Views of Nice, France
The only night Andy and I didn’t have booked into an apartment, hotel or hostel was the night we traveled from Brussels, Belgium to Nice, France. In the planning stages of the trip, we decided to try the night train, which runs from Paris to Nice. The last time I was on a night train was this exact route on my first trip to Europe when I was 14 years old, so I was a little worried about how I would handle it 19 years later.
Sleep deprived and stressed
I did not sleep well on the train. The rocking was too inconsistent, and every time the train went around a curve I felt like I was going to fall out of my top bunk. We were both exhausted when we finally got off the train in Nice, so I guess it wasn’t surprising that we got lost trying to find our way to where the hostel was picking us up.
We were already starting to feel pressured from the short amount of time we had in Nice. Two nights is not slow travel, and we decided our day trip to Monaco had to be cut. We’ve both been there already anyway, so it just wasn’t worth the stress. Instead we spent time wandering around the city just enjoying the scenery and the views of the sea. We walked through some tents that were set up near the water promoting Italy tourism. We even spent a few hours in a Cambodian cafe working on our blogs.
The views of Nice from Castle Hill
The main thing Andy wanted to do while we were in Nice was go up to the top of Castle Hill. It’s a park on a hill near the coast, and at some point there was a castle on it, but not anymore. There are still a few ruins left, but not much. Now it’s just a great place to take in gorgeous views of the sea and the city from above.
There are signs (in French and English) throughout the park describing the history of the area and the castle that was once there. It was destroyed in the early 1700s when the French came in, and the area was turned into a park during the 19th century. A huge artificial waterfall was also built where the medieval keep once stood.
Visiting Castle Hill
There is a long series of stairs leading from the road up to the hill, but if you’re like me and don’t like trekking up tons of steps, there is an elevator as well. Entrance into the park and use of the elevator is free.
Opening hours of the park:
- April, May, September from 8am to 7pm
- June, July, August from from 8am to 8pm
- October through March from 8am to 6pm
Operating hours of the elevator:
- April, May, September from 9am to 7pm
- June, July, August from 9am to 8pm
- October through March from 10am to 6pm
Thanks to Hostelworld and Villa Saint Exupery Gardens for hosting us for two nights in Nice. The hostel was great for arranging activities and day trips, and had very helpful staff. It’s located outside of the center, so if you’re looking for something closer to the beach try their other property, Villa Saint Exupery Beach Hostel.
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June 17, 2013 @ 9:24 AM
Beautiful pictures as always Ali 🙂
Does Castle Hill count as an official tick off your castle list or does it not count because the castle there is no longer standing?
June 18, 2013 @ 10:24 AM
Thanks Matthew! No, we decided it doesn’t count since there isn’t actually a castle there anymore.
June 17, 2013 @ 11:34 AM
The park looks great! It makes me think of San Sebastian, where you could clim up Monte Urgull or Monte Igueldo to have great views over the San Seabstian bay area.
June 18, 2013 @ 10:24 AM
I’ve never been to San Sebastian, but it sounds nice!
June 17, 2013 @ 3:19 PM
gorgeous!
June 18, 2013 @ 10:25 AM
Thanks!
June 17, 2013 @ 3:53 PM
I only just back from here a few weeks ago, I found it difficult to leave but after seeing your pics I definitely want to go back even more now! Castle Hill is a killer of a climb but awesome view.
June 18, 2013 @ 10:27 AM
I’m glad you enjoyed your time in Nice! I was happy taking the elevator up instead of climbing the stairs.
June 17, 2013 @ 4:27 PM
J’dore Nice! Thanks for taking me back there for a few minutes.
June 18, 2013 @ 10:28 AM
Thanks Jeff!
June 17, 2013 @ 6:43 PM
We did the climb up, and while it was long and hot, it was worth it for the different view points along the way.
June 18, 2013 @ 10:29 AM
Yeah, definitely a great view from up there!
June 17, 2013 @ 6:55 PM
We are thinking of heading to Nice for a few nights for our mini-moon in September. What do you reckon? We mainly want to chill out and wander around. Is it ridiculously expensive to eat out?
June 18, 2013 @ 10:33 AM
There are definitely some expensive restaurants, but we don’t like fancy dining, so we just looked for cheaper options. It’s not too bad. One night we spent 28.60 euros on dinner, and we ate a plate of pasta each and a big bottle of water. So not cheap but not expensive either, and this was one of the touristy places a block or two back from the beach. I hope this helps, but email me if you have any other questions!
June 18, 2013 @ 12:28 AM
Wow, great views! I never went high when I was there – don’t think I realized just how big Nice is
June 18, 2013 @ 10:33 AM
I was there when I was a teenager, so I didn’t remember much about it, and I didn’t realize it was so big either until we went back a few weeks ago.