Riviera Pebbles Blog: Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez : 184 av des Arènes de Cimiez

Posted on 8th Apr 2019 in Go & Do

Le Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez

Enjoy pure relaxation as you sit under the rows of olive trees, with a book, a picnic and a blanket – there’s nothing better on a sunny day. The red façade of the Matisse museum makes for a great backdrop, contrasting nicely with the blue sky behind. You will often see the local French men playing the popular game of boules in the gardens; or if you’re lucky, you might witness a lone musician playing some gentle melodies on their guitar, keeping up the atmosphere of overwhelming calm and peace.

You find these gardens on a hilltop, surrounded by the peaceful residential Cimiez area, from which you can appreciate some great views down over Nice and of the seemingly never-ending Mediterranean.

It’s also well worth visiting the calming well-kept gardens of the monastery next door to the Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez to admire the rose garden and beautifully-maintained assortment of flowers, and to simply enjoy the untainted tranquillity of the space. And if you need a trip indoors to escape the hot sun, you can enter the Monastere Notre Dame de Cimiez, as well as the Franciscan Museum that is located next to the church which holds exhibits on the monks’ way of life over the centuries. Finally, for the art-enthusiasts, the church’s cemetery beholds the burial place of Henri Matisse – hence the museum right next door.

Although it is uphill to the north of Nice, the residential Cimiez neighbourhood is easily accessible by foot or by the number 15 bus from the city centre, getting off at the Arènes / Musée Matisse stop.