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©Camille Moirenc

Visit the Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez in Nice

Explore this magnificent haven of peace with a thousand colours overlooking Nice. During your visit to the Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez, follow the multitude of colours and flowers. Wander along the paths of this former kitchen garden and orchard once cultivated by the monks and take advantage of the opportunity to discover, just a few steps away, the Franciscan monastery, the Musée Matisse and the Musée d’Archéologie, without of course forgetting the Parc des Arènes de Cimiez with its magnificent olive groves.

The Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez: a nature and culture immersion in Nice!

Discover the oldest garden in Nice…

If you fancy venturing away from the seaside and climbing a little higher, don’t hesitate to go to the Colline de Cimiez to discover the magnificent Jardin du Monastère (monastery garden). Did you know? This Italian-inspired garden was once used as a vegetable garden and orchard by the Franciscan monks who cultivated vines, fruit trees and medicinal plants. These days, citrus, orange, lemon and mandarin trees punctuate the lawn and the flowerbed along the paths, together with Mediterranean species such as olive and cypress trees. It is important to point out that the garden still has the original layout with a central well and magnificent pergolas smothered by climbing roses. The place enjoys a sea breeze and has no lack of cultural attractions. There are plenty of shady spots where you can take a break out of the summer sun.

The Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez: a beautiful ecological garden!

A peaceful atmosphere close to Nice city centre…

Young and old will enjoy the peace and quiet here. At the far end of the Jardin de Cimiez, a small terrace with a fountain and ponds appears. It affords a wide panoramic view of the Paillon valley as far as the sea. The Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez gives priority to ecologically maintaining this carefully tended green space. No chemical products are used, pest control employs biological techniques (predatory insects) and the soil is mulched to prevent evaporation. Admission to the monastery garden is free. Open all year round from 8am. It closes at 7pm from 1 April to 31 May; 8pm from 1 June to 31 August; 7pm from 1 September to 30 September; 6pm from 1 October to 31 March.

Cimiez: a site with lots of tourist and cultural attractions!

The Cimiez Franciscan monastery is well worth a visit. Very beautiful paintings by the primitive painter Louis Bréa from Nice decorate the place. An adjoining cloister, little known to the public, regularly houses all sorts of arts exhibitions. Finally, a museum, on the 2nd floor, will help you learn more about the presence of the Franciscans in Nice as well as the message of Saint Francis of Assisi. Adjacent to the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, the cemetery, with its Belle-Epoque charm, houses the tombs of the painters Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy. When you leave, don’t forget to take a stroll next door in the garden of the Arènes de Cimiez: a small café and a children’s carousel will delight young and old alike! Take the opportunity to continue your explorations by visiting the Musée Matisse or even the Musée d’Archéologie and the thermal baths.

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     Visite the Jardin du

 

Monastère de Cimiez in Nice

By Gilles Ehrentrant – Irrésistible Riviera

Passionate about the Côte d’Azur, which I promote on my blog Irresistible-Riviera.com, as Côte d’Azur France ambassador I offer a selection of tourism, cultural and sports ideas on the Côte d’Azur.

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