Moving to Nice puts you in the ideal location in the centre of the French Riviera, between Cannes and Monaco, a place where beauty has inspired artists and drawn visitors for centuries. Considered the central hub of the region, Nice is far from the quiet town that many might imagine it to be, but rather the fifth-largest city in France.

Living in Nice as an expat

Living in Nice as an expat means enjoying its Mediterranean charm and big-city conveniences. You’ll discover a cosmopolitan atmosphere shaped by both French and Italian cultures, making fitting in as a newcomer smoother than in many French cities. The city’s international community grows yearly, with expats from Britain, Italy, Russia, and Scandinavian countries forming sizeable groups. Non-EU nationals, including British citizens following Brexit, should note that visas are required for stays longer than 3 months and residence permits for long-term living.

The city unfolds into distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character – from the historic Old Town with its narrow streets and colourful buildings to the upscale Cimiez district with its Roman ruins and museums. This variety of areas means you can find your perfect spot depending on what you fancy.

Moving to and Living in France

Working in Nice

When looking for work in Nice, you should find quite a few openings, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The city’s economy centres around tourism, with seasonal work plentiful during the summer months. For year-round employment, the tech sector is growing, with Sophia Antipolis Technology Park nearby providing jobs in IT and research.

Your French language skills will hugely impact job prospects, although tourism roles often value English and other European languages.

Visas and Residence Permits for France
Work Permits for France

Lifestyle in Nice

The lifestyle in Nice revolves around its enviable Mediterranean setting, where you’ll quickly adapt to the relaxed pace of daily life. If you’ve finally stepped away from the daily grind, you’ll find that the mild climate lets you enjoy outdoor living year-round – a key reason many expats choose this French city over Paris. The famous Promenade des Anglais invites leisurely strolls, while the outdoor café culture encourages long chats over coffee or apéritifs.

This seaside city grows more international each year with expanding nightlife and shopping options. The local markets, particularly the Cours Saleya flower market, bring colour and energy to everyday shopping. You’ll appreciate the focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients that shapes the local cuisine.

Shopping, Attractions and Lifestyle in Nice

Finding accommodation in Nice

Finding accommodation in Nice calls for patience and quick decision-making. The rental market moves fast, especially in sought-after areas. Long-term rentals often require hefty paperwork and guarantors.

You’ll spot more housing options if you look beyond the touristy Promenade des Anglais and Old Town areas. Districts like Cimiez, Fabron, and Saint-Roch offer better value while still providing good access to city amenities. Start your search well in advance, particularly if moving during peak tourist season.

The city caters more for tourists, so holiday rentals are easier to find than long-term housing. Flats get pricey in the centre of town, particularly near the port and the old city – prime areas thanks to their closeness to both the water and the city’s nightlife.

Renting Accommodation in Nice

Cost of living in Nice

The cost of living in Nice shapes the demographic profile of expats, with most people moving to Nice being middle-aged or retired. Still, plenty of 20-somethings come to the city to study or work in the tourism industry. Although cheaper than in Paris, the cost of living in this tourist town aligns with France’s high average living costs.

Living in Nice with children

Living in Nice with children comes with top-notch educational opportunities and quality of life. The region’s varied natural settings attract families from across the globe. The ocean sits just 10 minutes from the city centre, and the mountains are a short bus ride away. Young and old alike can enjoy the stunning surroundings and outdoor activities. From mountain climbing to windsurfing, you’ll always find something to see and do year-round. The city’s calendar features events and festivals of all types, with many family-friendly activities throughout the year.

Finding a school in Nice

Finding a school in Nice gives you various options for your children. The public school system follows the French national curriculum, requiring French language proficiency. As a parent, you’ll find French schools offer high-quality education.

Several international schools serve English-speaking families, including the International School of Nice and Mougins School, slightly further afield. These schools offer curricula such as the International Baccalaureate, British, or American systems. Application deadlines often fall months before the academic year starts, so plan ahead.

Getting around in Nice

Getting around in Nice proves straightforward thanks to its superb public transport. The tram network underwent significant updates in early 2025, with Line 2 now connecting Port Lympia to Airport Terminal 2, Line 3 linking Port Lympia to Saint-Isidore, and a new line connecting CADAM Centre Administratif to Airport Terminal 2. Services run approximately every 7 to 10 minutes, making travel quick and convenient. In Nice, you won’t need a car to get around.

