The Observatory of Nice is a refracting telescope observation facility which was once recognised as a major European astronomical institution devoted to astronomical research and studies. It merged with the Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches Géodynamiques et Astronomiques (CERGA) Observatory in 1988 to form the Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur. The institution was founded by banker and philanthropist Raphael Bischoffmein, who in 1879 together with architect Charles Garnier initiated its construction. Eleven years later, the Observatory acquired a 76-centimetre refractor telescope, the largest in the world. However, one year later, the Lick Observatory, managed by the University of California got an even bigger refractor telescope, denying the Nice Observatory the status of number one. The location of the Nice Observatory is considered one of the best in Europe; it's surrounded by a spacious and beautiful park.

Situated in the departemental park of Grande Corniche,between Nice La Turbie, AstroTheme Park known as the ‘to the stars’, showcasing stars, and astronomers. The park was created in 1987 and today allows people of all ages and origins to discover the universe of the stars by telescopes, astronomy and planetarium shows. Astroarama’s various programmes include its animations 'Astro-Space', 'Star Show' and 'Astro-Gastronomy'. Its 'sky'programmeos theSun, Moon, nebula and stars with anastronomical telescope. From Nice by car, o can be reached by taking the road that Napoleon built, the Grande Corniche D2564, about 3.5 miles to Col d’Eze, then turn left for about one mile to Revère Park.

The Nice Observatory is accessible by bus numbers 1, 2 or 10 from the centre of Nice to Nice Riquier, then by taking the 84 minibus to Beaulieu. The Observartory’s main gates are at the end of the road off the Chemin Vinaigrier. Guided tours, in French, are available each Saturday and Wednesday at 3pm.