Everything is nice in nice

One of the Cote d’Azur’s most popular cities is prospering after recent regeneration…

The allure of Nice has never been difficult to understand, with its romantic seaside views, cinematic associations and celebrity glamour. Now, with its new tram system in place, all of the city's neighbourhoods are more accessible than ever to both tourists and investors, creating even more reasons to choose to buy on the French Riviera.

Around 60,000 passengers can be carried via the Tramway de Nice; and as a result of the tram - which was one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe - the city Centre has experienced some positive regeneration, with enhanced features including an attractive new pedestrian piazza and additional car-free zones. Perhaps more importantly, certain areas and suburbs that were previously inaccessible have been opened up, creating some less expensive alternatives for property investors.

Lasting appeal

Boz Gill, the Nice-based agent for French specialist VEF, told the Telegraph: "The tram has had a huge effect. The further inland you head from the Med, the lower the prices, so Nice is now more affordable to the average buyer. Some lovely old buildings that were previously considered too far from the Centre are now more likely to attract interest from buyers.

Nick Dowlatshahi, managing director of Leapfrog properties, added: “Nice and the rest of the French Riviera have a lasting appeal for investors, who are drawn to the area even in quite slow, difficult times.

”This area of the country - and Nice in particular - is popular among French as well as British buyers, who are willing to pay large sums for the right investment.  There is a special atmosphere in the Cote d'Azur which you don't find anywhere else”.