The Capital of the French Riviera
Some places are destinations.
Others are cities.
Nice is both.
Stretching along the Baie des Anges between sea and mountains, Nice has attracted visitors, artists, entrepreneurs, and residents for centuries. It is the largest city on the French Riviera, yet despite its international reputation, it has preserved a unique identity shaped by history, culture, and its remarkable position between France and Italy.
Today, Nice is far more than the gateway to the Côte d’Azur. It is a thriving Mediterranean city where business, education, culture, gastronomy, innovation, and exceptional quality of life come together.
A City Shaped by Two Nations
To understand Nice, one must first understand its remarkable history.
For centuries, Nice belonged not to France but to the House of Savoy and later the Kingdom of Sardinia. Its Italian heritage remains visible throughout the city—in its architecture, cuisine, dialect, traditions, and even family names.
Only in 1860 did Nice officially become part of France following a referendum linked to the unification of Italy.
This dual identity gives Nice a character unlike any other French city.
Walk through the colourful streets of Vieux Nice and you’ll quickly notice that it often feels closer to Genoa or Turin than to Paris.
A Living Architectural Museum
Few cities offer such an extraordinary architectural journey.
The magnificent Baroque churches of Vieux Nice, including the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, reveal the city’s Italian soul.
During the Belle Époque, Nice became Europe’s winter playground, attracting royalty, aristocrats, artists, and writers from across the continent.
Grand hotels such as the iconic Hôtel Negresco, elegant palaces lining the Promenade des Anglais, Belle Époque villas, Art Deco buildings, and contemporary architecture together create one of the Riviera’s richest architectural landscapes.
Every district tells a different chapter of Nice’s story.
Cimiez: Nice’s Historic Crown
Perched on the hills above the city centre, Cimiez offers another fascinating chapter in Nice’s story.
Long before Nice became the capital of the French Riviera, Cimiez was the site of the Roman settlement of Cemenelum, founded during the 1st century AD. Today, visitors can still explore remarkably preserved Roman baths, archaeological remains, and the impressive Roman amphitheatre, offering a glimpse into nearly two thousand years of history.
During the Belle Époque, Cimiez became one of Nice’s most prestigious residential districts, attracting European royalty and aristocracy. Elegant palaces, luxury hotels, magnificent villas, olive groves, and landscaped gardens continue to define the area today.
Cimiez is also home to the Matisse Museum, the Monastery of Cimiez, and beautifully maintained gardens overlooking the Baie des Anges.
For decades, the Roman arena hosted the internationally renowned Nice Jazz Festival, welcoming some of the world’s greatest musicians. Although the festival has since moved closer to the city centre, the amphitheatre remains one of the Riviera’s most atmospheric cultural venues.
The Sea, the Port and the Promenade
Life in Nice revolves around the Mediterranean.
The world-famous Promenade des Anglais stretches for seven kilometres along the Baie des Anges, creating one of Europe’s most recognisable seafronts.
To the east, the Port of Nice remains a lively centre of maritime life, surrounded by colourful façades, cafés, restaurants, luxury yachts, and ferry connections to Corsica.
Whether enjoying an early morning walk, lunch overlooking the harbour, or an evening on the Promenade, the sea is never far away.
A City of Culture
Nice is often regarded as the cultural capital of the French Riviera.
Its Opera House, theatres, museums, galleries, festivals, and year-round programme of events make it one of the Mediterranean’s most vibrant cultural destinations.
Artists such as Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall found inspiration here, and today their museums continue to attract visitors from around the world.
Education and Innovation
Nice is one of southern France’s leading educational centres.
The city is home to Université Côte d’Azur, internationally recognised business schools, engineering schools, research institutes, and excellent public and private schools.
Only a short drive away, Sophia Antipolis—Europe’s largest technology park—has transformed the region into a hub for innovation, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and international business.
Combined with Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, the second busiest airport in France, the city provides outstanding connectivity for professionals, entrepreneurs, and international families.
Markets and Mediterranean Living
Perhaps nowhere is the spirit of Nice more alive than at the Cours Saleya Market.
Its colourful flower stalls, local produce, fresh seafood, regional specialities, and lively cafés perfectly capture the Mediterranean art of living.
Throughout the city’s neighbourhoods, bustling markets, artisan bakeries, independent boutiques, and family-run restaurants create an atmosphere that encourages residents to enjoy life outdoors throughout the year.
Property in Nice
Nice offers one of the Riviera’s most diverse real estate markets.
From charming apartments in Vieux Nice and Belle Époque residences overlooking the Promenade des Anglais to elegant villas in Cimiez and Mont Boron, the city offers something for every lifestyle.
Prime residential prices generally range between €5,000 and €12,000 per square metre, while exceptional seafront apartments and prestigious villas command significantly higher values.
Why People Choose Nice
People choose Nice for many reasons.
Some come for its international airport.
Others for its universities, thriving business environment, outstanding healthcare, cultural life, or Mediterranean climate.
Many simply fall in love with its atmosphere.
Unlike many Riviera destinations, Nice offers all the opportunities of a major international city while preserving the relaxed lifestyle that makes the Côte d’Azur so special.
Nice’s Defining Character
If Monaco is defined by efficiency, Èze by perspective, Beausoleil by connection, Cap d’Ail by elegance, and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin by time…
Nice is defined by culture.
It is a city where history, architecture, education, commerce, innovation, and Mediterranean living exist side by side.
More than a destination, Nice is the beating heart of the French Riviera.
🌊 Beyond Monaco
A Carlton International Series
🌐 https://www.carlton-international.com/
📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/carltoninternational
📘 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/CarltonInternational
💼 LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/carlton-international
