France Guide
The Côte d'Azur
Le Château park
Opening time: Daily: April, May & Sept 9am–7pm; June– Aug 9am–8pm; Oct– March 10am–5.30pm
For initial orientation, with fantastic sea and city views, fresh air and the scent of Mediterranean vegetation, head for Le Château park . It's where Nice began as the ancient Greek city of Nikea, hence the mosaics and stone vases in mock Grecian style. There's no château to see, just wonderful views over the scrambled rooftops and gleaming mosaic tiles of Vieux Nice and along the sweep of the promenade des Anglais. To reach the park, you can take the lift by the Tour Bellanda (€2) at the eastern end of quai des États-Unis, or climb the steps from rue de la Providence or montée du Château in the old town.