The Arena of Cimiez, the most Roman of the Nice sectors
- Jean-Christophe DIMINO
- May 20
- 3 min read
Cimiez, or real estate inspired by a thousand-year-old heritage
At the top of an ideally exposed hill are the Arenas of Cimiez . Remains that have watched over one of the most exclusive districts of the capital of the Côte d'Azur for nearly 2,000 years. A legacy of a fascinating Gallo-Roman past, the site of Cemenelum , ancient capital of the Alpi Maritimae, today interacts with the facades of the bourgeois residences, the Belle Époque palaces and the luxury residences that make the prestige of the Cimiez district .
Cemenelum, the other Nice
Founded at the end of the 1st century BC, Cemenelum was for centuries a strategic administrative, military and commercial centre, rivalling the Greek city of Nikaia. The current district of Cimiez preserves the vestiges of this flourishing period: the thermal baths, the forum, the paved roads , and above all the famous arenas , the scene of popular spectacles under the Roman Empire.
Even today, you can still walk freely around the archaeological site , in the heart of a large park bordered by century-old olive trees, cypresses and umbrella pines. A stone's throw away, the Nice-Cimiez Archaeological Museum provides a better understanding of life in Cemenelum at the time and the urban development of this area over the centuries.
A district of art and elegance
Beyond its Roman past, Cimiez established itself during the Belle Époque as a favorite vacation spot for European royal families and wintering aristocracy. The district is still home to former palaces transformed into prestigious residences: the Majestic , the Régina , the Winter Palace and the Excelsior .
Cimiez is therefore also:
The Matisse Museum , housed in a 17th-century Genoese villa
The Cimiez monastery and its terraced gardens
Festivals and concerts organized around the Arena in summer
Cimiez, a living heritage on the real estate market
Investing or living in Cimiez means choosing a neighborhood steeped in history, culture, and refinement , while enjoying the peace and quiet, unobstructed views, and lush greenery. The area remains one of the most sought-after in Nice for its renowned schools, secure residences, bourgeois apartments with balconies and high ceilings, and authenticity and timeless atmosphere.
Key figures in 2025
Average price per m² for old properties: between €5,200 and €7,500/m² , depending on the address, floor, view and interior features
Apartments with sea or park view : +15 to 20% on average
Strong demand for properties with character (parquet floors, moldings, fireplaces) and properties with terraces in luxury residences
In an often standardized real estate world, the Arènes district of Cimiez offers rare heritage and emotional value . Buying here means choosing a lifestyle steeped in history, while benefiting from the advantages of a high-end residential area, close to the city center and amenities.
Do you want to sell or buy a property in Cimiez?
I support you with a perfect knowledge of the local market and a tailor-made valuation of your property, taking into account its exceptional historical environment . 🔎 Ask for a confidential estimate or let's meet to discuss your real estate project in the most Roman of Nice districts.
🎙️ Also listen to the special episode in my podcast "Avenue Gustave V"
Would you like to know more? Contact me directly, Jean-Christophe DIMINO, at 06 16 95 70 83 or by email.
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