Cimiez Monastery Nice: Church, Museum & Gardens 5 / 5
The Cimiez Monastery brings together a 15th-century church, a Franciscan museum, gardens and the cemetery where Henri Matisse is buried, with panoramic views over Nice.
Place du Monastère, Nice (Cimiez) — Tel. 04 93 81 00 04 (parish) — Church and gardens open to all, opening times vary with services and season. The Franciscan museum is usually open on weekdays. See the tourism office for opening times.
The Cimiez Monastery is one of the most endearing places in Nice: a church full of old paintings, a small museum in the former monks' cells, flower-filled gardens and a view that runs all the way down to the sea. And, in the adjoining cemetery, the grave of Henri Matisse draws visitors from around the world.
It is a living place, home to a Franciscan community since the 16th century. A visit fits naturally into the same morning as the Matisse Museum and the Roman arenas, all a few minutes' walk apart.
What to see at the Cimiez Monastery
The site brings together four places built close to one another, and a visit flows naturally on foot:
- Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church, dating from the 15th century;
- the Franciscan museum, set in the former monks' cells;
- the monastery gardens, former kitchen gardens turned into walking grounds;
- the cemetery, where Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy rest.
No ticket is needed for the gardens and the church. The Franciscan museum has its own simple, low-cost access, to be confirmed on site or at the tourism office.
Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church
The 15th-century church surprises with its colourful facade and history-laden interior. Inside you will find three major paintings by the Niçois painter Louis Bréa - a Pietà, a Crucifixion and a Deposition - as well as an imposing carved wooden baroque altarpiece.
Outside, on the monastery square, stands the Seraphic Cross, a 1477 marble piece nearly six metres high, a copy of the original kept inside the church. As this is still an active place of worship, access to the church may be limited during services and celebrations.
The Franciscan museum
Upstairs in the monastery, the former cells of the friars minor house the Franciscan museum. Paintings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts and frescoes tell the story of the Franciscans in Nice from the 13th to the 18th century, in a sober and contemplative atmosphere.
The museum is mostly open on weekdays, on short morning and afternoon slots, and closed on Sundays. These times vary with the season and religious feasts: it is wise to check before coming up to Cimiez.
The gardens, the view and Matisse's grave
Behind the church, the monastery gardens are a real highlight: former kitchen gardens turned into a pleasant walkway, rose garden, scented plants and benches in the shade. From the far end of the garden, the view opens over Nice and the sea, with the Castle Hill opposite.
The cemetery, next to the church and the square, holds the graves of two great painters: Henri Matisse, who lived at the nearby Regina, and Raoul Dufy. Matisse's grave, deliberately simple, is often left flowers by visitors.
Official practical information
Getting there: the monastery stands on Place du Monastère in the Cimiez district. No tram serves the area: from the centre, buses 15, 17 and 22 stop a short walk from the site. Boulevard de Cimiez, which leads to the monastery, is a pleasant walk from the arenas.
Parking: the district, close to the hospital, has few spaces. The small monastery car park fills up quickly; take the bus, especially in season. Visit duration: allow 45 minutes to an hour and a half depending on whether you add the museum and the gardens.
Local tips
Morning is the best time to come: the museum is open in mid-morning and the gardens are quiet before the day's rush. Combine the monastery with the Matisse Museum and the arenas in a single walk: the three sites are reachable on foot in under ten minutes.
Respect the sacred nature of the place: cover your shoulders and knees, keep your voice down in the church, and avoid large group visits during Sunday services. The gardens and cemetery are open but remain places of quiet remembrance.
- Common mistake: coming up on Sunday morning for the Franciscan museum, which is closed that day.
- Common mistake: planning to park on site in high summer, when the car park is full.
- Common mistake: missing Matisse's grave, easy to overlook in the cemetery.
FAQ
Is the Cimiez Monastery free to visit?
Yes, the church, gardens and cemetery are open to all. The Franciscan museum has its own simple, low-cost access.
Is Henri Matisse buried at the Cimiez Monastery?
Yes, Henri Matisse rests in the monastery cemetery, next to Raoul Dufy. The cemetery is freely accessible.
What are the Franciscan museum opening times?
The museum is usually open on weekdays, mornings and afternoons, and closed on Sundays. Times vary with the season and religious feasts: check before visiting.
Can I park near the Cimiez Monastery?
The monastery car park is very small and the district, close to the hospital, offers few spaces. It is easier to come by bus, lines 15, 17 or 22.
How long does a visit to the monastery take?
Allow 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the museum visit and a stroll through the gardens.
