Fort du Mont Alban

Built in the mid-1500s at the order of the Duke of Savoy, this spot was paramount for military defense; the fact that the citadel of St-Elme and the harbor at Villefranche-sur-Mer, once the region's principal commercial port, are steps away is no coincidence. After the threat of Turkish invasion subsided in the 18th century, the fort became a prison. Though it eventually fell into disuse, it remains pristine despite World War II bombings.

The grounds are open and free to enter; visitors are not allowed inside. That’s OK—you’ll be busy enough exploring the structure, marveling at its tiles and crenellations, and taking in the incredible views.

• The trails to the top are steep and, at times, rocky. Bring good shoes.

• Guided tours are offered in the summer. You can buy tickets at the Centre de Patrimonie in Nice or online.

• If you have difficulty walking and navigating stairs, use the free parking near the top.

Fort visitors can walk from the port of Nice or Villefranche-sur-Mer; multiple signposted trails wind up the hillside, with most visitors taking roughly 30 minutes to complete the rocky trek. For public transit, take the Lignes d'Azur Line 14 bus from Nice to the “Chemin du Fort” stop, then trek to the top. If you have a rental car, you can simply park in one of the free lots for Parc du Mont Boron.

The fort’s grounds are open year-round to visitors. That being said, guided tours are offered in summer—avoid Wednesdays—and can deepen your experience. Of course, that’s when crowds will be at their peak. If you’d like a quieter experience, visit in spring or fall, or head up here around sunrise for a spectacular, crowd-free vista.

To do Fort du Mont Alban right, pack a picnic and hike to the top—whichever trail is nearest you. After about 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at the fort itself. Take time to marvel at its architectural details, its massive wooden door, its pristine 500-year-old turrets, and then spread on out, lunching to the best view of the French Riviera.