10 Best Views and Viewpoints of Nice

<p>Viewpoints in Nice allow you to capture staggering panoramic photos of one of the most famed stretches of the French Riviera, with endless horizons, quaint beachfront villages, and famous landmarks. The city itself is a stunning place to visit with colorful streets, iconic Belle Époque architecture, and picturesque beaches with soft white sand and clear, turquoise waters. Tens of thousands of people come here to explore every year, and as you hit clubs, beach bars, and historic venues, you can also load up your Instagram feed.</p><p>From rooftop bars to serene gardens, famous walking paths to historic castles, and beyond, you’ll find photos here to highlight your social media for months. Check out some of the best views across <a href=“/go/france/nice”>Nice</a>.</p>

Nice Hotels

1. Colline du Château

A park that rises 300 feet above the city

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

<p>Colline du Château, known in English as Castle Hill, is among the most visited parks in Nice, rising 300 feet above the city and sandwiched between Nice’s Old Town and the port. From here you can capture spectacular panoramic views. This site was historically the spot of the city’s chateau, which lasted for several centuries until its destruction in the 18th century. You can explore the remains of the historic monument and a centuries-old cemetery.</p><p>The park offers 2 specific viewpoints. The first is Jardin d’enfants (the children’s playground). The other is the top of the hill. Both provide fantastic views of the port and sea. Castle Hill is about 15 minutes south of the Nice city center.</p> Read more

Location: 06300 Nice, France

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2. The coastal path

A delightful hiking path with sea views

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

<p>Nice’s coastal path winds above the port and beaches to offer stunning views of the French Riviera coastline, as well as leading to several other iconic spots to explore. This winding path also leads you past many small cove beaches along the way, where you can stop to relax in the sun with calm, shallow waters that are ideal for a dip or a romantic escape for two.</p><p>Along this path about 15 minutes south of Nice, you’re sure to capture photos of deep blue waters, stark cliffside views, and lightly-forested landscapes that will light up your social media feed. Cap de Nice is among the most popular spots along the way.</p>

Location: 8 Av. Jean Lorrain, 06300 Nice, France

3. Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez

A historic monastery and classic gardens

Good for: Couples, History, Photo

<p>The Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez is at the bottom of a historic monastery in the northern area of Nice and offers superb panoramic city views. It’s just a stone’s throw away from the arena, 6 minutes from the city center, and is reminiscent of an Italian garden. The garden itself provides plenty of photo opportunities, and once served as the kitchen garden and monks’ orchard for the monastery.</p><p>The garden covers two acres of land and still maintains its original layout, with a central well and glorious pergolas covered with climbing roses. In addition to the variety of flora here, in the mornings and late afternoons 6 days a week, you can visit the church.</p>

Location: 184 Av. des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice, France

Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 8 pm

4. Parc du Mont Boron

With views of Italy, the Villefranche Bay, and the Alps

Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo

<p>Parc du Mont Boron is a communal forest that dates to the latter half of the 19th century and is marked by well-labeled hiking trails. The photo opportunities here allow you to capture gorgeous views of the city as well as the ancient trees throughout, including Aleppo pines and other rare species of foliage.</p><p>Within the park is the historic Mont Alban fort, which you can explore as well as take photos of a panorama that allows you to see all the way to Italy, the whole of the Villefranche Bay, the Cap Ferrat peninsula, and the Alps far in the distance. It’s all just 15 minutes south-east of Nice’s city center.</p> Read more

Location: 4 Boulevard Maurice Maeterlinck, 06300 Nice, France

Open: 24/7

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5. Rooftop bars

Party hotspots with great city views

Good for: Couples, Luxury, Photo

<p>Rooftop bars can be found dotted all across Nice, a city that is famous for its vibrant nightlife. All of them offer outstanding opportunities for city views, delicious cocktails, and parties. Among the more popular locales is the <a href=“https://uk.hotels.com/ho114565/hotel-aston-la-scala-nice-france/”>Hotel Aston La Scala</a>’s rooftop Moon Bar with views of the Promenade du Paillon’s gardens.</p><p>The B4 Plaza hotel’s rooftop bar offers views of the sea and city gardens and birds-eye views of the Nice Carnival. La Terrasse at the Meridien hotel and the rooftop bar of the Radisson Blu also provide stunning coastal views.</p>

