Nice - One of Europe’s Most Walkable Cities

 

As someone who first visited Nice in 1990 before moving to the region in the 2000s. I’ve seen an immense amount of changes to the city during the past decades but one thing is for certain, it is one of the most remarkable and walkable cities in the Cote d’Azur.

At the height of every summer season, it’s not unusual to hear from visitors about how many steps they have walked, usually in the range of 20,000 to 30,000 per day, and they aren’t complaining as they feel they have been able to see and do so much while at the same time shedding some unwanted pounds.

In recent news, Nice was crowned as one of the most beautiful and walkable cities of continental Europe.

The study, conducted by the expert team at Preply analyzed a number of Europe’s most popular vacation destinations to find out which were the most pedestrian-friendly and Nice ranked within the top 10.

This dynamic seaside city in the Cote d’Azur has a fairly compact center core to it which allows for easy access with virtually unlimited places to explore safely on foot.

Areas such as Vieux Nice (Old Town) offer a colorful historic location that is picturesque and almost completely pedestrianized, filled with restaurants, cafes, shops, and the open market along the Cours Saleya with its flower and antique market days.

Next to and above Vieux Nice is the Colline du Château, a 92m high hill which was formerly a military citadel built at the top, it stood overlooking the bay of Nice from the 11th century to the 18th century. Now, it is a park on the grandest of scales,  accessible a number of ways by stairs or elevator, and the location offers a waterfall, sports and play area, concession stands, and best of all, some of the most breathtaking, panoramic views of the city and sea from any number of vantage points.

And of course, there is the beach along the famous Promenade des Anglais, a 7km stretch enabling one to walk, cycle, jog, or just hang out with friends at any point of the beach that is also lined with numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops.
 

Back at the core of the city is Place Massena, where again, there are many shops, and restaurants next to both the Promenade du Paillon (which is currently being expanded and just celebrated its 10-year anniversary), and off of Place Massena is an area called the Zone Pietonne (pedestrian zone). Also filled with lots of cafes, restaurants, and shops line this long street that starts near the Place Massena tram stop, in front of Gallerie Lafayette, and extends all the way to Rue de France.

 

In Nice, you will find the transit system is quite up-to-date and makes for quicker and easier access around the city, but many locals still choose to walk as part of their daily routine as there is always something to see, and with the community being small, it’s a chance to run into friends and family.

Walking around Nice is one of the best ways to get to know the city and take in much of its cultural and historical values.

French Riviera Real Estate Options Sixteen

 

Imagine waking up to the soothing sounds of the sea lapping up against the shore as the morning sun glistens over the Mediterranean Sea.

There is no better way to wake up and this is quintessentially part of being in the French Riviera.

Continually enticing both visitors and locals year-round, whether it’s for a holiday rental or a property purchase, the first thing many clients ask about is waterfront properties as they offer an enchanting lifestyle being at the water’s edge, along with opportunities galore on the Mediterranean Sea with boating and swimming activities, or if you choose, a sense of serenity.

With that, here is a small selection of properties we have available directly at the edge of the sea or within steps of the shoreline.

Theoule-sur-Mer
Price: 5,490,000 EUR

Living Area: 330m²

9 Room(s)

6 Bedroom(s)

Land: 260m²

An exclusive waterfront romantic residence with private access to the sea, once owned by the band the Eurythmics, is on the market.

Come and discover this sublime home on the water's edge that offers privileged home comforts and luxury.

This home enjoys privileged access to the sea accompanied by a large sunbathing terrace and a jetty to dock your own boat. This secluded home is hidden from view while overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

It offers a soothing panoramic view between the coves and the red rocks of the Esterel hills.

In addition to the heavenly views, this spacious property is spread over 330m2. Including a living room, a dining room, and two kitchens - including a summer kitchen close to the alfresco dining terrace.

There are 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. As well as a dressing room and a fitness suite complete this property.

There is private parking, easy access to shops, and a few minutes walk from the port. This recently renovated villa is fully air-conditioned throughout the entire home.

This home is found 15 km from the shops and beaches of Cannes. And just 40 km from the Nice airport. An exceptional place where the magic operates at first glance.

