Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill), Nice (must see)
Colline du Château or Castle Hill is a must see while in Nice with its breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. This area is where Nice was founded in the third century BCE. From high on the hill a trading post was established and then a defensive post was maintained. A large wall was built around the city only to be torn down in the early 1700s.
Don’t go to the hill expecting to see the “Castle”, as a few ruins still remain but that is all. The area is still intriguing nonetheless. Aside from the exquisite views, there is a beautiful park, the Naval Museum, stepping stones that depict the Odyssey by Homer and a beautiful old cemetery filled with gorgeous headstones.
There is also a man-made waterfall along the way. This sometimes gets shutoff in the late afternoon, so be sure to visit early if you want to see it. There are plenty of benches around the area so take a few minutes to revel in the Mediterranean splendor of the park. This is a great place to pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon. There is a small cafe in the area too.
Getting to the hill can be accomplished several different ways depending upon time constraints and fitness. For those who like to walk, take the steps up to the observation platform. There are 213 steps but the view is spectacular along the way. For a fee, there is also an elevator or a motorized train. The train does not really allow for any wandering, so for those who like to stroll and look on their own schedule, take the steps or the elevator or a combination of the two.
Don't forget the camera and a little extra cash for a snack. Plan on spending at least a couple of hours here. The area opens daily at 8 AM but the closing times vary with the seasons, so be sure to go earlier in the day. Keep in mind that some shops in the area will be closed from 12-2PM for lunch, so plan accordingly.
Don’t go to the hill expecting to see the “Castle”, as a few ruins still remain but that is all. The area is still intriguing nonetheless. Aside from the exquisite views, there is a beautiful park, the Naval Museum, stepping stones that depict the Odyssey by Homer and a beautiful old cemetery filled with gorgeous headstones.
There is also a man-made waterfall along the way. This sometimes gets shutoff in the late afternoon, so be sure to visit early if you want to see it. There are plenty of benches around the area so take a few minutes to revel in the Mediterranean splendor of the park. This is a great place to pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon. There is a small cafe in the area too.
Getting to the hill can be accomplished several different ways depending upon time constraints and fitness. For those who like to walk, take the steps up to the observation platform. There are 213 steps but the view is spectacular along the way. For a fee, there is also an elevator or a motorized train. The train does not really allow for any wandering, so for those who like to stroll and look on their own schedule, take the steps or the elevator or a combination of the two.
Don't forget the camera and a little extra cash for a snack. Plan on spending at least a couple of hours here. The area opens daily at 8 AM but the closing times vary with the seasons, so be sure to go earlier in the day. Keep in mind that some shops in the area will be closed from 12-2PM for lunch, so plan accordingly.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Nice. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill) on Map
Sight Name: Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill)
Sight Location: Nice, France (See walking tours in Nice)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Nice, France (See walking tours in Nice)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Nice, France
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Nice Introduction Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Founded by the Greeks of Marseille around 350 BC as a permanent settlement called Nikaia, after Nike – the goddess of victory, the town has changed hands... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Centuries of somewhat turbulent history have left imprint on the face of Old Nice, which until the 18th century represented the entire urban area. The abundance of historic and often colorful churches – about nine per square mile – ranging from the most opulent to the most obscure, each with its own quirks and story behind their stained glass, has made Old Nice part of a heritage preservation... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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