The hill that separates the port with Vieux nice is known as ‘Le Chateau’, despite the fact that the chateau disappeared a very long time ago! It was originally designed as a fort back in the 1600’s and the ruins still remain today. Nowadays though, it’s more or a tourist attraction due to the spectacular views that it offers across the Baie des Anges. At 90m above sea-level, the climb can be quite strenuous, either climbing the 200+ steps at the front, or up very steep slopes when going up the back route. As usual, going up through the narrow streets of Old Town offers the chance to discover more hidden delights, this time in the form of a quiet little square and 2 more churches. We walked past a Jewish cemetery and a mini mosaic-ed fountain, before being faced with the most fantastic view over looking the old town! While walking at street level, you know that there is little order to the old town, with streets going this way and that, and every building with its own character. However, looking from above you see just how higgledy piggledy old town really is, with buildings of all different heights, roofs of different shapes, styles, all interspersed with the odd church spire or dome. Never til I saw old town from up here did I realize how many churches are hidden within Vieux Nice!
Continuing the walk up the hill, you come to a waterfall. This can be seen from rue de la prefecture at night time when it is all lit up, but it is much larger than I could’ve imagined! Makes the place seem rather tropical! Up above the waterfall is a lovely shaded square with the same fantastic view, but also with a large table in the middle telling you the names of the surrounding mountain ranges, and which direction the major cities of Europe are in. While up there once, the 12 o’clock cannon went off, and blimey it was loud!! We’re just getting used to it from our apartment, but being even closer to the port made it ten times louder!
The park itself on the top of the chateau is a bit over rated – not as green and lush as I was expecting, so not really great for picnics or sunbathing. But it is a well used space, often holding events – for example I went up there once and found myself among a local art faire, with a free open air concert and campaign speech from the mayor! There is a kiddie playground, and a café, and the best lookout point in the whole of Nice! From this vantage point, you can look out over the port to your left and see the ferries and boats sailing in and out, and look out over the Baie des Anges to your right, and see the sea, the Promenade des Anglais, Old Town…Absolutely fantastic!!
