Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

With steps, roads, a train, and an elevator, there are myriad ways to access this lookout. Once summited, you can explore the hill’s green spaces, shady respites, and 18th-century artificial waterfall.

Offering the best views in town, it’s no surprise that a visit to Castle Hill is a popular inclusion on sightseeing tours of Nice. Opt for a walking tour and enjoy a leisurely stroll up to the hilltop lookout point; join an e-bike tour and glide up the hill before continuing along the French Riviera coast; or visit as part of a Nice day trip from Villefranche-sur-Mer or Monaco.

• There is no entrance fee to visit Castle Hill and the elevator is free of charge.

• Wear comfortable shoes to explore Nice on foot—it’s full of hills, cobblestone streets, and steps.

• At the top of the hill are a few small cafés where you can purchase a drink or snack. For lunch, it’s best to pack a picnic.

• Wheelchair access to Le Château is available via the elevator. Once at the top, you can follow the accessible trails around the park and to the viewpoints.

To arrive on foot, take the steps at the eastern end of the Quai des États-Unis up the hill to Le Château. If you prefer not to walk, there is also an elevator (ascenseur du Château), or you can take a ride on the Petit Train tourist train.

The hilltop of Le Château can get busy, especially in peak season (July and August), and the most popular time is around lunchtime when locals bring a picnic to enjoy in the park. For the most impressive views, time your visit for sunrise or sunset, when the weather is cooler and there are thinner crowds.

Despite its name, the last remnant of the 12th-century Château de Nice that once stood atop Castle Hill was torn down by Louis XIV in 1706. Today its last remnant is the Bellanda Tower (Tour Bellanda), now home to a naval museum (Musée Naval). Also on the hilltop is a cemetery as well as a scenic park with a man-made waterfall, ponds, a children’s playground, and plenty of picnic areas.

Castle Hill is the best-known viewpoint in Nice, crowning the seaside city with its hilltop park and historic ruins. Here, you can capture photos that include both the Bay of Angels and the red roofs of the city. Head to the observation terrace near the waterfall for the best panoramas.

Although there’s little left of the hill’s Château de Nice, the ruins make for an interesting photo. Check out the Bellanda Tower, once dedicated to the defense of the city, which marks a popular viewpoint. Other things to see include the Château de Nice Cemetery, playground, and a man-made waterfall.

Yes, day trips to Nice and guided city tours often make Castle Hill a must-see stop on their itineraries. There are also sightseeing experiences that focus mostly on Castle Hill, with walking tours and food tours among the options. Electric bike tours are popular, minimizing the uphill climb.

Take the free Castle Hill elevator from the eastern end of the Bay of Angels on Quai des États-Unis, or pay to ride Le Petit Train de Nice and sightsee on the way. Walkers can follow the cobblestone pathway behind the elevator on a route that takes around 20 minutes.

To avoid the worst crowds, head up there in the early morning; the hilltop park opens around breakfast time. Castle Hill is at its liveliest from afternoon to evening, and while there will be more people around, there’s no better place to see the sun set in Nice.

After exploring Castle Hill, head back down toward the seafront to explore Vieux Nice, the city’s charming old town. You’ll pass the Cours Saleya market, which bustles with flowers and food until early afternoon, and then discover the old town’s Place Rossetti where the Cathedral of Nice awaits.