Nice Proposes Ban on Large Cruise Ships

 

The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, is pushing for a ban on large cruise ships from docking or anchoring in the city’s waters as early as July 1, 2025. The proposed restrictions would apply to vessels exceeding 900 passengers or 190 meters (approximately 620 feet) in length, which Estrosi criticizes as symbols of “low-cost tourism.”

 

“Tourism, yes. Overtourism, no,” Estrosi declared in a recent address to Nice residents. “The cruises that pollute and dump their low-cost clientele who consume nothing but leave their waste behind … these cruises have no place with us.”

 

The move aligns with Estrosi’s ongoing efforts to combat pollution caused by large ships in Nice, a city uniquely surrounded by residential areas near its port. His previous initiatives include reducing ferry services between Nice and Corsica, which were once regular.

 

While Nice itself seldom accommodates ships larger than Estrosi’s proposed limits, the nearby town of Villefranche-sur-Mer is likely to bear the brunt of the decision. Villefranche boasts one of the Mediterranean’s deepest natural bays, regularly hosting cruise ships with up to 3,500 passengers under current regulations. As part of the Nice metropolitan area, the town could experience significant changes if the ban takes effect.

Prominent cruise lines potentially affected include Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Viking. Viking’s fleet, with a maximum capacity of 930 passengers on most vessels, narrowly exceeds the proposed limits. Local newspaper Nice Matin reported that the city is already reviewing cruise schedules to determine which visits can be canceled this summer.

 

The ban has sparked mixed reactions among residents and businesses in the region. While many welcome the environmental benefits, others worry about the economic impact on tourism, a major livelihood for locals. Cruise ship visitors, often accused of contributing to pollution and overcrowding, have sometimes caused public disruptions, such as fights at train stations and on buses during peak travel times.

 

Smaller cruise lines, such as Sea Cloud Cruises, Windstar, and Atlas Ocean Voyages, remain unaffected by the proposed rules. Estrosi has pledged €7 million ($7.29 million) to electrify ports, allowing these ships to connect to shore power. He also plans to construct a high-end maritime terminal specifically for smaller vessels.

 

In 2023, the ports of the Alpes-Maritimes region, known as the Côte d’Azur, hosted 670,000 cruise passengers. Villefranche-sur-Mer saw 70 cruise ship visits last year, a significant decrease from 200 in 2010. Cannes, which welcomed 174 visits in 2023, has also expressed support for Estrosi’s initiative.

 

The proposed bylaw requires approval from regional authorities. Estrosi has emphasized the importance of minimizing disruptions to the upcoming tourist season as the city evaluates its cruise schedules.

Nice Airport Sets New Passenger Record in 2024

 

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport has reached a historic milestone, welcoming 14.8 million passengers in 2024 and surpassing its previous record of 14.5 million set in 2019.

This achievement is attributed to the addition of 13 new long-haul routes, including seven to North America and six to the Gulf states. Furthermore, the airport's winter schedule now includes 76 destinations across 35 countries, operated by 41 airlines.

Balancing Growth with Sustainability Challenges

Despite this remarkable growth, the airport faces challenges related to environmental concerns and infrastructure development. Terminal 2 is undergoing an expansion to accommodate rising passenger numbers, with completion anticipated by summer 2025. However, the project has sparked debates regarding its environmental impact and potential noise pollution.

Franck Goldnadel, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur, emphasizes the importance of balancing growth with sustainability: “Directly connecting the Côte d’Azur to major cities in the region and developing direct routes to international capitals is the way to responsibly meet the transport needs of the Côte d’Azur residents and all those who come to visit us. This is the challenge of sustainable and necessary air transport.”

Significant Progress in Emissions Reduction

Despite the increase in traffic, the group has made significant strides in environmental sustainability. By the end of 2024, Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur had reduced emissions under its direct control by over 93%, with Nice Côte d'Azur Airport achieving a 95% reduction compared to 2013 levels. Environmental studies conducted in 2024 present a promising outlook for continued improvements.

