Monastère de Cimiez

This 9th-century Franciscan monastery sits high in Cimiez with views over Nice's red rooftops and the Mediterranean beyond. You'll find a working monastery where monks still live and pray, surrounded by gardens filled with olive trees and lavender that are meticulously maintained. The Gothic church houses baroque altarpieces, while the small cemetery contains the graves of Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy, marked by stone crosses.

The monastery grounds feel peaceful, a sharp contrast to the busy Promenade des Anglais below. You can wander through the gardens, peek into the Gothic church during services (respectfully), and explore the small museum housed in medieval rooms. The best moments come when you catch glimpses of the monks going about their daily routines, tending their herb garden or walking the cloisters in brown robes. A panoramic view is available from the terrace, especially in late afternoon light.

Most guides exaggerate the Matisse connection, but his grave consists of two simple stones in a corner. The real draw is the atmosphere and the views, which are completely free to enjoy. It's worth avoiding the gift shop unless you need religious trinkets. The €5-admission museum feels overpriced for three small rooms of frescoes. Come in the morning when tour groups haven't arrived yet, and you may have the gardens almost to yourself.