Castle Hill Park at a glance
A famous park overlooking the bay of Nice, Castle Hill Park, known in the local Niçard dialect as Lou castèu de Nissa, offers views between the city and the sea, including the harbor and the Promenade des Anglais. Often called the birthplace of the sun, its 19 hectares are a favorite for locals, who visit with family or friends to walk and recharge, much like visitors from out of town. The park is well maintained and pleasant. Children can burn off energy in the secure playgrounds. Listen for the shot fired around noon. While it sounds exactly like a cannon blast, it is actually a pyrotechnic blank charge.
Consisting of a rocky plateau 93 meters high, Castle Hill Park sheltered a military fortification and citadel for more than seven centuries. The city was highly coveted and fiercely defended. Marred by numerous sieges, it was destroyed after 54 bombardments by Louis XIV. While few ruins remain visible, note that the waterfall marks the location of the former keep.
The park was created in 1860 at the initiative of King Charles Felix, who wanted to turn it into a promenade. He undertook beautiful landscaping projects as well as the famous waterfall, which provides a welcome cooling effect at the height of summer.
There are 4 ways to get up to the park. Montfort, on the east side from rue Foresta, plus Château and Rondelly from the Old Town, are likely the most popular. Lesage, from the Quai des États-Unis, is where you will find the elevator. The hill features 2 terraces, east and west, a war memorial, and a beautiful cemetery where you will see the graves of Léon Gambetta, René Goscinny, and the founder of the Mercedes brand.
This place gave me a moment of peace after the hustle and bustle of the city center. I really loved it! Don't miss this panorama. You get an incredible view of the bay and the old town. And then there is also that waterfall that cools down the atmosphere... The feeling of being perched up high makes the experience even more pleasant. The sea, some greenery, a bit of shade: it has everything!