Welcome to Nice
We provide essential information for newcomers to France from around the globe to ease their transition.
Nice is a stunning coastal city on the French Riviera, celebrated for its Mediterranean charm, vibrant culture, and year-round sunshine. As the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department, it boasts a unique blend of French elegance and Italian influence, visible in its architecture, cuisine, and relaxed lifestyle.
The famous Promenade des Anglais stretches along the turquoise waters of the Baie des Anges, perfect for leisurely walks or cycling. Its old town, Vieux Nice, is a maze of narrow streets, colorful facades, bustling markets, and lively cafés. Art lovers are drawn to the city’s many museums, including those dedicated to Matisse and Chagall.
Nice’s gastronomy features Provençal specialties like salade niçoise, socca, and fresh seafood, reflecting its coastal location. With its excellent transport links, proximity to Monaco and Italy, and a calendar full of festivals, Nice offers a mix of seaside relaxation, cultural richness, and cosmopolitan flair.
Nice is the capital (Préfecture) of the Alpes-Maritimes department (06) in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region in southeastern France. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Nice is a major cultural, administrative, and economic hub of the French Riviera, and the second-largest city in the PACA region after Marseille.
Nice is also at the heart of the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur, an intercommunal body comprising 51 communes, responsible for regional services like transport, economic development, and urban planning.
A commune is the smallest administrative division in France. Each has autonomy in managing local services, including civil registration, local infrastructure, and public services.
1. Mairie (Town Hall / City Hall)
Mairie de Nice (main city hall) is located in the city center, with multiple mairies annexes serving neighborhoods like Nice Nord, Nice Est, and Nice Ouest.
Services provided:
Civil acts (birth, marriage, death registrations)
Permits (construction, public events)
Waste collection, water supply, and local transport
School registration and social aid
Cultural and community programs
🔗 Residents can consult their arrondissement’s annex mairie via the official Nice city website.
2. Police Municipale (Municipal Police)
Enforces local laws, manages traffic, public safety, and neighborhood patrols.
Police Nationale handles more serious matters such as identity checks, organized crime, and immigration control.
Both forces collaborate in a large city like Nice, with designated jurisdictions.
3. Other Local Services
Libraries, public gardens, cultural centers, and sports facilities.
Social services for families, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Urban planning, environmental initiatives, and heritage preservation.
Administrative Structure – Nice & Alpes-Maritimes
Préfecture & Subprefectures
Préfecture des Alpes-Maritimes is located in central Nice.
Subprefectures:
Grasse (serving the western part of the department)
Nice-Montagne (focused on mountainous zones)
Judicial and Tax Offices
Tribunal judiciaire de Nice: Handles civil and criminal matters.
Tribunal administratif: Manages disputes with public administration.
Tribunal de commerce de Nice: Manages business and corporate disputes.
Tax Offices:
SIP (personal tax), SIE (business tax), and CDIF (property tax) available in Nice and surrounding communes.
Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur
Formed in 2012, this intercommunal structure includes 51 communes, including Nice, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, and Vence.
Core responsibilities:
Public transport (Lignes d'Azur tram and bus network)
Urban development, infrastructure projects
Waste management and environmental planning
Economic development and tourism
Housing, health, and education policy coordination
Nice City Districts (Arrondissements & Quartiers)
Nice is administratively divided into 9 main districts (secteurs) and over 40 neighborhoods (quartiers), including:
Vieux-Nice (Old Town)
Jean-Médecin (downtown)
Cimiez
Fabron
Libération
Ariane
Riquier
Magnan
Each area has its own community centers, local services, and cultural identity. District councils work in partnership with the central mairie to serve the local population.
🚋🚍🚲 Public Transport in Nice & the French Riviera – Lignes d’Azur & Regional Connections
Nice and its surrounding Côte d’Azur region are served by Lignes d’Azur, offering an extensive public transport system that links the city, suburbs, and nearby Mediterranean towns.
🌐 Lignes d’Azur Network
The network covers Nice and several neighboring communes, making it easy to travel between beaches, business districts, and residential areas.
🚉 Services Operated by Lignes d’Azur:
🚋 Trams – 3 main lines:
Line 1 – City center loop (north–south).
Line 2 – East–west link including direct tram to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
Line 3 – Airport to Saint-Isidore.
🚌 Buses – Dozens of urban and suburban routes, including Noctambus night buses.
🚲 Vélobleu – Public self-service bicycles across Nice, Cagnes-sur-Mer, and Saint-Laurent-du-Var.
🚕 On-Demand & Paratransit Services – For people with reduced mobility or areas with limited service.
💳 Ticketing & Pass Options
🎫 Single & Multi-trip Tickets – Valid for 74 minutes across trams and buses.
🎓 Youth & Student Passes – Monthly/annual discounted subscriptions for under-26s and students.
👩💼 Monthly & Annual Passes – Unlimited travel, with up to 50% cost reimbursement by employers.
