Nice is Getting Nicer by the Moment

Friday morning the cameras started rolling for yet another House Hunters International episode—my 48th to be exact. This one is with our clients, Rachel Wright and Will Brandt, who decided to invest in Nice and their future. She’s a CPA in the process of expanding into international territory and she plans for Nice to be a part of that expansion. This is a serious change in lifestyle for herself, her husband and their two teenage kids.

Rachel is the niece of Craig Carlson, owner of Breakfast in America Diners in Paris and author of two books, Pancakes in Paris and Let Them Eat Pancakes. Craig and his husband, Julien Chameroy, and Julien’s mother, Elisabeth, will be part of the taping today once my part is done and then I’m on the train to Paris this afternoon.

The story is fascinating because (without giving away too much) the three properties we visit are within steps of one another, and within steps of the Mediterranean. Each one is distinctively different in size, amenities and price, so their decision is going to be tough! If you want to get to know the heart of Nice, this is the show for you. We don’t know when it will air, but we’ll be sure to let you know when we do!

Nice is getting nicer by the moment. Nice Uncovered blogger, Jeanne Oliver, recently published an article titled “Nice Transformed: Parks, Trams and Theaters” with an in-depth look at what we can expect from the Riviera city in the next few years. She says we must get used to seeing a lot of construction! That’s because…

1) “A major expansion to the west is intended to revitalize the entire area between Nice Airport and the Plaine du Var with parks, gardens and cultural centers.”

2) “Central Nice will lose the massive TNN (Théatre National de Nice) structure which, controversially, will be destroyed and replaced with parkland.”

3) “There will be new transport lines to the north, east and west and plenty of greenery to keep the air fresh.”

Here are the major developments we can expect:

By the end of 2025, the Promenade du Paillon will be extended another eight hectares, with 1,500 trees added.

Also, in 2025, the Ile de la Beauté at the Old Port will get a face-lift by creating a 1,150 square meter park overlooked by the Eglise Notre Dame du Port and pedestrianizing more of the adjacent streets. (Now’s the time to buy property in the area of the port!)

That’s an important year, because another park, 30 hectares landscaped, will be part of the Plaine du Var in the west side of Nice by that deadline.

On top of that, a cable car will provide a link between Nice and Saint Laurent du Var, relieving traffic congestion. A new bridge will be built over the Var River to link the Cadam tramway stop with the Saint-Laurent city hall.

Three years earlier, in March 2022, the Franciscan church on Place Saint François will be rehabilitated. This is a 13th-century spot where archaeologists have uncovered some interesting things, but this is where a 300-seat theater will be installed for a new Théatre National de Nice.

That year, the Palais des Expositions will be turned into the Palais des Arts et de la Culture with 600 seats, accessible from the end of Tramway Line 2.

In five years time, in 2027, the Parc des Expositions near the airport will be enhanced to replace the former Palais des Expositions.

Meanwhile, Tramway Line 4 will connect Nice with Cagnes-sur-Mer and Saint Laurent du Var. Tramway Line 5 will be in the works, too, serving the communities of Drap, Ariane, Bon Voyage and La Trinité—50,000 inhabitants, 16 stations and an extension 7.6 kilometers.

Even with all this, I am personally campaigning for Vieux Nice to undergo a complete repaving of the streets. Why this has been ignored is a mystery to me. If the streets of Old Town were to get a cobblestoned face-lift, this very important city center would be brought up to the level it deserves…but for some reason, it’s not yet in the cards. Can you help me get this campaign going?

Be sure to read Nice Uncovered for all the details.

And not to be missed, the 149th Carnaval de Nice starts February 11th with a large-scale opening ceremony free for everyone at 6:30 pm on Place Masséna, and runs through the 27th under the theme of “Roi des animaux” (“King of the Animals”)! King, Queen, Carnavallon, flowered floats, Herald of the Carnival from the city districts, flag bearers, musical troops, dancers, foreign guests…all the actors of the carnival will be gathered to show off their stuff with a one-hour sound and light show.

For the entire program, visit the website.

 

While you’re in the neighborhood, be sure not to miss the annual “Fête du Citron®” (Lemon Festival) in Menton, under the theme of “Opéras et Danses.” For more than 15 days, this is your chance to come and enjoy the zest-flavored golden parades and night-time parades (parades of citrus floats and performing groups). It’s my all time favorite festival! See the website for more information.

This evening I’ll be back in Paris, but I do intend to be back in Nice for some of the festivities!

A la prochaine…