Moving to Nice, France, will be a dream come true if you like a city with an old town vibe, colourful houses, and lovely weather.
Nice is a beautiful city near the Mediterranean sea. Living in Nice, France, means living in a tourist hotspot. If you live here, you do not have to go out of town for vacation because everyday is like a holiday.
To help you adapt and settle in this city, here are some mistakes you should avoid, like not learning about the culture or the cost of living in Nice, France before relocating. Avoiding these mistakes will make your moving process much smoother!
1. Not Learning The Dos And Don’ts Of Living In Nice, France
Before you arrive at Nice International Airport, you need to learn about the dos and don’ts of living here. This is essential so that you can adapt to the local culture easily.
The Dos Of Living In Nice
Enjoy The Lovely Weather By Being Outdoors
Nice is a nice place where you can walk around and enjoy the view. There are also many places where you can enjoy strolling leisurely, such as Old Town and Promenade des Anglais.
On top of that, Nice generally has lovely weather. During the coldest winter, the temperature rarely drops below 48.9°F (9.4°C). Thanks to the weather, you can walk around the city any day all year round.
Learn French
Many French people speak English. However, you should not assume that everyone speaks English. It is best to learn the French language before moving.
Moreover, if you plan to work and live in Nice, learning French would be beneficial. You would be able to communicate better with more people if you speak the local language.
Enjoy The Local Food
Nice has delicious local food you must try once you live here. Therefore, you should not miss the chance to enjoy the delicacies Nice has to offer. Getting familiar with the local food will also help you adapt to this city.
There are many restaurants across the city. You will find all kinds of dining places, from casual dining and mid-range restaurants to fine-dining restaurants.
For your reference, here are some of the local dishes you should try:
- socca,
- pissaladière,
- les petits farcis, and
- ratatouille.
The Don’ts Of Living In Nice
Do Not Drink Before Everyone Has Been Served
French culture places great emphasis on table manners. You should wait until everyone’s food and drinks have been served before you start eating.
Remember to keep this point in mind. You may get invited by your new colleagues and friends to eat together one day. It is important to not give them a bad impression.
Do Not Drink While Walking
Grabbing your coffee and drinking it while walking is normal in many countries, but not in France. Here, it is only appropriate to drink while sitting.
If you are in a rush, wait until you can sit to enjoy your drink. It is also safer because you can focus more when you are walking.
2. Delaying Searching For A Home
Before you arrive in Nice, you need to secure a home first. This is crucial so that you do not have to pay extra for a hotel or hostel room. You can directly go to your residential address from the airport.
Below are recommendations of the best places to live in Nice.
Old Town (“Vieux Nice”)
Old Town is one of the main attractions in Nice. This neighbourhood has colourful houses, churches, squares, and markets that provide fresh produce.
It is better to explore the area on foot because the streets are narrow and arched. You will love walking around the neighbourhood on weekends while taking in the scenery of Vieux Nice.
Jean-Médecin, New Town
Jean-Médecin, New Town, is a trendy neighbourhood located seven minutes from the city centre by car. This area has restaurants, shopping centres, coffee shops, hotels, and museums.
New Town has an entirely different vibe from the Old Town. The buildings in this area look more modern with a dominant white colour.
The best thing about Jean-Médecin, New Town, is the walkability. Almost all amenities are within walking distance, so you can run errands and enjoy the city view at the same time.
Le Port
Le Port is a prime location in Nice, France. As you may have guessed, this neighbourhood is perfect if you want easy access to the waterfront area.
Le Port has the best seafood restaurants, where the fish are freshly caught from the sea. Besides that, there are also shops and antique markets.
3. Underestimating Your Monthly Budget Based On The Cost Of Living In Nice
You should not prepare your budget after you arrive in Nice. It is best to make a post-moving budget while preparing for the relocation. This way, you will be financially ready to afford your living expenses even before receiving your salary.
