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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Nice

Nice is a city on the French Riviera in southeastern France, on the Mediterranean Sea near the Italian border.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Nice is a city on the French Riviera in southeastern France, situated on the Mediterranean Sea near the Italian border. It serves as the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department and is renowned as a major tourist destination, resort city, and winter resort town. The city's heritage as a winter resort was recognized by UNESCO in 2021.

Geography

Nice is located on the Baie des Anges on the French Riviera, between the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the French Alps. Its coastal location and mild climate have long supported tourism and resort development.

History

Founded by Greeks around 350 BCE, Nice became a Roman trading station and later passed through medieval and early modern rule by Provence and Savoy. It was ceded to France in 1860 and developed further as a winter resort city.

Tourism and culture

Nice is one of the leading resort cities of the French Riviera and is known for the Promenade des Anglais, its waterfront, and its cosmopolitan character. UNESCO recognized the city’s winter resort heritage in 2021.

Population

The city proper has a population of 343,895, while the wider urban area is much larger and approaches one million residents. Nice is among the most populous cities in France.

Key facts

  • Nice is located in southeastern France on the Mediterranean Sea.
  • It lies near the Italian border and about 13 kilometres from Monaco.
  • The city is the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department.
  • UNESCO listed Nice’s winter resort town heritage in 2021.
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Canadian context

Nice is a major international tourist destination and a UNESCO-listed heritage city that may be of interest to Canadian travellers visiting the French Riviera.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Nice located?
Nice is in southeastern France on the Mediterranean coast, on the French Riviera, near the Italian border.
Is Nice in France or Italy?
Nice is in France. It is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and the Alpes-Maritimes department.
What is Nice known for?
Nice is known for its Mediterranean setting, mild climate, seaside promenade, tourism, and history as a winter resort city.
What is the population of Nice?
The city proper has a population of 343,895, according to the 2021 census. The urban area is much larger, with nearly one million people.
Is Nice safe to visit?
Nice is widely visited as a major tourist city, but general travel safety can vary by neighbourhood and situation. Reliable sources in the provided results do not give a specific safety rating.
What is the history of Nice?
Nice was founded by Greeks around 350 BCE, later became a Roman trading station, passed under Provence and Savoy, and was ceded to France in 1860.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Nice
    Supports: Location, status as capital of Alpes-Maritimes, founding history, and population figure.
  2. UNESCO World Heritage Centre — https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1635/
    Supports: Geographic setting, winter resort history, and World Heritage listing.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nice
    Supports: French Riviera location, distance from Monaco and the French-Italian border, and historical capital of the County of Nice.
  4. North South Travel — https://www.northsouthtravel.com/location/nice
    Supports: Population, tourism prominence, Promenade des Anglais, and historical notes.
  5. Wikivoyage — https://www.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Nice
    Supports: Tourist character, waterfront, and general visitor-oriented description.