It’s been 10 years since I moved to the French Riviera after 27 years in Paris. Settling in this region was certainly the best choice I ever made in my life. A choice more in line with my values, my needs and who I am deep down. This need to live by the sea and close to Nature became indispensable for my well-being and my mental health. I am therefore proud to have listened to myself and to have been able to carry out this project alone.
Having first lived in Villeneuve-Loubet to be close to work, I decided to return to the city by moving to Nice. Even if it’s not as big as Paris, Nice is still the 5th largest city in France with 350,000 inhabitants. And although it is not as dynamic and stimulating as a capital city, living in Nice has many other advantages to offer that no other city can compete with!
1. Enjoying the benefits of the sea
I currently live 6 minutes from the famous Promenade des Anglais, one of the most famous promenades in the world for its endless view of the azure blue sea. After having spent 30 years in a big city, I can confirm that living in Nice by the sea has psychological benefits that are no longer to be proven on humans.
In fact, I have established a morning routine in Nice which consists of :
- getting up early
- walking by the sea
- doing yoga and meditating at sunrise
- Sometimes riding a blue bike along the seafront
- sitting on the famous blue chairs and reading
So many simple but effective activities to keep your spirits high and your mind healthy!
This 7km long promenade is a favourite with runners, cyclists, skateboarders and walkers. The famous private beaches of the Hôtel Amour, the Galet and the Beau Rivage can be found along this promenade… Since 2021, the Promenade des Anglais has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Sublime views in the heart of the city
Nice has a contrasting landscape between the Mediterranean Sea and the hills that form the Prés Alpes Côte d’Azur. This contrast makes it a city much appreciated for its natural beauty. While the Promenade des Anglais is on dry land, a few kilometres further on you find yourself at an altitude of over 200m. These high spots offer a breathtaking view of the city. I’m thinking in particular of the Cascade de Gairault in Nice Nord and the Mont Boron in Nice Est, which offer a panoramic view of the city.
3. A rich historical heritage
Since July 2021, Nice has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A real consecration for this city which deserves it so much because of its colourful heritage inherited from its ancient Italian life. In 2011, there were 68 historical monuments.
Here are the most famous historical monuments in Nice that you should not miss:
- Hotel Negresco,
- Arènes de Cimiez
- Gairault waterfall
- Sainte-Réparate Cathedral
- Villa Masséna
- Opera
- Russian Orthodox Cathedral…
4. A Mediterranean gastronomy full of flavours
We don’t need to present the socca, the pissaladière, the pans bangats… which are the real specialities of Nice. Here I’m going to tell you about something a little different. Indeed, some time ago, I published an article on the best restaurants in Nice that offer Mediterranean cuisine. Because I am a gourmet, I fell in love with the cuisine of Nice, but not just any cuisine. I carefully select restaurants that offer local cuisine prepared with seasonal products. My favourite restaurants are: le comptoir du marché, amour hotel, le bocca nissa, le tire bouchon, au bar des oiseaux… etc.
This being said, although Mediterranean cuisine remains predominant, Nice tends to become a more cosmopolitan city where you will also find other equally tasty cuisines. I have created several selections including my best Japanese restaurants in Nice and a selection of vegetarian restaurants in Nice as well.
5. An exceptional climate all year round
The weather is mild in winter, the light is omnipresent 300 days a year… What more could you ask for? This is undoubtedly the first criterion that pushes northerners to come and settle in Nice. The daylight and the pleasant climate all year round are the strong points of Nice. After living in Paris for 30 years, I know what I’m talking about. The word “living” takes on its full meaning here. You can fully enjoy simple moments such as a walk along the seaside on the French Riviera, a picnic on the beach at sunset, etc. We spend less time at the cinema or in shopping centres, locked up like I did in Paris. In the south, we live!
So, are you ready to try the adventure and come to live in Nice?