Cap d’Antibes
Price: 10,500,000 EUR

A few minutes from the famous Garoupe beach, discover this beautiful waterfront villa with luxurious amenities.

In an exceptional living environment, this single-story villa opens onto a spacious terrace of around 309 m², with an infinity pool and direct access to the sea, inviting you to enjoy special moments to the fullest extent.

Inside, you'll find a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and three elegant bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom and terrace access. There is also a superb spa with a hammam followed by two showers. Plus, two parking spaces.

Anthéor
Price: 18,000,000 EUR

Living Area: 625 m2

14 Room(s)

8 Bedroom(s)

Land: 4600 m2

Just 30 minutes from Cannes, between Theoule sur Mer and Saint Raphael, this outstanding waterfront property is truly one-of-a-kind with its exclusive access to the Mediterranean Sea.

Bask in complete seclusion in this uniquely private and luxurious villa, located conveniently between the city of Cannes and the glamourous port town of Saint Tropez. Built to offer its owners an abundance and yet be at the raw edge of nature having sole access to two private coves.

You can enjoy the French Riviera by stepping onto a boat from your sea entrance and sailing across the crystal clear waters of the Esterel to Saint Tropez or jetting off to Monaco.

This south-facing villa ensures that you enjoy every ray of sunshine that the French Riviera is famous for with an abundance of outdoor relaxation and entertainment space. You can dine alfresco style throughout the summer with the large outdoor dining terrace and barbecue area overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and the large outdoor swimming pool.

With 8 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, this enormous luxury villa is the perfect oasis for entertaining your friends and family. Each room is a work of art and designed to stay true to its provencal home. Throughout the villa, we see terracotta tiles, exposed beams, and elegantly high ceilings creating a beautiful welcoming atmosphere within the home.

On the ground floor, and main entertainment and family space there is a large open-plan living area, featuring a formal dining space and a library, which open out to the alfresco dining area. There is also an indoor swimming pool, fitness suite, bar, and wine cellar.

Moving onto the second floor we find the primary bedroom, three other bedroom suites, and a children’s room – all complete with their own bathroom and balcony. Another intriguing feature about this floor is the additional two patios and a secret garden with an outdoor shower area, which is completely surrounded by Jasmine flowers.

Additionally, this luxury villa comes with an independent studio, another guest house, and a caretaker’s apartment.

Villeneuve-Loubet
Price: 2,550,000 EUR

Living Area: 141 m2

5 Room(s)

4 Bedroom(s)

A unique and charming stone-built villa on the market with direct access to the beach and Mediterranean Sea.

This fully air-conditioned and recently renovated villa is complete with luxurious home comforts and is located in a safe and tranquil neighborhood close to Marina Baie des Anges.

The villa is only 15 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur airport.

There are 4 bedrooms with their own bathrooms, large terraces, and a breathtaking sea view.

The ground floor includes an entrance hall with exposed stone, a large living room with an open-plan kitchen and living room, and three bedrooms with their own shower room and toilet.

A beautiful designer staircase provides access to the upper and lower levels.

Upstairs, there is a magnificent terrace that offers a 180° sea view, as well as a master bedroom. In the air-conditioned basement, there is a cinema/playroom, a large cellar, and a laundry room.

The highly unique and privileged location of this villa ensures that the beach is right in front of the house.

For more information about these properties or any others, connect with us at Info@experiencethefrenchiviera.com

New Life to the Port of Nice

 

New visuals of the future Palais des Congrès at the Port of Nice were unveiled at the city council meeting on Tuesday.

Offering wide sidewalks with terraces, more garden space offering panoramic sea views along with the planting of large Mediterranean trees, plus the development of an auction area for fishermen, and enhanced areas for commercial enterprises such as restaurants and cafes.

Here, it was announced a year ago that a rejuvenation of the port would take place with a new sleek building on the Quai Infernet of Port Lympia.

The project, resulting from broad consultation with the inhabitants and the professionals during which 710 proposals were collected, includes a scientific and technical cultural center of 5000 m2.

