Castle Hill of Nice

Castle Hill is a prominent hilltop park on the eastern edge of Nice’s Old Town, between the Old Town (Vieux Nice) and the Port of Nice. Despite its name, there is no longer a castle at the site but a park. It is popular due to its stunning panoramic views and lush greenery. The park has landmarks like the 16th-century Tour Bellanda, an artificial waterfall, and archaeological remains from Roman and Celtic settlements. Visitors can also hear the noon cannon tradition, a loud boom from a firework that has been a daily occurrence since the 1860s.

The park is constructed on a cliff on one side and over the harbour on the other side. The park has a fenced-in kid’s playground with climbing structures for kids of all ages. With comfortable benches by the playground, parents can keep a close eye on kids while taking in the serene ambience and taking strolls through the calming paths of the park. You can walk up to the foot of the waterfall to feel the cold spray or stand at the top to watch the stream rise and collapse from the viewing balcony. You can pick up fresh baguettes and local cheese from the old town on your walk-up. In addition, there are expansive lawns lined with leafy trees that make for perfect picnic spots. The little white tourist train offers public transportation and incorporates the park on its tour of Nice. It may be boarded near the Promenade des Anglais.