Location: France

6. Parc de la Grande Corniche

Expansive views of Nice and Monaco

Good for: Budget, Families, Photo

<p>Parc Naturel Départemental de la Grande Corniche is a natural park rising above 1 of 3 roads linking Monaco and Nice, and offers fantastic French Riviera views from over 2,000 feet high. One of the most impressive views is that of the village of Eze far below. You can also, however, capture views of the gorgeous historic and cliffside buildings along the way. You’ll be able to see both cities from the park’s summit while you relax in expansive well-tended parklands.</p><p>It’s both a fantastic way to highlight your social media feed and a spot where you can go to kick back, recharge, and take in some peace and serenity after a day’s adventure. It’s only 11 minutes east of Nice.</p>

Location: 2680 Rte de la Revere, 06360 Èze, France

Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm

7. Chemin de Nietzsche

The path the famous philosopher trod

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

<p>Chemin de Nietzsche, known in English as Nietzsche’s Path, is the famed and iconic route Friedrich Nietzsche took as he traveled to the coastal town of Èze, and offers gorgeous natural surroundings. The village is actually two villages, one along the coast and the second up a steep mountain. The first provides dramatic and iconic coastal views, while the second is a classic medieval town with narrow cobbled streets.</p><p>This route offers gorgeous seaside views, green forested paths, mountain vistas, and historic avenues and architecture all in one. It is, however, a challenging hike, and for experienced hikers, the trip up the mountain takes about an hour. The path is about a half hour east of Nice.</p>

Location: 06360 Èze, France

Open: 24/7

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8. Belvédère de Villefranche-sur-mer

A quaint, traditional seaside village

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

<p>Belvédère de Villefranche-sur-mer is one of several jaw-dropping lookouts in a small coastal village of quaint buildings, classic and historic fishing ports, and dramatic cliffside views. What sets this viewpoint apart from other lookouts in the village is that it’s lesser known, a hidden gem of the region. Yet it’s easy to find, simply take a few steps down from the Le Léopolda bus stop and you will be on the terrace.</p><p>It offers a broad, charming view over Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Nice. You’ll see endless stretches of dark waters dotted with pleasure and fishing boats along with a stunning cliffside with buildings built right into the stone. It’s only 13 minutes east of Nice city center.</p>

Location: 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

9. Grand Panorama de Nice

One of Nice’s most famed viewpoints

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

<p>The Grand Panorama de Nice is among the most famous viewpoints along the shores of the city and is among the highest-rated visitor destinations in all of Nice. From here, you will capture superb views of the curving Riviera seashore, an endless view of the buildings, streets, and cliffsides surrounding the city and even cascading human-made waterfalls tumbling down cliffsides through forested surroundings.</p><p>This viewpoint is famous for a good reason: it offers almost every kind of photo you could want and has even been the subject of famed paintings, which are detailed on plaques at the summit and whose vistas your photos will replicate. The Grand Panorama is 11 minutes south of the city center.</p>

Location: Mnt Lesage, 06300 Nice, France

Open: Daily from 10 am to 8.30 pm

10. Tête de Chien

Capture the endless horizon of the Riviera

Good for: Budget, Couples, Photo

<p>Tête de Chien, or Head of the Dog in English, is a famed viewpoint that ascends 1,800 feet above sea level and looks down upon Monaco. It’s a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts and general travelers alike. Climbing and ascension can be a challenge, though, so be sure to bring your comfortable shoes, water bottles, and stamina.</p><p>One thing to be aware of before visiting the Head of the Dog: no public transport access is available here, so you will have to drive. It’s about a 30-minute drive north-east of Nice city center. If you can make the climb, however, you’re in for a treat with misty mountains in the background and endless dark blue waters.</p>

Location: 06320 Cap-d’Ail, France

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