Nice | France

Nice is the fifth-most populous city in France and the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department. Known as Nice la Belle, it sits on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges. In 2026, the city is undergoing a major ecological transformation, aiming to become the "Green City of the Mediterranean" through massive reforestation and the expansion of its tramway network.

Historical Timeline

Antiquity: Founded around 350 BC by Phocean Greeks from Marseille and named Nikaia (after Nike, goddess of victory). It later became the Roman city of Cemenelum (modern-day Cimiez).

Sardinian Rule: Unlike most of France, Nice was part of the Duchy of Savoy and later the Kingdom of Sardinia. It was only definitively annexed to France in 1860.

The Belle Époque: In the late 19th century, it became the premier winter resort for European royalty and aristocrats, particularly the British and Russians.

UNESCO Status (2021): Inscribed as "Nice, Winter Resort Town of the Riviera," recognizing its unique urban planning shaped by international tourism.

Urban Layout & Districts

Nice is physically defined by the Paillon River (mostly covered by parks) and the limestone hills surrounding it.

Vieux Nice (Old Town): A dense triangle of Italianate baroque architecture, narrow alleys, and the famous Cours Saleya market.

Promenade des Anglais: The 7 km iconic waterfront boulevard stretching from the airport to the Quai des États-Unis.

Cimiez: The upscale residential hill housing Roman ruins and Belle Époque palaces like the Excelsior Régina.

Le Port (Lympia): A trendy, revitalized district surrounding the Venetian-style harbor, known for antique shops and the "Petit Marais" social scene.

Eco-Vallée (Plaine du Var): A massive 2026-era sustainable development zone in the west, home to the Allianz Riviera stadium and the Grand Parc (30 hectares of new green space).

Top Landmarks

Colline du Château (Castle Hill): A park offering the definitive panoramic view of the city and the port. It features a large artificial waterfall and ruins of the former cathedral.

Musée Matisse: Housed in a 17th-century Genoese villa in Cimiez, containing one of the world's largest collections of Henri Matisse's works.

St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral: The largest and oldest Russian Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe, known for its colorful onion domes and intricate woodwork.

Place Masséna: The city's main square, featuring red ochre buildings, black-and-white tiling, and the "Apollo" fountain.

Palais Lascaris: A 17th-century aristocratic palace in the Old Town, now a museum of ancient musical instruments.

Transportation & Infrastructure (2026)

Tramway Expansion: Line 1 (North-East) and Line 2 (Airport-Port) are the backbones of the city. As of early 2026, Line 4 (Nice to Cagnes-sur-Mer) and Line 5 (Nice to Drap) are under active construction, with the first section of Line 5 (Pont Michel to Ariane Nord) newly operational.

Digital Ticketing: Nice has phased out paper tickets. Commuters use the "La Carte" rechargeable card or the "Tram Tix" app for NFC validation.

Airport (NCE): Nice Côte d'Azur Airport remains the second busiest in France. In 2026, the Nice Saint-Augustin Multimodal Hub provides seamless TGV and tram connections directly from the terminals.

Cycling: The "Plan Vélo" has added 160 km of new cycle paths as of 2026, making the Promenade and the Var valley highly accessible by bike.

Environmental Status (2026)

One Tree, One Resident: A flagship initiative to plant 280,000 trees by the end of 2026 to combat the urban heat island effect.

Haliotis 2: Construction is underway for one of Europe's most advanced wastewater treatment plants, designed to eliminate 90% of microplastics from the Mediterranean.

Promenade du Paillon Extension: The "green lung" of the city center has been extended, replacing the former National Theater and Acropolis buildings with seasonal gardens.

Gastronomy & Local Products

Socca: A savory, peppery pancake made from chickpea flour, traditionally cooked in wood-fired ovens.

Salade Niçoise: The world-famous salad (though authentic versions strictly forbid boiled potatoes or green beans).

Pan Bagnat: Essentially a Salade Niçoise served inside a round crusty loaf soaked in olive oil.

Bellet Wine: One of the smallest AOC regions in France, located in the hills behind Nice, producing rare Braquet and Folle Noire grapes.

Local Cost Index (2026)

Espresso (at the bar): €1.70 – €2.50

Single Tram/Bus Ticket: €1.70 (Valid for 74 minutes)

Three-Course Lunch (Plat du Jour): €18.00 – €28.00

1kg of Local Olives: €12.00 – €18.00

Facts & Legends

Legend says that the Bay of Angels was named after angels guided the boat carrying the remains of Saint Reparata (the city's patron saint) to the shore. A verified historical fact: The Noon Cannon (Le coup de canon de midi) still fires every day at 12:00 PM; the tradition was started in 1860 by a retired English colonel, Thomas Coventry-Beare, who wanted to remind his wife to return home for lunch.