👶 Free for children under 4; reduced fares for children and seniors.
Tickets can be purchased at vending machines on tram platforms, Lignes d’Azur agencies, partner kiosks, and via the Lignes d’Azur mobile app for digital tickets, route planning, and live updates.
🗺️ Regional Transport Outside Nice
🚆 TER Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Trains – Scenic routes along the Mediterranean coast and into the Alps. Major destinations: Monaco, Menton, Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, and Ventimiglia (Italy).
🚌 ZOU! Regional Buses – Affordable connections to towns and villages in the Alpes-Maritimes and beyond, including ski resorts in winter.
💡 Tip: Combine Lignes d’Azur + TER
Perfect for coastal commuters — for example, living in Nice while working in Monaco or Cannes. Combined passes offer convenience and savings for both urban and regional travel.
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📍 Places to Visit in Nice
🏛 Historic & Iconic
1. Promenade des Anglais
About: Iconic 7 km seafront boulevard perfect for strolling, cycling, or rollerblading.
From Centre: Starts ~0.3 km south of Place Masséna.
How to Reach: Walk.
2. Vieux Nice (Old Town)
About: Narrow streets, colorful facades, markets, and lively cafés.
From Centre: ~0.5 km southeast.
How to Reach: Walk or Tram L1 (Opéra–Vieille Ville).
3. Cours Saleya Market
About: Flower, fruit, and local food market in the Old Town.
From Centre: ~0.7 km southeast.
How to Reach: Walk or Tram L1 (Opéra–Vieille Ville).
4. Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
About: Park with panoramic views of the bay; site of the old citadel.
From Centre: ~1 km east.
How to Reach: Walk or elevator from Old Port area.
🎨 Museums & Culture
5. Musée Matisse
About: Collection of works by Henri Matisse in a Genoese-style villa.
From Centre: ~2.5 km north.
How to Reach: Bus 15 or 17.
6. Musée Marc Chagall
About: Dedicated to Chagall’s biblical paintings and stained glass.
From Centre: ~1.8 km north.
How to Reach: Bus 5 or 7, or walk uphill.
7. Nice Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate)
About: 17th-century baroque cathedral in the Old Town.
From Centre: ~0.7 km southeast.
How to Reach: Walk or Tram L1.
🌳 Outdoor & Scenic
8. Jardin Albert 1er
About: Central park with fountains, lawns, and open-air events.
From Centre: ~0.2 km southwest.
How to Reach: Walk.
9. Parc Phoenix
About: Large botanical garden with greenhouses and small zoo.
From Centre: ~5.5 km west.
How to Reach: Tram L2 (Parc Phoenix).
10. Mont Boron
About: Hilltop park with hiking trails and views over Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer.
From Centre: ~4 km east.
How to Reach: Bus 14 or 33.
🚆 Day Trips & Nearby Places from Nice
🏝 Coastal Towns
1. Villefranche-sur-Mer
About: Colorful fishing village with sandy beach and deep harbor.
Distance: ~6 km east.
How to Reach: Train (~7 min) or bus 100.
2. Eze Village
About: Hilltop medieval village with exotic garden and sea views.
Distance: ~12 km east.
How to Reach: Bus 82/112 or train to Eze-sur-Mer + bus/hike.
3. Menton
About: Known as the “Pearl of France” for its lemon groves and Italianate architecture.
Distance: ~30 km east.
How to Reach: Train (~30 min) or bus 100.
🌍 Monaco & Italy
4. Monaco (Monte Carlo)
About: Glamorous principality with casino, palace, and yacht-filled harbor.
Distance: ~20 km east.
How to Reach: Train (~20 min) or bus 100.
5. Ventimiglia (Italy)
About: Italian border town with Friday street market and seaside charm.
Distance: ~40 km east.
How to Reach: Train (~50 min).
🌄 Countryside & Nature
6. Saint-Paul-de-Vence
About: Medieval hilltop village known for art galleries and cobbled streets.
Distance: ~20 km northwest.
How to Reach: Bus 400.
7. Gorges du Loup
About: Scenic river canyon with waterfalls and hiking trails.
Distance: ~30 km northwest.
How to Reach: Car (~50 min) or bus + walk.
8. Grasse
About: Perfume capital of the world, with factories and flower fields.
Distance: ~40 km northwest.
How to Reach: Train (~1h) or bus 500.
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Accommodation in Nice offers a wide variety, from glamorous seaside resorts to charming budget stays, catering to every type of traveler.
Luxury hotels line the iconic Promenade des Anglais, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean, rooftop pools, and fine dining—perfect for those seeking elegance by the sea. Boutique hotels in Old Town (Vieux Nice) immerse guests in colorful Provençal charm, with cobblestone streets, lively markets, and easy access to the Cours Saleya flower market.
