Craving an escape from the city’s hustle? Parc d’Estienne d’Orves offers a green haven right in Nice. This park spans 15 hectares. It is a blend of the former Miramar chateau property and land from the d’Estienne d’Orves family.
Parc d’Estienne d’Orves is located on the Saint Philippe hill. It’s just a short walk from Nice’s city center. The park provides a perfect family getaway surrounded by nature.
Take a walk along the heritage discovery trail. You’ll see the park’s many treasures. The ground is made of puddingstone. A beautiful outcrop of cemented pebbles is visible in the undergrowth along the trail.
The summit of Parc d’Estienne d’Orves boasts over 500 mature olive trees. These trees are cared for by workers from a specialized work-aid establishment. They prune the trees and harvest the olives. Then they bottle the olive oil after pressing it in a traditional mill. A magnificent thousand-year-old olive tree marks the site of the old farm.
Other remarkable trees live here. You will find carob trees, flowering ash trees and hop hornbeams. These protected trees are scattered throughout the park. A rare lichen grows among the green oaks. Listen to the songs of birds in the pine and oak forests. You might hear blackcaps, treecreepers, swallows, tits, or warblers.
The park’s built heritage is significant. Villa Sorguebelle stands near the entrance. Built in 1740 it once stored citrus fruits. The “bishop’s garden” features a double-revolution staircase. The basin and noria now greet visitors in this natural setting. Villa Bellevue once belonged to the Count d’Estienne d’Orves. It is covered in trompe-l’oeil friezes. A rose garden lies below the parvis. Villa Vicina faces the main house. Felicie d’Estienne d’Orves used it as a painting studio. Villa La Conque sits at the top of the hill. Though sadly run down it offers stunning views of the Baie des Anges.
The main entrance to Parc d’Estienne d’Orves is at 44 avenue d’Estienne d’Orves in Nice. You’ll find a parking area with several spaces. The “Beau Site” bus stop is right outside. It is served by lines 64 and 75 of the Lignes d’Azur network. The park is open from 9 am to 7:30 pm from April 1st to October 31st. From November 1st to March 31st, it is open from 9 am to 6 pm.
Stroll up the path to the left from the parking lot. It winds through the park. For a more shaded and rocky path follow the red and yellow markings. After a few turns you’ll reach a plateau that you can walk around. Benches and picnic areas dot the landscape. Follow signs toward the corniche de Magnan after touring the plateau. Go down the small path below. A sign points to the thousand-year-old olive tree.
Walk through the thick vegetation for a few hundred meters. You will arrive at a small plain that shelters the impressive tree. Turn around to admire the view of Nice. Then take the path that climbs gently to the right of the tree. This leads to the corniche de Magnan. Many benches and olive trees crown its summit. It provides a wonderful view of the western part of the city. It’s the perfect spot to relax and watch the sunset. Continue the loop to return to the first plateau. Then take the winding road back to the parking lot.
The park is easy to explore. The elevation change is slight. The highest point is 149 meters. The lowest is 42 meters. The full circuit of the park is about 5 kilometers. Hiking shoes aren’t essential but wear shoes with good soles to avoid slipping. Don’t forget a hat and water. Parc d’Estienne d’Orves awaits you with its natural beauty and historical charm.