logo
ic_menu

Cimiez Monastery

Place Jean-Paul II Pape, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

The Cimiez Monastery is located in the namesake upper-class neighbourhood of Nice. It was founded in the VIII century by Benedictine monks and is occupied since 1546 by Franciscan monks. The complex also includes the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, a Franciscan Museum, a cemetery, and a large garden with panoramic views. The Church includes three major paintings by the primitive Niçois Louis Bréa, and the painters Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy are buried in the Cimiez cemetery.

Access & Transport

Address: Place Jean-Paul II Pape The Monastère bus stop (35) and Arènes / Musée Matisse (5, 16, 18, 33, 40, 70) are less than 5mins walk away. By car, there are parkings spaces at Avenue du Monastère and Place du Monastère.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining this activity with a visit of the nearby Arènes de Cimiez and the Matisse Museum.

Meta review

The monastery complex gets very good feedback from online reviewers who mostly enjoy the garden and views from there but find the church interior quite dark, if not depressing. Visitors state that it constitues an excellent option outside of the busy city center, especially when combined with the Roman ruins and Matisse museum next to it.

Environmental & Social

We deem this activity environmentally neutral. Donations help preserve the city's architectural heritage.

Conclusion

The Cimiez Monastery is a bit of a cultural gem, only 3km away from the historic centre of Nice. It has a long and interesting history and a pleasant architecture. It is also flanked by a small but gorgeous garden with some Roman ruins only a few minutes' walk away. Recommended for any traveller looking to truly explore the city.

Key positive

Visually striking facade

Close to the city centre with great views

Key negative

Church is quite dark inside, making it difficult to really appreciate the artworks

Suitability

Suitable for all ages but best for aged 12 and above (younger children are unlikely to find it interesting). The garden and buildings look to be accessible for visitors with reduced mobility but we can't be certain.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on public holidays. The garden is open every day from 08h until 18h-20h (depending on season)

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours
Period 1

MONDAY08:30 - 12:30

TUESDAY08:30 - 12:30

WEDNESDAY08:30 - 12:30

THURSDAY08:30 - 12:30

FRIDAY08:30 - 12:30

SATURDAY08:30 - 12:30

SUNDAY -

Period 2

MONDAY14:30 - 18:30

TUESDAY14:30 - 18:30

WEDNESDAY14:30 - 18:30

THURSDAY14:30 - 18:30

FRIDAY14:30 - 18:30

SATURDAY14:30 - 18:30

SUNDAY -

Pricing
Free

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.