Nice is a tourist destination, so it makes sense that this city has a relatively high cost of living. A family of four is estimated to spend €3,317 for monthly expenses, excluding the rent while a single person generally spends €930 for monthly needs, excluding the rent.
The average house price in Nice is higher than the national average, at €3,640 per square metre. It is understandable since this area is a tourist destination.
The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre area is €865. You can search for accommodation on the outskirts of the city for apartments with more affordable rents.
To save money in Nice, ask your local friends for recommendations of more affordable dining places or shops. You can also work out at home rather than purchase a gym membership since it can be pretty expensive.
4. Taking The Wrong Leap Of Faith By Moving To Nice Without Securing A Job
Being brave and taking the leap of faith is admirable. However, it is not wise to move to a new country or city without securing a job first.
You should secure a job before moving, especially if you are from overseas because you’ll need to have a job to apply for a visa.
The high-demand sectors in Nice are health and social care, wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing. You can also have a better chance of employment if you have expertise in the construction, hospitality, and food sectors.
If you receive a job offer, you can use the average salary as your benchmark. The average salary in Nice is €31,247 annually. You can adjust it as you need but it should not be far below the average number.
5. Staying In Your Bubble And Not Exploring The City
If you are an expat living in Nice, the worst mistake you can make to yourself is not exploring the city. Its location on the French Riviera makes this city blessed with beautiful surroundings.
Must-Visit Places
Take time to explore the beautiful parts of Nice. Below are the must-visit places you cannot miss:
- Promenade des Anglais (English Promenade),
- Monastère Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez,
- Nice Castle Hill,
- Nice Russian Orthodox Cathedral, and
- Parc Vigier.
Local Events
To enjoy the fun with the local residents, you can look forward to attending events in Nice, France. Here are the events you should not miss:
- Nice Carnival,
- Crossover Festival,
- Fête de la Saint-Pierre et de la Mer (Festival of St Peter & the Sea), and
- La Fete de Mai (Spring Festival).
6. Ignoring the Importance Of Preparation Before Moving To Nice
Moving without thorough preparation is a mistake that you want to avoid. Please ensure to list everything you need regarding your relocation to Nice, France, including making a budget and engaging a professional mover.
Making a budget and engaging a professional to ship your belongings will ensure your moving trip runs smoothly.
Making A Budget
You need a budget to relocate to another city or country. Here are three budgets that you need to prepare for your relocation:
- moving preparation budget,
- moving trip budget, and
- post-moving budget.
Engaging A Professional Mover
Another thing that will make your relocation process stress-free is engaging a professional mover. A professional like Sanelo will help you ship your belongings to Nice, France. This way, you do not need to carry heavy luggage during your trip.
Contact Sanelo three or two months before your moving date, so our team can schedule a slot for you. You can also consult your needs with us regarding the relocation process.
Conclusion About Moving To Nice
Nice is a French city that is also a tourist destination on the French Riviera. This city has beautiful places, fun events to join, lovely weather, and delicious food. On top of that, you will find safe and walkable neighbourhoods around the city.
Nice also offers chances for job seekers to have better opportunities here. However, the cost of living in Nice is relatively high. Therefore, it is best to be financially secure before moving here.
To make your relocation process even better, you should prepare for a relocation budget and engage Sanelo to ship your belongings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Nice
Is Nice A Nice Place To Live?
Nice is overall a fantastic place to live in. It has lovely Mediterranean weather, beautiful beaches, museums, and restaurants.
Can I Retire In Nice France?
Nice is one of the best retirement destinations in France. It offers high living quality, splendid views, and excellent healthcare services.
Is Nice France A Safe Place To Live?
Nice is a relatively safe city with a low rate of violent crimes. However, it is always better to take extra caution when walking out at night alone.
How Far Ahead Should I Contact Sanelo Before My Moving Trip?
You should contact Sanelo two or three months before your moving date. This way, we will have sufficient time to schedule a slot for the shipment. You can contact us for more information about the shipment process.
Feel free to check the following links for more articles and information:
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