Nice: French City Hotspot

Set between azure blue sea and the foothills of the Alps, Nice offers a pleasant year-round climate, vibrant lifestyle and varied property, writes Karen Tait…

One of the best-known cities of the Côte d’Azur, Nice has a population of just over 350,000 and is a dynamic, multicultural hub. Set on a wide open bay, with a backdrop of Alpine foothills, Nice offers breathtaking scenery. The Promenade des Anglais, a long seafront boulevard lined with palm trees, is popular for walking, cycling and people-watching.

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, mild winters and warm summers, the weather encourages a year-round outdoor lifestyle. There’s easy access to open-air activities such as sailing, hiking and even skiing (just a couple of hours away). Nice is also well-connected, with an international airport minutes from the city centre and easy access to Monaco, Cannes and Italy, making it an ideal location for international buyers and tourists alike.

The city is culturally rich, with world-class museums, galleries and festivals. It also boasts excellent restaurants, vibrant markets and a laidback lifestyle that appeals to both retirees and younger professionals.

Nice’s fascinating history stretches back to Greek and Roman times. Over the centuries, it has been influenced by Italian, French and Mediterranean cultures, which can be seen in its architecture and traditions. The old town is a maze of narrow streets filled with Baroque churches and local shops. Along the seafront, grand seaside hotels and Belle Epoque buildings are a reminder of Nice’s 19th-century heyday as a retreat for European aristocracy.

Homebuyers can choose from historic apartments in the old town to modern sea-view villas in the hills. Popular districts include Vieux Nice, the Port, the Promenade des Anglais, Carré d’Or, Musiciens, Cimiez, Fabron, Mont Boron and Libération. The city has a thriving holiday rental market, and long-term lets are also in demand due to the universities and business hubs.

Nowhere on the Riviera is cheap, though. The average apartment price for the Alpes-Maritimes department is €4,725/m²- but Nice is relatively affordable at €4,697/m² compared to destinations such as St-Tropez (€26,294/m²), St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (€11,782/m²), Villefranche-sur-Mer (€8,110/m²), Cannes (€5,656/m²) and Antibes (€5 153/m²).

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