A trip to Cimiez is a great way to spend an afternoon if you have some extra time during your next trip to Nice, France. The charming neighborhood of Cimiez is home to the Roman settlement of Cemenelum built during the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. You also get a lovely aerial view of Nice city.
There are numerous attractions in Cimiez to occupy several hours. Take a stroll through the olive-filled park, visit the Cimiez Monastery and church which is home to the Franciscan monks, tour the gardens surrounding the Monastery, view the art collection at the Matisse Museum, and enjoy the history of the Roman amphitheater and archaeology museum.
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- Inside the Monastery
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- Church and Monastery in Cimiez
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- Don’t forget to look down
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- No roses but the orange trees are full of fruit
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- Entrance into the church
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- Gardens of Cimiez
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- Ciimiez church in all its glory
Franciscan Monastery, Museum & Italian-inspired gardens – The monastery and church have been used by the Franciscan monks since the 1500’s! The monks still live and work here today. You may see them tending the gardens during your visit. The small Franciscan museum showcases the daily life of a monk and houses drawings and exhibits. Plus it’s free to enter.
The gardens are mostly preserved in their original layout and include colorful flower beds, lemon and orange trees, herb gardens and climbing roses.
Olive Groves – The 200-year old olive trees are a great spot for a picnic or to let the kids run around and play.
Musée Matisse – The Matisse Museum houses the largest collection of art by the French painter Henri Matisse. Visitors can admire his paintings and drawings as well as see furnishings, curtains and vases belonging to Matisse.
Tickets:
Adults (24 hour museum pass) = 10€
Children under 18 = Free
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- Interactive fun for kids
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- I spy the Matisse Museum
Musée d’Archéologie site de Cimiez et de Terra Amata – View objects from the life of Cemenelum including the excavated baths. The site includes locker rooms (men and women shared the same locker room), toilets, swimming pools, hot and cold baths, a political bath (where men discussed politics), market, cemetery, cathedral and more.
Tickets:
Adults (24 hour museum pass) = 10€
Children under 18 = Free
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- Roman Arena
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- Arena
Roman Amphitheater – Cimiez is home to one of the smaller Roman amphitheaters holding 5,000 spectators. Walk the arena for free.
Signs to guide you to Cimiez if taking the tram
How to get to Cimiez:
1. One option to get a bit of a workout is to take the tram to Jean Médecin then walk up to Cimiez. It’s a hike, but you’ll get to walk through a different part of Nice. I don’t recommend this option with little kids as there are a lot of stairs.
2. Take bus 17 or 15 to visit the Monastery and Matisse Museum. If you want to visit the Chagall Museum first, take bus 15.
Have you been to Cimiez? What was your favorite part?
Need more inspiration? See our Ultimate Guide to travel in Nice.
if I may give you a good tip, there are now a few “greeters” that can make you visit the city for free ! you may find more info on the nicetourisme.com
Thanks! I’ll give that a try!
I didn’t know that Nice had ancient Roman ruins. So interesting! I love places like this. Gorgeous no matter what the season!
Ugh, totally facepalming right now! I’ve been to Nice like three times and never went to this place. This is why travel blogs are so awesome! You always learn something new. Thanks for sharing your lovely pics 😀
This is definitely a nice place to visit if you’ve been to Nice several times.
I would have loved to visit this area when I was in Nice! Love the photos of those doorways and charming little alleyways. Looks so rustic and beautiful.
Dana, I have never thought of Nice having Roman ruins. How cool is that! Thanks for reminding me once again that there are so many historical locations yet to visit, only making my wanderlist longer than it already is. I especially enjoyed your lovely photos!
I was surprised too. My wanderlist keeps growing as well. So many places to visit.
Hey! Thanks for the post 🙂 What would be the best time to visit?
I think Spring would be beautiful once all the flowers start the bloom, but before the crowds come in summer.
Gotta love those small French towns, it sure looks very charming!!!
There’s something about Nice that intrigues me! It’s romantic with a Roman flare. Love these photos! Hoping to visit (and test out my French skills) soon
Awesome photos! This reminds me of the time that we did a road trip around the far east and far west parts of France 🙂 we didn’t drop by this place but it’s something to look forward to now!
Wow…and it is only 30 minutes from Mougins where we will be from April 4 to 11!!! Thanks for this.
Feel free to let me know before you arrive if you need other ideas. We will be playing tour guide to my parents during that time, so I’ll start working on area highlights soon.