photographed panoramic viewpoints in Europe. It is easily accessible from the foot of the Old town and the bay, but for those not able to make the climb there is a lift - an "ascenseur". If you are wondering where the chateau is, there isn't one, merely the unobtrusive ruins of the old Cathedral of Nice, a few simple cafes and a gift stall. The walk up takes in a waterfall, and varied pathways which allow you to explore nearby "Cimitieres de Nice" or return via the Old Town or the Port.

You can just catch sunset before the gates close for the evening but you have to be quick, as you do not want to be locked in. Pick a fine clear evening as the sun is sinking below the horizon, leaving its legacy of pink and darkening blue sky. The city lights begin to sparkle, with the magnificent sweep of the Baie des Anges, a necklace of light reaching out to the airport. On the distant skyline the shadow of Cap d'Antibes and behind, the undulations of The Esterel, the gateway to St Tropez. Below you, the Cours Saleya glows with life and all Nice is a glittering mosaic of street and apartment lights.

Gates open at 8am all year round, whilst closing times vary with the seasons:

1-30th September - 19:00
1st October - 31st March - 18:00
1st April - 31st May -19:00
1st June - 31st August - 20:00

(The hours are posted at the entrance as a reminder)

For a look at the steps to chateau, or indeed to view of any address in Nice, for example what your hotel looks like and where it is, go here GoogleMaps

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The Colline du Château (Castle Hill) overlooks the magnificent Baie des Anges.

It offers some of the best viws of Nice (seafront and rooftops) as well as the harbour.

The seafront and bay must be one of the worlds classic views.

Although there is an elevator/lift to the top, it is worth walking up the path as you get to see the various pools, waterfalls and gardens.

Look for the mosaic paths at the very top.

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The park is set on rocky hill overlooking the eastern part of the old town. It is well tendered with various lawns, children's playground, open spaces & a couple of cemeteries.

At the summit there is an artificial waterfall & a look out area that gives great views of Nice. There are stalls here to buy refreshments & souvenirs.

To get to the Chateau you can climb the winding paths & stairs the encircle the rock. If you don't fancy this, you can use the lift next to the Tour Bellanda or come up on the Petit Train de Nice.

Now a beautifully landscaped park with views over Nice and the Mediterranean, Colline du Château was the first spot to be settled in Nice. While there are no remains from the Graeco-Roman era, medieval ruins are plenty. The castle that gave the hill its name was destroyed in the 18th century, but ruins of older churches are still visible.

There is a man made waterfall on the way down from the hill (Le Chateau). I didn't see it well because it my first day in Nice and I rushed to the Promenade des Anglais and Vieux Nice to see it for the first time, but maybe you will take a better picture.

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Go up the the castle hill (Colline du Château), where you can find no castle but some remains and a park, but there is the best place to see Nice general view, with the houses of the old city as well as the whole Promenade des Anglais and the sea.

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When we started to climb the starirs leading to the castle, we thought we were going to see a real castle, even though it was not visible from behind the hill.
As we reached the top of the hill, we were so charmed by the wonderful view, that we forgot the reason why we were there... But after a while and a hundreds of pictures, a question came to our mind: where is the castle???
All that remains of the ancient castle are some ruins. You can still distinguish the shape of the buildings from the way stones are organised on the ground, but do not expect to find yourself in front of a real castle...
The way leading to the castle from Vieux Nice is very interesting: views are great, but you will also see a wonderful waterfall, and you can stop in the Jewish graveyard... impressive.

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There are various ways how to get to the head of a La Chateau. You can go there on foot or by tourist-train. Though head of a La Chateau is within easy walking distance. All the time when you are moving you see panorama of Nice and you can take a shot. There are binoculars available but don't try to use it - it doesn't works despite you pay for it.
I visited this place in June in the daytime and only one thing was disappointment - uppermost there was a souveniers shop which was closed. But it doesn't forbid you enjoy great panoramas of the city.