There are affordable daily and weekly passes that work across all public transport. For wandering the narrow streets in the Old Town, walking works best. Cycling has become easier with the city’s bike-sharing schemes from Lime (green bikes) and Pony (blue bikes), which replaced the former Vélo Bleu system in 2024. Most places in central Nice lie within a 20-minute bike ride, making this a brilliant option for quick trips.

Climate and weather in Nice

The climate and weather in Nice are a top draw for expats. Summers feel warm and dry, with temperatures ranging between 60°F and 80°F (20°C to 26°C). Winters stay mostly sunny, with temperatures between 50°F and 60°F (10°C and 15°C) during the day and 40°F and 50°F (4°C and 10°C) at night. Rain falls mostly in winter but typically clears up just as suddenly as it starts.

Climate Charts for Nice

Nice is a lovely city with an easygoing lifestyle. The only thing you might find tricky to adjust to is the two-hour pause for lunch when most shops and schools close. Don’t fret, though. Grab a salade niçoise and sit near the beach to enjoy the laid-back way of life that draws most people to Nice.

When moving to Nice, you can look forward to one of the best climates in Europe, as the climate in Nice features a typical Mediterranean weather pattern with hot summers and mild winters. During the hottest summer months, particularly in August, temperatures often climb to 86°F (30°C), while maximum temperatures in winter hover around 54°F (12°C).

August is the hottest month, with July coming in close behind, while January marks the coldest period of the year. Rainfall is moderate and mostly occurs during winter; October and November are usually the wettest months, with up to 5 inches (128mm) of precipitation. Snowfall is extremely rare, with the city seeing snow perhaps once every few years. Nice sits sheltered from the wind by the surrounding hills, so only the occasional mistral wind causes a stir.

The beaches in Nice are most enjoyable during the summer months when sea temperatures reach a pleasant 75°F (24°C), although this coincides with the city’s most crowded period. The spring months of April and May offer a lovely alternative, with far fewer tourists and reasonably warm water. Autumn can bring some rain, but the weather stays mild, making September and October great months to enjoy all the city’s attractions without the summer crowds.

If you’re planning to rent an apartment in Nice during summer, consider securing one with air conditioning, as the July and August heat can be intense in properties without cooling.

Accommodation in Nice is known to be expensive and in high demand. Supply remains notably limited as the majority of housing is used for short-term holiday rentals or as second homes for city dwellers, with rental availability dropping significantly in recent years.

You might be lucky enough to have your employer provide housing options, a housing allowance, or a contract from which you can negotiate a favourable payment plan. On the other hand, you might need to secure accommodation yourself, and in these cases, there are some critical points to consider.

You may want to choose accommodation in proximity to your workplace, in an area that offers you a certain lifestyle, or in a place that makes getting around easier. Since traffic can build up in the evenings, you can avoid getting stuck for a few hours by living closer to work.

Areas and suburbs in Nice

Areas and suburbs in Nice offer distinct characteristics and atmospheres to suit different lifestyles. Naturally, moving further away from the city centre gives you a wider choice when it comes to housing options, and you need not worry about being isolated if you opt to live in a suburb of Nice. Even without a car, local bus and tram services are extensive and allow you to travel easily around the city, with most routes running every 10 to 15 minutes from early morning until late evening.

The upscale district of Cimiez attracts families with its leafy green spaces, Belle Époque architecture, and proximity to international schools. The Musicians Quarter (Quartier Musiciens) charms residents with its central location and beautiful Art Deco buildings while offering more space for your money than equivalent properties in the Carré d’Or.

If safety is your priority, consider Mont Boron, Fabron, and the Promenade des Anglais areas, which are known for their safe environments. For a true Mediterranean experience, Vieux Nice (Old Town) offers historic charm with its narrow, colourful streets, although apartments tend to be smaller in these older buildings. The Port district has become increasingly popular, with numerous development projects making it a lively spot for expats seeking proximity to both city life and seaside views.

Types of accommodation in Nice

Apartments

If you’re looking to live close to the action in the centre of the city, the Old Town, or along the port, space is at a premium in these areas, so you are likely to be limited to smaller apartments within older complexes. Many of these older buildings in Nice won’t have elevators and other amenities. As you move further away from these sought-after areas, you are likely to find larger, more modern apartments with features like air conditioning, balconies, and updated kitchens that might not be available in historic properties.

