Known for its picturesque streets, beautiful gardens and prolonged views of the Mediterranean Sea, Cimiez is an upscale neighborhood of Nice and one of the most desirable areas to call home.
The Cimiez neighbourhood includes several key museum and tourist attractions, such as the Matisse Museum, which houses a collection of works by the famous artist Henri Matisse, and the Cimiez Arena and Gardens which include Roman Ruins and an archaeology museum that offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history. The Monastère Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez, a beautiful medieval monastery with adjacent Italian-inspired gardens, is also located in the center of Cimiez and is open to visitors.
The Cimiez neighborhood has a rich history which has attracted artists, writers, and other notable figures for many years. During the Belle Epoque, Cimiez became a favourite holiday resort of European royalty and has always been considered an attractive place to live for those with a taste for luxury. Some notable figures who called Cimiez home include:
- Henri Matisse: The famous artist lived in Cimiez during the last years of his life. He had a house and studio in the neighborhood, and he is buried in the Monastère Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez cemetery.
- Raner Maria Rilke: The famous poet lived in Cimiez during the winter of 1907-1908, and he wrote several of his famous works while living there.
- Queen Victoria: The British queen stayed in Cimiez several times during her visits to the French Riviera.
The mainly residential property lining the streets of Cimiez is a mix of elegant villas and bourgeoise apartment buildings. Many feature traditional architecture, with bright, airy interiors and terraces or balconies overlooking the expansive boulevards. Cimiez is also home to several “hotel particuliers,” a type of grand, private residence found in France, typically in cities like Nice. The term “hotel particulier” literally means “private hotel” and refers to a grand residence, often built in the 18th and 19th centuries, that was designed for a single wealthy family. These homes were typically built by the wealthy aristocrats and merchants, who wanted to live in the city center, close to the action, but still have their own private residence.
Property rental prices in Cimiez can vary greatly, depending on the size and location of the property you are looking to rent. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from €3,000 to €5,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, up to €5,000 to €8,000 per month for a larger, more luxurious property. If you’re looking to buy property in Cimiez, costs also vary greatly, but on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from €1,000,000 to €5,000,000 for a property in the area.
Positives of living in Cimiez:
Peaceful and safe: Cimiez is a residential neighborhood, and it is known for being quiet, peaceful and safe. It’s a great place for families, retirees and people who want to live in a more secluded area.
Access to nature: Cimiez is surrounded by beautiful gardens, parks and forests, which offer great opportunities for outdoor activities like walking, running and cycling.
Challenges of living in Cimiez:
High cost of living: Cimiez is considered one of the most desirable areas in Nice to live in, and as such, the cost of living can be quite high. Rent and property prices in the area are generally higher than in other parts of the city, making it less affordable for some.
Limited nightlife: Cimiez is a residential area and not a party area, so the nightlife is non-existant. There are not many bars or restaurants in the area, so if you’re looking for a more vibrant nightlife, you may want to look elsewhere.
Other highlights in Cimiez:
Chagall Museum – French National museum housing more than 1,000 works of the French-Russian artist Marc Chagall.
Régina – majestic Belle Epoque style former hotel designed and built to meet the requirements of Queen Victoria of England, who stayed in the sejourned here.
