For years, Nice was often seen as the elegant gateway to the French Riviera: a city with a beautiful seafront, a famous old town and an airport convenient for reaching Cannes, Monaco or Saint-Tropez. Today, however, Nice is no longer simply the arrival point. It has become the destination itself.
In 2026, Nice is more popular than ever. Tourism is booming, international flights are increasing, luxury real estate in Nice remains in demand and the city has managed to position itself as one of the few places in Europe where people can combine lifestyle, business, climate and culture in one location.
The clearest sign of this growing popularity can be seen at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. This summer, the airport announced the biggest schedule in its history: 130 destinations in 47 countries, including 18 new routes and 10 entirely new destinations. (Riviera Radio)
That is not the sign of a city losing momentum. It is the sign of a city that is becoming one of Europe’s most connected and desirable places to visit, live and invest in.
A City That Is Easier Than Ever to Reach
One of the biggest reasons behind Nice’s popularity is accessibility. While many Mediterranean destinations still rely heavily on seasonal tourism and a limited number of flights, Nice now has direct connections to almost every major European market.
This summer alone, new routes have been added to cities such as Boston, Newcastle, Seville, Cork, Hanover and Bratislava. There are also more flights to Paris, Birmingham and Bucharest. For international visitors, that means Nice is easier to reach than ever before. (Nice Airport)
The new Boston route is especially significant. It shows that Nice is increasingly attracting not only European visitors but also Americans. The French Riviera has always been popular with American tourists and second-home buyers, but direct long-haul flights make the region far more attractive for regular visits, remote working and property investment.
The airport will offer 15 long-haul routes this summer, including seven routes to the United States, two to Canada and six to the Middle East. With 112 international destinations out of 130, Nice has become one of the most internationally connected cities in Europe outside the major capitals. (Nice Airport)
The Climate and Lifestyle People Dream About
Of course, flights alone do not explain why Nice has become so popular. The real reason is that the city offers a lifestyle that millions of people are searching for.
Nice enjoys around 300 days of sunshine per year. Winters are mild, summers are warm without being extreme and the sea is never far away. Residents can have breakfast on the famous Promenade des Anglais, spend the afternoon in the mountains and still return in time for dinner by the sea.
Unlike many resort towns, Nice remains alive all year round. There are universities, hospitals, shopping streets, museums, restaurants and a large local population. This gives the city a real energy and makes it attractive not only for tourists, but also for people who want to relocate permanently or spend several months a year there.
The old town, known as Vieux Nice, offers narrow streets, markets and historic buildings. The modern city centre has luxury shops, business districts and excellent transport. In recent years, the city has also invested heavily in public spaces, green areas and tram connections.
The result is a city that feels elegant and Mediterranean, but also practical and easy to live in.
A Growing International Community
Another reason for Nice’s success is that it has become increasingly international. English is widely spoken, there are international schools, international businesses and a large community of people from northern Europe, the United States and the Middle East.
Many buyers from countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Scandinavia and Britain are choosing Nice not only as a holiday destination but as a place to own a second home or even move permanently.
For Dutch and international buyers looking at the French Riviera, Nice is often seen as the ideal compromise. It offers the glamour of the Riviera without the extreme prices of Monaco or the seasonal nature of smaller coastal towns.
The city also benefits from its strategic location. Within less than an hour, residents can reach Cannes, Antibes, Monaco or even ski resorts in the Alps. For people who want variety, Nice is the perfect base.
Property Demand Continues to Rise
The growing popularity of Nice is also reflected in the real estate market. Demand remains strong because the city attracts several different types of buyers at the same time:
- Holiday-home buyers
- Investors looking for rental income
- Retirees relocating to the sun
- Families seeking an international lifestyle
- Entrepreneurs and remote workers
This broad demand makes Nice one of the strongest property markets on the French Riviera. While luxury villas in places such as Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat or Cannes can reach very high prices, Nice still offers a wide range of apartments and houses at more accessible levels.
Neighbourhoods such as Cimiez, Mont Boron and Carré d’Or remain especially popular because they combine prestige, views and proximity to the city centre.
Investors are also encouraged by the fact that Nice has a strong rental market throughout the year. Because the city attracts tourists, business travellers, students and international residents, there is demand in every season.
A City With Confidence in the Future
Perhaps the strongest proof of Nice’s popularity is not what the city has today, but what is being built for tomorrow.
The extension of Terminal 2 at the airport is opening this spring to cope with increasing numbers of passengers. Airport management says the record schedule reflects “the growing appeal of our region” and the confidence that airlines have in the future of Nice and the French Riviera. (Nice Airport)
Passenger numbers continue to rise. Nice airport welcomed more than 15 million passengers in 2025, making it one of the busiest airports in France and the main gateway to the Riviera. (Riviera Edition)
That growth is unlikely to slow down. The combination of sunshine, international access, quality of life and strong property demand means Nice is no longer simply a summer destination. It has become one of Europe’s most desirable places to live, visit and invest.
For many people, Nice represents exactly what they are looking for in 2026: a city by the sea, easy to reach, full of life and with a future that looks brighter than ever.
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