Goldnadel highlights the collective commitment of the aviation sector to decarbonization: “Between the efforts made by the airport on its own emissions and those linked to stopover phases, and the efforts made by the entire aeronautics sector to decarbonize its operations, all stakeholders are committed to reducing the environmental impact of air transport.”

Looking ahead, the group projects an 11% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2034 compared to 2024, driven by advancements in infrastructure and the adoption of lower-emission aircraft.

Nice: The Most Filmed City on the Côte d'Azur

Nice, the cultural hub of the Côte d’Azur, has long been a magnet for filmmakers drawn by its Mediterranean charm, stunning landscapes, and cinematic history. This French Riviera city stands out as the most filmed destination in the region, a title it has earned through decades of international productions, iconic movie scenes, and its intrinsic appeal to directors and cinematographers.

A Record-Breaking Year for Filming

According to recent data from the Nice Town Hall, the city has surpassed its own record for the number of filming days in a single year. In 2024, Nice hosted an incredible 610 days of filming, solidifying its position as the Riviera’s filmmaking capital. The productions included three feature films, several television series, documentaries, music video clips, fashion shoots, and adverts. This diversity of projects highlights Nice's versatility as a filming location, catering to a wide range of creative visions and genres.

A Cinematic Legacy

From the silent film era to contemporary blockbusters, Nice has been featured in countless productions. Its cinematic history dates back to 1896, when the Lumière brothers filmed some of the earliest motion pictures in the city. This historical connection solidified Nice’s reputation as a foundational location in film history.

The city’s status as a filmmaking hub is also reinforced by its proximity to Cannes, home to the world-famous Cannes Film Festival. Many filmmakers working on the Côte d’Azur have used Nice as a backdrop due to its blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.

Iconic Locations

Nice offers an abundance of filming locations, each with its own cinematic allure:

• The Promenade des Anglais: This world-famous seaside boulevard is a favorite for its sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

• Old Town (Vieux Nice): With its narrow, winding streets, colorful facades, and bustling markets, Vieux Nice provides a quintessentially French ambiance that has appeared in numerous films, including romantic dramas and period pieces.

• Castle Hill (Colline du Château): Offering panoramic views of the city and its harbor, this location has been a popular choice for aerial shots and dramatic scenes.

• Place Masséna: The vibrant heart of Nice, with its checkerboard pavements and striking red façades, has served as the backdrop for both modern films and classic cinema.

  
  A Magnet for International Productions
  
  Thanks to its picturesque settings, Nice has attracted filmmakers from around the world. Productions ranging from James Bond movies to French New Wave classics have leveraged its iconic locations. Films like Ronin (1998) and Transporter (2002) have used Nice for high-octane action sequences, while romantic dramas such as Magic in the Moonlight (2014) have captured its more tranquil and enchanting sides.
  
  
  The city’s international appeal is further enhanced by its accessibility. Nice boasts an international airport, a major train hub, and world-class hospitality, making it a convenient base for film crews.
  
  
  

  Supporting the Film Industry

  Nice actively supports the film industry through its regional film office, the Commission du Film Alpes-Maritimes Côte d'Azur. This organization assists filmmakers with permits, location scouting, and logistical coordination, ensuring that productions run smoothly.
  

  In addition, the Victorine Studios in Nice have been instrumental in producing both French and international films since their establishment in 1919. These studios, nicknamed “Hollywood-sur-Mer,” have hosted legendary directors such as François Truffaut and Jacques Demy, further cementing the city’s place in cinema history.

  

  Nice as a Star Itself

  Nice is more than just a setting; it often plays a role as a character in its own right. Its glamour, vibrancy, and timeless beauty infuse films with a unique charm. Whether in romantic interludes, thrilling chases, or contemplative moments, Nice’s presence elevates the storytelling.
  

  As the most filmed city on the Côte d’Azur, Nice continues to inspire and captivate filmmakers and audiences alike. With its rich cinematic heritage, record-breaking 2024, and enduring allure, the city remains a beacon for the global film industry, embodying the magic of the French Riviera on the silver screen.