Houses

If you’re moving to Nice with a family or looking for more spacious accommodation, you’ll need to look at the suburbs of Nice. Here, you’ll find more spacious houses, many of which will come with a decent-sized garden. Houses in popular suburbs such as Fabron and Cimiez provide a fair number of reasonably priced options while offering a calm and secure environment. Family-friendly areas like Mont Boron also feature houses with good access to educational and cultural facilities.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Both furnished and unfurnished accommodation is available in Nice. The contract terms differ – furnished properties usually have one-year contracts, while unfurnished properties come with three-year renewable contracts. Most apartments in the centre of the city are furnished, but not all apartments have air conditioning, an oven, or a washer and dryer. Furnished options are typically around one-fifth more expensive and more likely to be available for short-term rental.

Unfurnished accommodation rarely includes appliances such as a fridge or stove. Depending on the length of your stay and budget, you might choose to ship your furniture over. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the variety of options available within Nice, like modern furniture shops and antique markets all over town and by the port.

Finding accommodation in Nice

Finding accommodation in Nice offers several resources for your apartment search. Before starting your hunt, you should keep in mind that you’ll need to learn about the different kinds of properties that will be available.

Pièces refers to the total number of rooms, and chambres refers to the number of bedrooms. So, a 2-pièce, 1-chambre listing would mean a one-bedroom apartment with a salon or kitchen.

If you don’t have time to go apartment hunting or would like assistance, leasing agencies can be a helpful option. The main property agencies in France are called agences immobilieres, and many expats prefer using them, especially for first-time rentals. Several agencies specialise in helping international clients and can accept foreign guarantors to smooth the process.

Agencies can give you a better idea of the types of apartments available in the city and can even provide tours. These service providers usually charge a finder’s fee that is equivalent to one month’s rent. The finder’s fee does not include the cost of the security deposit that is due upon moving in. Most apartments charge a security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent, but some can ask for up to three months’ rent.

Useful links

• SeLoger: Rentals In Nice
• LeBonCoin: Local Classified Ads

Renting accommodation in Nice

Renting accommodation in Nice requires you to consider several factors, whether you’re searching for a place to live alone or with the help of an agency. Key considerations include the length of the lease, utilities, and the current condition of the apartment.

Making an application

When seeking accommodation in Nice, you’ll need to act swiftly once you find a place because of the fierce competition and high demand in the city. Listings can be taken down minutes after going up. The rental market in Nice has seen supply decrease by over 60 percent in recent years, making the search even more challenging.

Making a good impression with a prospective landlord can be the difference between signing a lease and having to continue your search, especially when there are dozens of other eager candidates. Come prepared with all the necessary documents so you can get the ball rolling as swiftly as possible. These typically include proof of identity, proof of income (last three months’ pay slips), proof of employment (permanent contracts preferred), proof of current address, and bank account details for rent payments.

Leases

Standard leases in France are generally for 12 months. It is possible to negotiate shorter leases directly with the landlord, but most property owners are reluctant to do so. Leases can vary depending on the landlord and usually require one month’s notice before moving out.

The law in France mostly favours the tenant, meaning that eviction or raising the rent can be a difficult task for a landlord. A letter must be sent to the tenant at least six months before a rental increase. The landlord also has to show that the rental increase is in line with the market value of the property.

Deposits

The deposit for an apartment is usually one month’s rent, with the expectation that you will pay two months’ rent in advance in addition to this. When viewing an apartment, you should make sure to note any issues or changes that will need to be made before moving in. It is also necessary to have home insurance in France, whether buying or renting. Insurance can be purchased at a bank and will vary on a case-by-case basis. A copy of the lease and proof of address are usually required. If the inventory shows no damage upon your departure, the full deposit should be returned.

Terminating the lease

When terminating your lease in Nice, you’re generally required to give at least one month’s notice for furnished properties and three months for unfurnished ones. Your notice should be sent by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, via a bailiff’s notice, or by a letter delivered in person and signed for. If you’re terminating before the end of your lease period, check your contract carefully, as there may be penalties unless you’re leaving for specific reasons such as a new job or health issues.

Renting Accommodation in France

Utilities in Nice

When signing a lease, you should be sure to read the paperwork carefully in order to understand what is included in the rental price. Some rentals include utilities like electricity, heating, cable television and internet, but you are typically responsible for paying your own utility bills.

Electricity and gas

Setting up electricity in Nice means choosing between providers since the market liberalisation in 2007. The main suppliers include EDF (Électricité de France), Engie, TotalEnergies, and Eni. EDF remains the traditional provider but no longer has a monopoly. The setup process requires your rental contract, identification, and sometimes a French bank account. Many providers offer both gas and electricity with discounts for bundled services, so it’s worth shopping around for the best rates.

