Nicknamed ‘Nice la Belle’, meaning ‘Nice the Beautiful’; the seaport city of Nice is a Mediterranean region, located within the South East of France and is the capital of the French Riviera. Made famous for crystal clear blue waters and pleasant climate, the city attracts many tourists and expats moving to Nice.
The Paillon River, which is now partially built over, separates the New Town in the West to the Old Town in the East, which holds the harbour and commercial district is located. Characterised by narrow winding streets, the Old Town has a regular passage that transports tourists and locals to Corsica. Meanwhile, the New Town is home to the famously recognisable Promenade des Anglais which stretches 4km along the shore. Built by English colony in 1822, the pathway consists of two wide carriageways separated by picturesque flowerbeds and palm trees.
If you’re interested in art and works by 19th-century contemporary artists, moving to Nice allows access to Musee Jules Cheret des Beaux-Arts and the Musee Massena, with a memorial to the painter Marc Chagall built in 1966 housing a collection of biblical paintings donated by the artist. Another attraction for Nice is the ancient episcopal town of Cimiez, just over a kilometre northeast of the city centre. The episcopal town holds majestic ruins of a Roman amphitheatre and a 17th-century villa housing an archaeological museum and collection of paintings and drawings by French artist Henri Matisse.
Both summer and winter tourism are strong drivers of the city’s principal economic activities, stimulated by not only the beaches and harbour but Nice’s strong cultural festivals and events, architectural heritage and business tourism.
The Carnival of Nice dates from 1294. This is a two-week event during February, attracting over a million visitors each year. The festival has a special theme each season, with artists creating 18 floats and figurines in a traditional papier mache for the parade, which takes place throughout the day and night. Intending to provide entertainment for those holidaying over winter, nowadays it’s referred to as ‘The Rio de Janeiro of Europe’. The parade ends with the burning of the King of Carnival puppet and a fireworks display, with most spectators dressing in colourful costumes.
When moving to Nice, you’ll be happy to know that public transport is easily accessible and affordable. Transport within the city is facilitated by buses and trams. Tickets cost just over 2 AUD (1.50 Euro) and can be readily bought by the driver or vending machines. Nice’s interconnecting transport system enables movement between nearby medieval towns such as Monaco and Cannes. Special buses frequently travel to the mountains and an express bus to the airport.
Moving to Nice is usually due to seeking a lifestyle change. The oldest part of Nice holding the Cours Saleya Market, a flower and fresh produce market set up every day of the week, other than Monday, when the market is replaced with a flea market selling jewellery and small trinkets. Other draws of the city include Italian architecture, which follows the fact that Nice wasn’t French until the Treaty of Turin in 1860.
Food in Nice is fresh and often sourced locally. Salad Nicoise is one of the more popular French dishes which originated in the city and can easily be paired with wines from the surrounding area. Socca, which is a cross between a flatbread and a pancake, is made and sold by vendors in the old quarters. Ratatouille, a famous vegetable stew, also originates from Nice.
Moving to Nice presents the opportunity for a more relaxed lifestyle, surrounded by the lively and beautiful city of the South of France. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, the stunning environment promises good weather, plenty of activities and the possibility to travel to nearby cities and countries.
If you’re looking to move overseas to Nice, France, contact OSS to get your free moving quote by clicking the link here.