How Spain's 100% Property Tax Might Drive Non-EU Buyers to the French Riviera

 

 

Spain has long been a magnet for international property investors, thanks to its sunny climate, picturesque landscapes, and relatively affordable real estate. However, a recently proposed 100% property tax on certain high-value properties is threatening to upend this dynamic. Aimed at targeting speculative investment and addressing housing shortages, this policy may inadvertently drive non-EU buyers—a significant segment of Spain’s luxury property market—to seek alternative destinations, with the French Riviera emerging as a prime contender.

The Implications of Spain’s 100% Property Tax

The proposed tax is part of Spain’s broader effort to cool its overheated housing market and curb foreign speculation, which some argue has driven up property prices to unsustainable levels, which is true in many cases. The tax would apply to properties exceeding a certain value threshold, potentially wiping out any profit for high-net-worth investors. For non-EU buyers, who already face additional hurdles such as visa restrictions and bureaucratic red tape, the prospect of a steep tax could serve as the final deterrent.

This proposed policy comes amid growing tensions around housing affordability in Spain’s major cities and coastal areas. Local residents have increasingly voiced concerns that foreign buyers, particularly those purchasing luxury second homes, are pricing them out of their own neighborhoods. While the government’s intention is to make housing more accessible to locals, critics argue that the tax could have unintended consequences, such as discouraging investment altogether and damaging the broader economy.

Why the French Riviera Is an Attractive Alternative

For non-EU buyers, the French Riviera offers a compelling alternative to Spain. Known for its glamorous coastline, luxury lifestyle, and stability, the region has long been a favorite among property investors. Unlike Spain, France has not imposed punitive taxes on foreign property buyers, instead maintaining a more investor-friendly environment that balances regulation with economic incentives.

Key Advantages of the French Riviera

1. Stable Property Market: France’s property market is seen as less volatile than Spain’s, offering investors a sense of security. The French government has historically implemented policies that promote stability rather than sudden, sweeping reforms.

2. Prestige and Appeal: From Saint-Tropez to Monaco, the French Riviera embodies luxury and exclusivity. For high-net-worth individuals, the region’s global reputation as a premier destination adds significant value beyond mere property ownership.

3. Infrastructure and Amenities: The French Riviera boasts world-class infrastructure, including top-tier healthcare, international schools, and convenient access to major European cities. This makes it an ideal location for families and retirees alike.

Economic Ripple Effects for Spain

Spain’s 100% proposed property tax risks more than just alienating non-EU buyers; it could have broader economic repercussions. Foreign property investment contributes significantly to local economies, particularly in regions like Andalusia, Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands, where tourism and real estate are major economic drivers. Reduced demand from international buyers could lead to a slowdown in construction, job losses, and decreased revenue from property-related taxes.

Moreover, Spain’s competitive edge in the international property market could erode, especially as nearby countries like Portugal and Italy actively court foreign investors through favorable tax schemes and golden visa programs. Losing non-EU buyers to the French Riviera or in France overall and other alternatives would only compound these challenges.

The Bigger Picture: Balancing Regulation and Investment

Spain’s move highlights a broader dilemma faced by many nations: how to balance the need for housing affordability with the benefits of foreign investment. While the 100% property tax aims to address valid concerns about housing inequality, its potential to drive away high-value investors underscores the complexities of such measures. Policymakers must weigh the immediate benefits of tax revenue against the long-term economic implications of reduced investment.

Conclusion

As Spain’s 100% proposed property tax looms, non-EU buyers are likely to reconsider their investment strategies. For many, the French Riviera represents a stable, attractive alternative that aligns with their financial and lifestyle aspirations. Unless Spain recalibrates its approach to foreign property investment, it risks losing a key segment of its real estate market to neighboring countries that are more attuned to the needs of global investors. In the competition for international capital, policies matter, and Spain may find itself learning this lesson the hard way.