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 NZ$173 per night from 6 Dec to 7 Dec
NZ$173
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Good value and very convenient for walking into the Vieux Ville. Room was clean and the small swimming pool on the roof was a bonus. Breakfast was amazing and the restaurant and staff were all friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 30 Oct. 2024

Novotel Nice Centre Vieux Nice
Fairmont Monte Carlo
Fairmont Monte Carlo
4 out of 5
12 Avenue de Spélugues, Monte Carlo, Monaco
The price is NZ$605 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
NZ$605
includes taxes & fees
20 Nov - 21 Nov
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Monaco. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
"I was my wife’s B-Day , it was fun the stuff provided amazing service, the amenities were spotless, our favorite part is the restaurant at the top , beautiful views at our room overlooking the ocean."

Reviewed on 3 Nov. 2024

Fairmont Monte Carlo
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 NZ$163 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
NZ$163
includes taxes & fees
19 Nov - 20 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Great location and wonderful staff."

Reviewed on 1 Nov. 2024

Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
OKKO Hotels Nice Aéroport
OKKO Hotels Nice Aéroport
4 out of 5
147 Boulevard René Cassin, Nice
The price is NZ$184 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
NZ$184
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (666 reviews)
Fantastic location and wonderful staff
"Fantastic location and wonderfully designed hotel. Dinner is available which is well priced. The only negative is you have to drag your bags up a flight of stairs to get to the lifts and the reception is on the top floor. Which is fine is you just have a cabin bag but not when you have big heavy ..."

Reviewed on 30 Oct. 2024

OKKO Hotels Nice Aéroport
Yelo Jean Médecin powered by Sonder
Yelo Jean Médecin powered by Sonder
4 out of 5
47 Bis Avenue Jean Médecin, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is NZ$208 per night from 5 Dec to 6 Dec
NZ$208
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Nice. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (352 reviews)
"It’s really modern and clean. The staff are very helpful and the location is spot on."

Reviewed on 1 Nov. 2024

Yelo Jean Médecin powered by Sonder
Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais
Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais
4 out of 5
2 Rue Halevy, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is NZ$209 per night from 5 Dec to 6 Dec
NZ$209
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (995 reviews)
"We stayed for a week and was very enjoyable. Location was excellent being able to have views of the Mediterranean while having great breakfast each day. Access to many restaurants near by, old Nice, Esplanade d’Anglaise, train station, airport and many of the attractions that makes Nice famous. We ..."

Reviewed on 28 Sep. 2024

Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais
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 Nice Theatre 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 Étoile 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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