Gas service in Nice is typically provided by companies such as Engie (formerly GDF Suez) and other major energy suppliers that also offer electricity. Many newer apartments use electric heating and cooking, making gas unnecessary in some properties. If your accommodation requires gas, a connection typically takes one to two weeks to arrange, so plan ahead when moving into a new property. Most suppliers offer online account management and paperless billing options for convenience.

Water

Water services in Nice are managed by Eau d’Azur, the metropolitan public water company established in 2013 after the city municipalised its water services. In apartment buildings, water charges are often included in your monthly building fees (charges).

If you’re responsible for your own water bill, you’ll need to contact the company directly to set up an account using your lease agreement and identification. Water quality in Nice is generally excellent, and you can drink tap water without concerns.

Bins and recycling

Nice has an organised waste management system with specific days for different types of collection. Recycling bins (yellow) are for paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals, while green or grey bins are for general waste.

Glass must be deposited in special collection points throughout the city. Large items need special collection, which you can arrange by calling the metropolitan service.

Collection schedules can be obtained from the local town hall or their website. Waste collection is paid for through the Taxe d’Enlèvement des Ordures Ménagères (TEOM) and is included in property tax.

Utilities and Internet in France

Useful links

• Electricity and gas: EDF, Engie, TotalEnergies, and Eni
• Water: Eau d’Azur
• Bins and recycling: Nice Côte d’Azur Waste Collection

The laid-back lifestyle in Nice beckons as one of the main attractions of this Mediterranean city. In the summer, you can take advantage of the beautiful weather and head to one of the beaches. You’ll find yourself quickly adopting this relaxed way of life, lounging on outdoor terraces, sipping espressos in the morning, or having a glass of rosé along the Promenade des Anglais in the afternoon.

The 35-hour French work week and five weeks of paid annual leave are two major perks of living in Nice, while the unhurried pace of life draws retirees looking for a place to unwind. Nice’s lifestyle also gives professionals plenty to do in their spare time. Many residents make the most of the promenade for running or cycling, and there are numerous outdoor activities in the region, such as hiking or rock climbing.

While most activities in Nice focus on the outdoors, there are also plenty of museums and cultural sites to visit. The Matisse and Chagall museums are located in the Cimiez area, just a bus ride away from the centre of town. There is also a modern art museum in Place Garibaldi and an Asian art museum along the promenade in Parc Phoenix.

English speakers will find a large English community in the area and a variety of pubs in town. You can often find free language exchanges at these pubs. These are a great way of mingling with the locals while learning French.

Shopping in Nice

Shopping in Nice offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for the latest designer wear or vintage attire, a fully-equipped department store or a quaint boutique. Most of the shops line Jean-Médecin, a street that runs through the centre of the city alongside the tram line. Here you’ll find large shops such as Galeries Lafayette and FNAC, along with other chains such as H&M, Zara and Sephora.

If you’re in the mood to window-shop or check out the designer shops, be sure to walk down Avenue de Verdun and the Rue de Paradis with luxury shops such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Chanel. Other French shops, such as The Kooples and Longchamp, are also in this area.

Strolling through the Old Town, you’ll find a variety of shops selling Italian leather, jewellery, and all types of spices and products typical of Provence. There are also plenty of vintage shops where you can score a Chanel bag for a great price on a good day. It is worth bearing in mind that many of the smaller shops still close during the two-hour break from 12pm to 2pm daily.

Sales take place twice a year in France, in January and July. If you can hold out, prices continue to get lower throughout the length of the sale.

Eating out in Nice

Eating out in Nice is a matter of Mediterranean magic, as the city borders Italy and sits on the sea; many of its restaurants are known for their seafood and Italian cuisine. The port has a variety of restaurants to choose from, with outdoor tables facing the harbour.

You can also take a walk into the Old Town and pick from one of the restaurants lining the Cours Saleya with fresh seafood on display outside. Although this may be one of the more touristy areas, it is great for people-watching or enjoying the flower market during the day and jewellery stands at night in the summer.

Moules frites and salade niçoise are two must-have dishes, but Nice also has other specialities that are particular to the region. Some dishes include pan bagnat (a salade niçoise served as a sandwich in a bun), tourte de blettes (a Swiss chard tart), pissaladière (an onion tart), farcis (stuffed vegetables), and socca (a crêpe-like pancake made with chickpea flour). Head into the heart of the Old Town and try a sampler platter of Niçoise specialities and sit down at a picnic table in the shopping area.

