Audio Guide of Castle Hill

Excellent question! Access to Castle Hill is completely free and it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as it is a public urban park. You can simply go up by the stairs or the panoramic elevator at Bellanda Tower to enjoy the park and the views, although Bellanda Tower closes at night. For more information about access, you can visit the official website of Nice City Hall.

Good news! Access to the Castle Hill park is completely free. If you want to use Bellanda Tower, the elevator tower, access is also free, but it usually closes around 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. in winter and later in summer. No tickets are required to walk around the hill and enjoy its monuments and gardens.

For a complete visit that includes walking through the gardens, seeing the waterfalls, the military cemetery, and the panoramic views, we recommend allowing at least 1 to 1.5 hours. If you simply plan to take photos and enjoy a short walk, 30 to 45 minutes will be enough. It is a perfect place to combine with a visit to the Old Town.

Castle Hill has a fascinating history: what is now a park was for centuries a military fortress overlooking the city, built by the Counts of Provence and later fortified by the French and the Sardinians. In 1706, Louis XIV ordered its demolition, and during the 19th century it was transformed into the public park we know today. At its summit you will find Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, built at the end of the 19th century, one of the city's most important architectural symbols.

The best time to visit is at sunset, around 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in winter and later in summer, when golden light washes over Old Nice and the bay. As for the best season, spring, especially April and May, and autumn, especially September and October, offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer. Avoid the middle of the day in summer if you do not handle Mediterranean heat well.

Yes, access is available thanks to the escalators and the panoramic elevator at Bellanda Tower, which goes directly to the top of the park. Once at the top, the park is mostly flat and wheelchair accessible. However, some areas, such as the military cemetery, may have a few steps. We recommend checking access conditions on the official website before your visit.

It is perfectly located in the heart of Nice. At its foot you have the Old Town, with its markets and charming alleyways, Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a 5-minute walk away, and the famous Flower Market on Cours Saleya just 3 minutes away. You can also easily walk to the beach and the Promenade des Anglais in 10 to 15 minutes. It is the ideal starting point for exploring the city.

1) Wear comfortable shoes: there are stairs and uneven ground. 2) Do not forget water and sun protection, especially in summer. 3) Bring your camera: the views of the Bay of Angels from the top are spectacular. 4) If you climb the stairs from Old Nice via Benoît Bunico Street, do not miss the Sun Fountain at the base of the hill. 5) Try to arrive early to enjoy the views with fewer people. Enjoy this gem of Nice!