Colline du Château – Cradle of the Sun
Colline du Château, also known as the Castle Hill, sits 92 meters above sea level and offers one of the most breathtaking views of Nice, the Promenade des Anglais and the beautiful Baie des Anges of the Mediterranean.
The name Cradle of the Sun comes from the unique perspective you get from here – where both the sunrise over the old harbor and the sunset over the Promenade des Anglais can be enjoyed in all their glory.
There was once a citadel and a cathedral on the top of the mountain, but since 1706 only the ruins remain. What remains are several hidden gems, a cozy café, a gift shop – and of course the spectacular panoramic views.
A popular destination for families
Colline du Château is a favorite spot for families with children. At the top you’ll find a playground, plenty of space to run around and a cozy picnic area where you can enjoy a break with a great view.
You can explore the remains of the old castle, see the ruins of the former cathedral and discover Le Parc du Château with its atmospheric paths. The area also offers historic cemeteries and the charming Sainte Trinité chapel.
Follow the beautifully mosaic paths that wind through the lush landscape and discover the impressive man-made waterfall, one of the park’s hidden gems.
The Château is usually closed at night, but once a year it opens after dark. Fête de la Château, a free two-day festival, takes place on the last Saturday and Sunday in June.
The festival offers a relaxed, almost bohemian atmosphere and an eclectic music program. But even if music isn’t your thing, the experience is worth it for the breathtaking views of Nice in the moonlight alone.
More ways to get to the top of Colline du Château
Depending on your physical condition and desire to take the stairs, there are several routes up to the Colline du Château.
The easiest and least strenuous option is to take the free elevator located just below the Bellanda Tower near Hotel Suisse. The elevator’s history dates back to World War II, when it was built by the Germans as a goods elevator. It has since been rebuilt, but on the way up you can still see remnants of the tunnels that the Germans began excavating.
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If you prefer to walk and get your heart rate up, you can choose the direct route via the approximately 300 steps that start close to the elevator. Alternatively, you can take one of the less steep paths from the old town, either via Montée du Château (near Palais Lascaris) or Montée Eberlé, which is close to Place Garibaldi.
The story behind Colline du Château
The hilltop had two key advantages that made it ideal for settlement: a natural spring with running water and a strategic location overlooking the coast.
From around the year 1000, a medieval castle, cathedral and a small village stood here, protected by massive fortification walls. At the time, it was one of the most impressive defenses along the Mediterranean, and rumor had it that it was impossible to conquer.
As the city’s population grew, residents began to settle further down the hillside, laying the foundation for what we know today as the old town of Nice.
In 1706, the castle, cathedral and fortifications were demolished by order of Louis XIV. At the time, Nice County belonged to the Duchy of Savoy, and during a war against France, French troops managed to take the castle – despite its reputation for being impregnable. To ensure it could never again be used against France, Louis XIV ordered it razed to the ground.
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Bellanda Tower – An icon on the Promenade des Anglais
Bellanda Tower is one of the most iconic buildings along the Promenade des Anglais and a perfect place to take a break if you choose to walk up the stairs to the castle park. From here, you’ll have an exceptional panoramic view of the Baie des Anges.
Located 92 meters above sea level and covering an area of 470 m², the tower is known for its beautiful architecture. The colorful tiled roof is adorned with ceramic mosaics with Greek motifs and the round terrace with a diameter of 24 meters offers one of the most spectacular views of Nice.
From medieval defense tower to viewpoint
The current Bellanda Tower is not the original tower from the citadel fortification. The original tower, then called Saint Elmo after the sailors’ guardian angel, was demolished in 1706 along with the rest of the fortress on the orders of Louis XIV.
Bellanda is resurrected and houses Hector Berlioz
In 1824, the tower was rebuilt by the Clarissy family as part of their boarding house. French composer Hector Berlioz lived here for a time and wrote the overture to King Lear, among other works.
During the Second World War, the Germans used the building as a gym. Later, in 1963, the municipality took over the tower and until 2002 it served as a maritime museum. Today, the Bellanda Tower is a popular viewpoint and a historical gem in Nice.
The waterfall – A historical gem
As part of the 1885 city beautification, this decorative waterfall was built on the ruins of the old dungeon. In addition to its aesthetic function, it also served as the overflow for Nice’s first modern water supply, established in 1867 in Peillon, about 20 km northeast of the city.
Cemeteries, memorials and chapel
At the northern end of the park are two cemeteries, a Holocaust memorial and a beautiful chapel. The Christian and Jewish cemeteries date back to 1783, while the Sainte-Trinité chapel was built in 1935 by Nice’s chief architect François Aragon.
The building is distinctive with its warm ochre color, baroque details and frescoes signed by Aragon himself.
The small avenue leading up to the chapel from Montée Eberlé bears the architect’s name – Allée François Aragon.
By Tommy Sverre – updated 2025
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