Port Lympia

Port Lympia

A peaceful stop on the Nice audio-guided tour, Port Lympia, the old port, lends itself wonderfully to a stroll. Built in the eighteenth century at the foot of the former citadel, it is, with that of Cannes, the oldest port on the Cote d'Azur.

A titanic project

At the time, Nice belonged to the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, governed by the House of Savoy from Turin. King Charles Emmanuel III wished to create an opening to the sea and chose the marshland of Lympia. Turning this marshy place into a port was a titanic project, which took one hundred and fifty years.

What to see

An artificial port was built, made of two basins, an arsenal and the quays. Today, Port Lympia welcomes pleasure boats, traditional pointu fishing boats and large ferries. Stroll along its quays lined with colourful facades, of typically Nice charm.

Practical information

Port Lympia is in the east of Nice, at the foot of the Castle hill. Freely accessible, its quays can be walked at any time.

Who had Port Lympia built ?

King Charles Emmanuel III of Sardinia, in the eighteenth century, on the marshland of Lympia.

How long did its construction take ?

About one hundred and fifty years, so great was the challenge of turning the marshes into a port.