How long does it take to walk through the Roman ruins in Cimiez?

A self-guided walk typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. This allows for about 20 minutes at the museum, 20 minutes for the baths, and time to enjoy the monastery gardens.

Is the Roman site in Nice worth visiting?

Yes, it is highly worth visiting, especially if you enjoy archaeological sites without the massive crowds found in Rome or Arles. The combination of the baths, the arena, and the nearby Matisse Museum makes it a culturally rich area.

Can I see Roman ruins in Nice for free?

You can see the Roman Amphitheater and parts of the site from the public Jardin des Arènes for free. However, access to the detailed excavations of the thermal baths requires a small entry fee via the Archaeological Museum.

Is the Cimiez hill walk difficult?

No, the walk is rated as easy. While the hill itself is steep, most visitors arrive at the top via bus, and the walking route between the ruins, the park, and the monastery is mostly flat.

What is the best time to visit the Cimiez Monastery gardens?

The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon. The gardens offer spectacular views of Nice, and the light is particularly beautiful for photography during these times.

Where are Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy buried?

Both artists are buried in the cemetery adjacent to the Monastère de Cimiez. Their graves are located a short walk from the Roman ruins and are frequently visited by art lovers.

How do I get to the Roman ruins in Nice from the city center?

The easiest way is to take Bus 5 from the city center (near the MAMAC museum or Nice Etoile) toward 'Rimiez Les Sources' and get off at the 'Arènes / Musée Matisse' stop.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Ascend the verdant hills of Cimiez to discover a side of Nice that predates the Belle Époque glitz of the Promenade des Anglais. On this self-guided walk, you will journey back nearly two thousand years to Cemenelum, the ancient Roman capital of the Alpes Maritimae province. While many visitors stick to the coastline, this neighborhood stroll reveals the layers of history that formed the foundation of the French Riviera. The Roman Roots of Cemenelum route takes you through a remarkably well-preserved archaeological site, where the skeletons of a once-thriving city still stand amidst silver-leafed olive groves. This neighborhood was once a rival to the Greek settlement of Nikaia down by the water, and its ruins offer a window into the daily lives, social rituals, and architectural ambitions of the Roman Empire at its height. Your exploration begins at the Archaeological Museum, where artifacts recovered from this very soil set the stage for your journey. From there, you will wander through the remains of grand thermal baths, imagining the steam and social chatter that once filled these halls. The route then leads you to the ancient arena, a place of public spectacle and gladiatorial combat that could once hold thousands of spectators. To conclude your self-guided adventure, you will visit the Monastère de Cimiez, a site that represents the transition from pagan Rome to Christian France. Here, the serene Franciscan monastery and its meticulously manicured gardens offer panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean beyond. This walking route is perfect for history enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful escape from the crowded city center. By choosing this walking tour Nice experience, you can explore at your own pace, stopping to soak in the atmosphere of the ancient olive trees or to contemplate the intricate stonework of the ruins. Whether you are interested in urban planning, ancient hygiene, or simply looking for a beautiful park to wander through, the Cimiez hill provides a unique historical context that enriches any visit to Nice. This self-guided adventure is a reminder that beneath the modern luxury of the Côte d'Azur lies a rugged and fascinating Roman heart.

Highlights

Explore the archaeological remains of Cemenelum

Walk through the 1st-century Roman thermal baths

Stand in the center of the ancient Roman Amphitheater

Wander through the peaceful gardens of the Cimiez Monastery

See the olive groves that have stood for centuries

View the final resting places of artists Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy

Tour Stops (4)

Musée d'Archéologie de Nice / Cimiez

Welcome to the starting point of your exploration into Nice's ancient past. The Musée d'Archéologie serves as the gateway to Cemenelum. This site was founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC to serve as the administrative center of the Maritime Alps. Inside the museum, you can find a wealth of artifacts including ceramics, coins, and statues that were unearthed right here on the Cimiez hill. These items tell the story of a sophisticated society that flourished here for centuries. As you begin this self-guided walk, take a moment to appreciate how the Romans transformed this rugged hillside into a bustling urban hub, strategically positioned away from the coastal marshes and the rival Greek settlement below.

Thermes romains de Cimiez

Just outside the museum lies the heart of Roman social life: the thermal baths. These aren't just one set of baths, but three distinct complexes: the North, East, and West baths. Built between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD, these structures were marvels of ancient engineering. You can still see the remains of the hypocaust system—the underfloor heating that circulated hot air to warm the rooms. Imagine the residents of Cemenelum moving through the frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm room), and caldarium (hot room). For Romans, the baths were more than just a place to get clean; they were a community center for exercise, business deals, and gossip. The scale of these ruins indicates just how important this city was to the empire.

Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez

Step into the Jardin des Arènes, a public park shaded by ancient olive trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. The centerpiece here is the Roman Amphitheater. While smaller than the famous colosseums in Nîmes or Arles, this arena could still accommodate about 4,000 spectators. It was likely used for gladiatorial games and small-scale spectacles to entertain the Roman legionnaires and local citizens. Today, the atmosphere is far more peaceful, often serving as a spot for locals to play pétanque or for families to picnic. The elliptical shape of the arena remains clearly visible, a silent testament to the Roman love for public entertainment that once echoed through these hills.

Monastère de Cimiez

Your final stop is the Monastère de Cimiez, a Franciscan monastery established in the 16th century on the site of an earlier Benedictine foundation. This location beautifully illustrates the transition from the Roman era to the Christian Middle Ages. The church houses three major altarpieces by the medieval artist Ludovico Brea. Outside, the monastery gardens—the oldest in Nice—offer a stunning variety of flowers and a panoramic view of the Paillon valley and the Mediterranean Sea. In the adjacent cemetery, you can find the graves of world-renowned artists Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy, who were both drawn to the unique light and history of this hill. It is a perfect place to reflect on the long timeline of human history in Nice.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Cimiez hill route is widely considered the best choice for history enthusiasts. It covers the ancient Roman capital of Cemenelum, offering a distinct contrast to the modern areas of Nice with its 1st-century ruins and medieval monastery.