The pleasure of slowing down time
In Nice, the privilege of slowing down takes us from the bustle of its seafront to serene gardens and villas, offering authentic retreats where disconnection becomes a true luxury
On one side, the iconic Promenade des Anglais, with its dazzling hotels, casinos, and restaurants along the Baie des Anges. On the other, away from the crowds, a world of aristocratic gardens and centuries-old villas, where one seeks calm and serenity. In these places, Nice redefines sophistication, turning tranquility into an exclusive and rejuvenating experience.
These gardens and villas are more than beautiful landscapes; they invite slow living amid urban life. Their connection with nature offers a welcome pause, becoming essential for a healthy life and redefining luxury as exclusive serenity.
The Villa Arson, with its hanging gardens on the Saint-Barthélemy Hill, stands out for its brutalist and modernist architectural design. The site houses an art school and a contemporary art center, integrating interior and exterior with its Mediterranean vegetation. This fusion of concrete and nature creates an unexpected harmony. There, creativity and intellect come alive—a pleasure discovered by observing the blend of the natural and the raw.
The Jardin du Monastère de Cimiez, one of Nice’s most special green lungs, offers a unique experience atop the hill. The place combines history, nature, and breathtaking views, serving as a true urban oasis. Once cultivated by friars for subsistence, today its rich history invites a slowdown of the frantic pace.
Another spot for slow living is the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, just minutes from Nice. With its grand style, the villa elevates botanical curation with nine themed gardens (French, Spanish, Japanese, etc.). This open-air garden museum, with dancing fountains and sea views, represents the height of Belle Époque extravagance. Created by Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild’s passion for art and botany in the early 20th century, the villa still retains its exclusive character today.
In a society that values ostentation, Nice teaches a lesson in true sophistication: from the design of Villa Arson to the heritage of the Jardin du Monastère and the cultural plurality of Villa Ephrussi, the city offers authentic, rejuvenating refuges, redefining luxury as an experience of serenity and beauty.