It will include a coral conservation city and offer immersive exhibits. “It is a major asset for the candidacy of Nice European Capital of Culture”, argues the elected official. “A unique positive energy dyke in the Mediterranean, producing local renewable energy thanks to the sea” is also in the cards. In short, a big change is announced. “I will not leave the port in this state when we have just obtained UNESCO classification”, justifies the mayor.

The Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, who broke the news of the new project in the port, has gone as far as to tell the local press that it was the UN who “insisted the summit take place in the port”.

More than 20,000 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the event over four days. The new congress center, which is currently without an official name, is promising an auditorium larger in size than the former Salle Apollon at the Palais Acropolis with an increase to 2,400 seats.

In total, nearly 10,000m2 of space on the port is to be fully redeveloped. According to Estrosi, the financial burden of the project will fall almost entirely on the UN, which he claims will soak up 90% of costs.

Already a hub of activity with the tramway and buses transporting people to and from the port, various, bars, restaurants, cafes, and other businesses are situated around the port, along with of course, the yachts and fishing boats which all help make this an ideal tourist and local spot. Here’s a historical tidbit, the port, especially near the phare used to be a well-known gay cruising spot back in the day.

The city has been selected for this list for the quality of its landscape, the protection of its most beautiful buildings, the enhancement of its heritage, and the local lifestyle. Working on a tight deadline, it is hoped that Port Lympia will be redeveloped by 2025 in time for the UN One Ocean Summit.

France is Tops in Tourism

 

The numbers keep coming in and it looks like France still holds the distinction of being the most popular tourist destination in the world.

In the past three decades, France has consolidated its reputation as the global leading travel market thanks to an incredibly rich tourism offer, ranging from the world-famous attractions of Paris to the picturesque towns in the Alps and of course, the French Riviera.

Aside from the strong contribution of domestic visitors, generating around two-thirds of travel and tourism spending in France, the country is known for being the most visited global destination by inbound tourists.

Despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, France maintained the top spot in the ranking of countries with the highest number of international tourist arrivals worldwide, with arrivals bouncing back to nearly 80 million in 2022. And so far in 2023, there have been 90 million tourists who have visited France according to its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Although there is a regional feeling the rush of people the last two years has been due to Covid-19 restrictions being lifted and that 2024 might be a calmer, “back to normal” year, France’s popularity is unlikely to wane according to GlobalData, a respected London-based analytics and consulting firm, as they predict a 12% jump in international arrivals from 2022 to 2025 that could equal a mind-blowing 94 million people each year.

In a recent International Tourist Satisfaction Survey organized by the French government, the country scored highly for its warm welcome, accommodation options, cultural and leisure facilities, and, of course, gastronomy.

With that in mind, we have been telling anyone planning a trip here to book your chalet or villa rentals as early as possible before you travel. As a benefit to you, booking early means a wider selection of properties in the location you are interested in and with better rates. Because as an area continues to book up, the requirements you desire may have to become lower and rate wars can even begin to happen due to owners being inundated with requests during the same time requested. And we want only the best rates for you for your vacation.

 

As a side note, while there are many places to enjoy and discover throughout the Cote d’Azur and Monaco. Every year we encounter visitors who are trying to cram in as much as possible in their itinerary.

Frankly, it's not a good way to travel, not only in France but in any other country. We see people who have tried to cover every base during their trip here looking exhausted from taking public transit, waiting in lines, and staring at their phones the whole time as their guide instead of taking in the local scenery while rushing to get from place to place to then only having enough time to take a couple of photos so they are at least able to tell people back home they’ve been there.

By the end of it all, it seems to become a blur and they don’t recognize where they might have been.

What I am trying to say is, that when planning your trip, we are here to help guide you by learning what your interests are before your arrival. The French Riviera offers so much to see and do, that it’s best to pick a few prime locations to visit and build upon your trip once here.

Take the time to see how the locals live in each area, taste the food, relax on a beach, swim in the sea, hike the mountains, and experience as much of the culture as possible.

For your first visit here, it’s best to take your time to truly get a feel for the region. Then you will have real stories to tell friends and family back home. The Cote d’Azur seems to linger within one even after you are gone, enticing you back to discover even more about the region and it’s not going anywhere soon, so we hope you will visit again.