Island of Beauty Square

Place de l'Ile de Beaute

A stop on the Nice audio-guided tour, Place de l'Ile de Beaute offers a magical view of the old port and its pointu boats. It is dominated by the church of Notre-Dame-du-Port, with its four monumental neoclassical columns.

The Nice of the kings of Sardinia

The church was built in 1830 by decision of King Charles Felix. For in 1830, Nice was not part of the Kingdom of France: its sovereign, Charles Felix, was king of Sardinia and Duke of Savoy. Since 1388, Nice had been attached to the House of Savoy, then powerful and prosperous; it was only annexed to France in 1860.

What to see

Now an essential place of life, Place de l'Ile de Beaute combines the elegance of its Sardinian architecture with the bustle of the quays. Visit the church with respect, then enjoy the view of the colourful boats of the port.

Practical information

Place de l'Ile de Beaute is opposite Port Lympia, in Nice. Freely accessible, it can be discovered at any time; the church is visited with respect for silence.

When was the church of Notre-Dame-du-Port built ?

In 1830, by decision of King Charles Felix of Sardinia, then sovereign of Nice.

When was Nice annexed to France ?

In 1860; before that, since 1388, it had been attached to the House of Savoy.