A service charge is usually included in the bill, but many people leave a few euros as a tip if they enjoyed the food.

Nightlife in Nice

The nightlife in Nice strikes a perfect balance between its flashier neighbours, positioned like the laid-back little sister between two places known for their extravagant parties – Cannes and Monaco. Most locals in Nice will go out for a drink in the Old Town at one of the bars, but there are also places to go if you’re in the mood to dance. Most bars close promptly at 2am, although a few will stay open until around 4am. If bottle service is out of your budget, there are plenty of happy hour options and bars catering for students.

Those looking for a casual drink can stop by one of the busiest streets in the Old Town, the Rue de la Préfecture. There are some great venues for sitting at outdoor tables and taking in the atmosphere.

Outdoor activities and sports in Nice

The options for outdoor activities and sports in Nice are many for those who take advantage of the city’s exceptional Mediterranean climate and varied geography. You can enjoy cycling or jogging along the famous four-mile (7km) Promenade des Anglais or venture into the nearby Alps for hiking and climbing adventures. Water sports enthusiasts will love the clear blue waters, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and sailing year-round.

For sports fans, Nice’s OGC Nice football club plays at the Allianz Riviera stadium, offering exciting matches throughout the football season. Tennis courts, golf courses, and various fitness facilities scattered across the city provide plenty of options for staying active during your time in Nice. The annual Prom’Classic running event along the Promenade des Anglais each January marks a sporty start to the year.

See and do in Nice

There is an abundance of sights and activities to see and do in Nice. From sprawling gardens and bustling promenades to fantastic art galleries and imposing cathedrals, there is plenty to explore in ‘Nice la Belle’.

Promenade des Anglais

You’ll love a stroll down the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Built by Englishman Reverend Lewis Way in 1820, the promenade was originally just a footpath. It has since grown into a grand palm-lined seaside boulevard complete with underground tunnels for traffic, which means the promenade is always filled with strollers, skaters and cyclists. It is fringed by exquisite gardens and lined with opulent buildings such as the Villa Masséna Musée and the Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée hotel and casino.

Parc de la Colline du Château (Castle Hill Park)

A site of significant history, Castle Hill was the first area of Nice to be settled by the Greeks two thousand years ago. In 1706, the citadel, which was considered impenetrable, was destroyed by King Louis XIV. Nowadays, you can stroll through the lush grounds, meander along winding paths and enjoy the waterfall, the two on-site cafés and the unrivalled panoramic views of the city and its harbour.

Musée Matisse

Art lovers, and especially fans of the genius that was Henri Matisse, simply have to visit the Musée Matisse during their time in Nice. The stunning collection of paintings and sculptures is housed in a lovely and historic Genoese villa, which is surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and an olive grove. The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions.

Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas

You might be forgiven for thinking you’ve somehow landed on the Red Square when you see the Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas. This extraordinary structure was built by Tsar Nicholas in 1912 and designed in the Muscovite style with onion domes, a peculiar sight in the centre of Nice. Visitors are permitted inside but should respect rules and traditions, as it is still used as a place of worship.

Jardin Albert 1er

Perfect for a family day out, the Jardin Albert 1er boasts sweeping lawns, leafy trees, fountains, a wonderful rose garden, playgrounds for the little ones and even a vintage carousel. The venue becomes an open-air theatre during spring and summer, hosting concerts and music festivals.

Meeting people and making friends in Nice

There are numerous channels for meeting people and making friends in Nice, thanks to the city’s welcoming international community. The outdoor lifestyle presents perfect opportunities to connect with locals and fellow expats through beach volleyball matches, cycling groups along the Promenade des Anglais, or hiking clubs exploring the nearby Alps. Language exchange meetups happen regularly in local pubs, helping you improve your French while building your social circle.

Nice boasts several established expat organisations that host regular events. The British Association offers support to new arrivals and organises social gatherings, while the American Club of the Riviera runs neighbourhood networking groups in Nice and surrounding areas. Business Club Côte d’Azur hosts international meetups where English is the main language. For those keen to give back, volunteering with local charities or community projects provides meaningful connections.

Useful links

• Meetup: Nice
• AngloInfo: French Riviera Clubs and Societies
• American Club of the Riviera
• Business Club Côte d’Azur