Nice - Cimiez

The Origins of the Cimiez District

The Cimiez hill overlooks the historic heart of Nice and derives its name from the Roman city of Cemenelum, which served as the administrative center of the region in antiquity. As the Roman cradle of the Nice metropolis, it was a rival to Nikaïa, the Greek city built on the coast. Numerous Roman roads connected Cemenelum to the rest of the empire. The city began to decline in the 4th century, with populations migrating to Nice, and by the 6th century, the Roman city had fallen into ruins. In the 8th century, Franciscan monks founded a monastery on the hill, which was then used for olive groves and vineyards. During the Belle Époque, the neighborhood, ideally situated on the city's heights, became a favorite retreat for European monarchs. Queen Victoria, King George V, King Edward VII, and King Leopold II all stayed in the palaces of Cimiez, lending their illustrious names to several streets in the area. The Boulevard de Cimiez was created in the late 19th century. Discover all the properties for sale in the district with our agency, a specialist in real estate in Nice Cimiez.

The Highlights of the Cimiez District

The Cimiez district is still rich in historical sites that testify to its millennia-old history. An ancient Ligurian wall even bears witness to the occupation of the site before the Romans. Numerous remnants of Cemenelum are still visible, including those of the baths and amphitheater. The archaeological museum houses artifacts discovered during various excavations at the Gallo-Roman villa of Cemenelum. The grand estates of the 16th and 17th centuries left behind prestigious villas like the Palais Gubernatis, which now houses the Matisse Museum. The 19th and 20th-century architecture contributes to Cimiez's reputation, with spectacular palaces and hotels such as the Régina, designed by architect Biasini, which hosted Queen Victoria during her stays on the Riviera. Its private apartments later accommodated the painter Matisse, who is buried in the Cimiez Monastery cemetery alongside other notable figures like Roger Martin-du-Gard. Other must-see sites in the district include the Chagall Museum, the new conservatory of music, Villa Paradisio, and the Moorish-style Alhambra Hotel.

Living in the Cimiez District

The presence of several museums and historical sites in the city has driven the growing tourism appeal of the Cimiez district. Once primarily inhabited by retirees, it now attracts working professionals and, notably, young families with children. The green environment is highly sought after, as are the local amenities: nurseries, schools, cultural institutions, and sports facilities. Health services are particularly abundant, with the notable presence of the CHU Pasteur Hospital and the Saint-Georges Clinic, one of the most important in the country. With seven self-service bike stations, numerous bus lines running through the district towards the CHU and Rimiez, and quick access to the A8 highway, the neighborhood also enjoys excellent accessibility, both from the city center and from outside the metropolis. Straddling the line between countryside and city center, the Cimiez district is now one of the most desirable areas in Nice. Individual villas are as sought after as apartments in upscale buildings.