Mid-range options are abundant near Avenue Jean Médecin and the city center, providing comfortable stays within walking distance of Nice-Ville train station and tram lines. For budget travelers, hostels and small hotels around the Liberation and Riquier districts offer affordable accommodation while staying well-connected to the rest of the city.
Aparthotels and vacation rentals are popular for longer stays, often featuring kitchenettes and balconies with sea or city views.
Thanks to Nice’s excellent public transport network—including trams, buses, and trains—you can easily access nearby gems like Èze, Monaco, and Antibes while enjoying the relaxed Riviera lifestyle.
🍽 A Taste of Nice: Food & Restaurants
Nice, the jewel of the French Riviera, blends Mediterranean sunshine with a rich culinary heritage influenced by Provence and Italy. From seaside fine dining to bustling markets and a growing international scene, the city offers something for every taste—including vegan and vegetarian options.
🌍 International Flavors
Alongside Niçoise cuisine, Nice is home to a vibrant mix of global eateries. Indian restaurants serve curries, dosas, and tandoori specialties. Asian dining spans Japanese sushi and ramen bars, Chinese dim sum, Thai curries, and Vietnamese pho. Turkish kitchens serve fresh kebabs, mezze, and lahmacun, while Afghani restaurants offer mantu, qabuli pulao, and spiced lamb. Arabic cuisine brings shawarma, falafel, and mezze platters, and African eateries present Moroccan tagines, Tunisian couscous, and Senegalese yassa.
⭐ Fine Dining
Michelin-starred restaurants such as Flaveur, JAN, and Keisuke Matsushima elevate dining in Nice with artistic plates and creative flavor pairings, often featuring the freshest Mediterranean seafood.
🍷 Bistronomy & Creative Cuisine
Modern bistros like Le Canon, Olive & Artichaut, and Bistrot d’Antoine reinterpret local produce in inventive ways, offering both hearty and refined dishes.
💰 Budget-Friendly Gems
Family-run spots and market cafés offer authentic dishes like socca (chickpea flatbread), pissaladière (onion tart), and fresh pan bagnat (Niçoise sandwich) at affordable prices.
🥩 Local Classics
Nice’s signature Niçoise salad, daube (Provençal beef stew), and ratatouille reflect its Mediterranean roots. Seafood lovers can enjoy freshly grilled fish, bouillabaisse, and shellfish straight from the harbor.
🥬 Vegan & Vegetarian
Plant-based dining is growing, with highlights such as:
Paper Plane – Cozy café with vegan brunches and fresh juices.
Koko Green – 100% vegan gourmet restaurant.
La Caravane Passe – Vegan-friendly Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Amour Pâtisserie Végétale – Vegan desserts and pastries.
🛍 Eat & Explore
The famous Cours Saleya Market is a must for fresh produce, flowers, local delicacies, and vegan-friendly stalls. Try the Marché de la Libération for seafood, spices, and artisan products, or explore the Old Town for authentic street food and family-run eateries.
🚨 Health & Emergency Contacts – Nice Region
🏥 Medical Emergencies
SAMU (Ambulance & Medical Assistance) – ☎️ 15
European Emergency Number – ☎️ 112
Fire Brigade (Pompiers) – ☎️ 18
Police Emergency – ☎️ 17
Police SMS (Hearing/Speech Impaired) – 📱 114
SOS Médecins Nice (Doctors 24/7) – ☎️ 36 24 (national) or 04 93 85 01 01 (local)
Pharmacy on Duty Info – ☎️ 32 37
Poison Control Center – Marseille (covers Nice) – ☎️ 04 91 75 25 25
Major Hospital Emergency Departments in Nice:
CHU de Nice – Hôpital Pasteur 2 (Main Emergency) – ☎️ 04 92 03 77 77
CHU de Nice – Hôpital L’Archet (Adults & Children) – ☎️ 04 92 03 77 77
Centre Antoine Lacassagne (Oncology Emergencies) – ☎️ 04 92 03 10 00
🧠 Mental Health & Emotional Support
Suicide Prevention Hotline (24/7) – ☎️ 31 14
SOS Amitié Côte d’Azur – ☎️ 04 93 62 24 44
Psychological Support Line – ☎️ 0 800 71 08 90 (free)
👶🧓 Child, Senior & Vulnerable Group Support
Child Protection (All France) – ☎️ 119
SOS Missing Children – ☎️ 116 000
Elderly & Disabled Abuse Helpline – ☎️ 39 77
Senior Support Platform (CLIC/MAIA) – ☎️ 0 800 62 58 85
🛡️ Legal & Violence Support
Domestic Violence Hotline – ☎️ 39 19
CIDFF Alpes-Maritimes (Women’s Rights & Family Support) – ☎️ 04 93 80 06 80
Free Legal Advice – Nice Bar Association – ☎️ 04 93 85 36 36
Cyber-harassment Helpline (Net Ecoute) – ☎️ 30 18
Victim Support France – Nice – ☎️ 04 93 62 14 62
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