CASTLE HILL

The hill of the castle is an emblematic place of Nice, offering the famous panoramic view on the whole city, the port and the Mediterranean sea. A walk on this hill is a must to contemplate Nice from 93 meters high. To access the hill, you can take the elevator or the stairs located next to the Quai des États-Unis, near the beach of Nice. Once at the top, you can stroll through the hill's gardens, admiring the fountains and waterfalls, as well as the remains of the medieval castle. The hill is also a great place to have a picnic or a coffee while enjoying the panoramic view. There are plenty of benches and rest areas to rest and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the hill. In addition, it also houses a sumptuous cemetery, the final resting place for many of Nice's personalities such as the famous Nice writer Jacques Médecin. A walk on the hill of the castle is an activity not to be missed during your visit to Nice, to enjoy the spectacular view of the city and discover its history.

As far as history is concerned, the castle of Nice was a medieval fortress offering a strategic vision. Its construction began in the ^11th century, when the city was founded by the Genoese. The castle was a key element in the defense of Nice against foreign invasions and has undergone many changes over the centuries. Throughout its history, the castle has been occupied by various powers, including the Genoese, the French and the Sardinians. In the ^18th century, the castle was largely destroyed during a siege by French troops. After the castle's destruction, its stones were used to construct buildings in the city of Nice. In the ^19th century, the castle hill became a public park, offering panoramic views over the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Today, the park is a popular strolling area for tourists and locals alike. Although the castle was largely destroyed, some remains of the medieval fortress, such as walls and towers, remain. These vestiges bear witness to Nice's rich and complex history and the important place it occupied in the region's history.

Last but not least, Castle Hill is a place of inspiration for local and international artists. It's a meeting place for culture and heritage, where you can discover and appreciate the city's artistic wealth.