Monastère de Cimiez

The Monastery of Cimiez is a Franciscan monastery in the hilltop district of Nice with gardens containing Mediterranean plants, citrus trees, and a central well. The buildings themselves form the core of this complex set on elevated ground above the city.

The monastery was founded in the 9th century and later heavily destroyed, before Franciscan monks rebuilt it in the middle of the 16th century. This restoration marked the start of its role as a Franciscan center in Nice.

The church here displays three important paintings by Louis Bréa, including a Pietà and a Crucifixion, plus a carved wooden baroque altarpiece. These artworks shape the interior and show the religious art that visitors can see inside.

The site is open daily with free admission for all visitors. The location sits on a quiet hillside and can be explored on foot, with elevated paths offering good views around the grounds.

The adjacent cemetery holds the graves of notable artists like Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy. This makes the grounds a destination for those wishing to pay respects at the final resting places of these creative figures.

Location: Nice

Website: http://stemariedesanges.free.fr

GPS coordinates: 43.71990,7.27908

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40