Cimiez Monastery Gardens and Cemetery

The Cimiez Monastery sits on the Place du Monastère on the Cimiez hill above Nice, in southern France, a few minutes' walk uphill from the Musée Matisse. A Franciscan community has been associated with the site since the 16th century, and the complex includes a church, a small museum and a terraced garden. The Franciscan museum explains the history of the order in the region, with displays on monastic life, religious art and objects, and visitors can see a reconstructed monk's cell. The church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption has a decorated interior with paintings and altarpieces, including works by painters of the Niçois primitive school. Outside, the formal gardens are laid out in terraces with box hedges, roses and views over the city and the sea, and they are a popular spot for a quiet walk. Beside the church is the cemetery of Cimiez, where the tomb of Henri Matisse is found, and many visitors seek it out. A visit takes 45 to 60 minutes. Gardens are open in daylight and are free, while the church and museum have their own hours, which should be confirmed at explorenicecotedazur.com. Mornings are best, especially as part of a half-day on Cimiez with the Matisse museum and the Roman ruins. The hill is busier in July during the Nice Jazz Festival. The site is reached by Lignes d'Azur bus to the Arènes / Musée Matisse stop, followed by a three-minute walk uphill. Visitors should dress modestly in the church and keep voices low in the cemetery.