Monastery of Cimiez

The monastery of Cimiez dates back to 1546. At that time, the Franciscan Cordeliers took possession of the former chapel of Notre-Dame de Cimiez and the surrounding land.
They restored the church, built their monastery, and landscaped the garden.
See also the Matisse Museum , the Archaeological Museum and the Chagall Museum

Notre-Dame de l'Assomption Church

The church, somewhat dark but magnificent, is entirely decorated with frescoes. It also houses paintings by Louis Brea (1450-circa 1525): The Crucifixion, The Pietà, and The Deposition. There is also a monumental carved and gilded wooden altarpiece. The façade and entrance porch were added in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic style. The airy, elegant façade contrasts with the more enclosed interior of the church.

The cloister

The 16th-century cloister is a massive structure. A few frescoes remain under the arcades.

The gardens

The gardens extend south of the monastery. They comprise three parts: the monks' former vegetable garden, which surrounded the south of the monastery; an ornamental garden with small ponds, pergolas, and flowers; and finally, a wilder, more natural garden.

The monastery

The monastery itself is not open to visitors.

The cemetery

The cemetery is located north of the monastery. It contains the graves of Raoul Dufy, Roger Martin du Gard and, a little further away, Henri Matisse.

Practical information

Place du Pape Jean Paul II
06000 Nice

Open every day except weekends, between January 6 and December 25.
Closed on weekends, Easter Monday, Ascension Thursday, Whit Monday, May 1, May 8, July 14, August 15, November 1, and November 11.

Access
Bus 35, Monastère stop, or bus 5, Arènes/Musée Matisse stop

Tourist Office website