Nice: From Postcard Beauty to Global Powerhouse

The French Riviera’s capital is evolving into a dynamic, four-season destination for travelers, business leaders, and investors alike.

Once known solely for its sun-kissed beaches and postcard-perfect charm, Nice is undergoing a major transformation. Now a vibrant, year-round destination, the city welcomes over five million visitors annually — and tourism is driving more than just vacation numbers. It’s fueling growth across hospitality, international events, and real estate. In fact, 2024 saw Nice host a record number of international congresses, cementing its place as France’s leading business tourism hub outside of Paris.

At the helm of this evolution is Nice Côte d’Azur Tourisme, the official agency representing the entire Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur, which spans 51 municipalities. General Director Jean-Sébastien Martinez explains the vision: “We’re moving toward smarter, more sustainable tourism — one that delivers greater value for both visitors and locals.”

Beyond its iconic coastline, Nice is redefining its image. It now ranks as France’s top luxury destination after Paris, with its exclusive “Club Luxe” network of 14 premium properties that include both coastal and mountain retreats. Its year-round appeal stretches from the cultural to the culinary — opera, fine dining, hiking, and seasonal festivals all echo its history as the Riviera’s original winter resort, a legacy recognized by UNESCO.

Where else can you go from sea to snow in under an hour? With eight ports and seven ski stations, Nice offers something few destinations can boast: true four-season versatility. Whether you’re drawn to alpine sports or Mediterranean calm, the region delivers a lifestyle rooted in contrast and quality.

Hervé Laubertie, Director of Team Nice Côte d’Azur, captures it well: “From cultural festivals to outdoor adventures between the mountains and the sea, this is a destination where life can be lived fully — all year round.”

And this quality of life isn’t just for tourists. With its fusion of glamour, authenticity, and timeless beauty, the Côte d’Azur is increasingly a place to live, not just visit. “Imagine working or studying with the Mediterranean as your backdrop,” says Laubertie. “Here, the landscape is part of your everyday experience.”

On the international stage, Nice is fast becoming a serious player in business travel and global events. It already plays host to Ironman competitions, Tour de France stages, e-sports tournaments, and major diplomatic summits. In 2025, Nice welcomed the UN Ocean Conference, a landmark event for the region. This year, a new eco-designed congress center will open at the Port of Nice — the first milestone in a major expansion of the city's event infrastructure, with a 50,000 m² complex set to launch by 2030.

Sustainability is central to Nice’s future. The city was the first French metropolis to earn a spot on the Global Destination Sustainability Index and now leads the nation in Green Key-certified accommodations, with 68 properties. A new digital platform is also in development to help visitors explore lesser-known areas, easing pressure on hotspots and enriching the overall experience.

Crucial to Nice’s international growth are its deepening ties with North America. Sixty percent of visitors to the city are international, and nearly 20% of those hail from the U.S. “American travelers are especially valued by our local partners,” says Martinez. “They’re curious, respectful, and they return year after year.”

To reinforce these bonds, the tourism agency is opening a permanent office in Washington, D.C., with a mission to serve both the U.S. and Canadian markets. The message is clear: American travelers can enjoy world-class service, immersive experiences, and excellent value — all within a luxury setting that includes not only Nice, but also Monaco, Cannes, the Italian border, and the Alps, all less than an hour away.

The future of Nice is bold, open, and international. Whether you're visiting, relocating, or investing, the Côte d’Azur is more than ready. The Riviera isn’t just open for business — it’s ready for takeoff.

It’s Back – The Dolly White Party in Nice Returns!

 

Get ready, Nice – the legendary Dolly White Party is back on August 14, lighting up Place du Pin and Rue Bonaparte with joy, music, and celebration!

This beloved street party, hosted by the LGBTQIA+ Center of the Côte d’Azur with the support of the City of Nice and the Bonaparte Neighborhood Business Association, transforms the area into an unforgettable celebration of pride, unity, and summer energy.

From 6 p.m. to midnight, dance under the stars to the sounds of summer spun by DJs Anna Crouse, Jisse, FredSky, and Ben Crafter. Expect a night of non-stop beats, colorful lights, raised arms, smiles, kisses, and community spirit.

Special thanks to the City of Nice and its mayor, local institutions, artist Patrick MOYA, the incredible volunteers, and the neighborhood’s merchants for helping bring this one-of-a-kind street party to life once again.

Free entry – just bring your energy, your best dance moves, and wear WHITE to match the spirit of the event!

Note: Limited capacity. Bag checks at entry. Please respect the work of volunteers and security staff.

All proceeds go toward supporting the vital social initiatives of the LGBTQIA+ Center.

Don’t miss one of the Côte d’Azur’s most vibrant nights of the year!

Swallowing the Truth

 

As we find ourselves in the heart of high season here on the French Riviera, it’s a time of sun, excitement, and—for many—plenty of sexy fun. Whether you're a visitor or a local, intimacy is often part of the summer rhythm.

For those who don’t know, at one time in life I spent over a decade managing bathhouses (saunas), where I saw just about everything. These days, I’m simply here to spread a little healthy love.

This article is written for an adult audience and explores the topic of oral sex with a focus on honesty, health-consciousness, and body-positivity. The goal isn’t to be provocative, but rather to provide clear, empowering information to help you make informed choices about your own pleasure and well-being.

So today, I want to offer something a little different: a candid, adult conversation about oral sex—specifically, the act of swallowing semen.

This isn’t about shock value. It’s about sexual health, informed choice, and embracing our bodies and desires without shame.

1. Semen and Nutrition: Setting the Record Straight

Semen is primarily water—about 98%. The remainder contains trace amounts of:

• Fructose (a natural sugar)
  

• Protein
  

• Zinc
  

• Vitamin C
  

• Magnesium
  

• Enzymes

Despite exaggerated media claims, it’s no superfood. You’re not getting a protein shake, but for healthy individuals, it’s not harmful either. If your partner is STI-free, swallowing is not inherently unsafe—and some people find deep pleasure, connection, or arousal in the act.

2. Trust, Intimacy, and Emotional Connection

For many, swallowing isn’t just about sex—it’s about trust. It can feel like an act of intimacy, vulnerability, or mutual surrender. Among partners, it might foster:

• Stronger emotional connection
  

• A sense of closeness or erotic ritual
  

• Feelings of acceptance and validation

3. Health First: STI Risks Still Exist

Let’s be clear: semen can carry sexually transmitted infections, including:

• HIV (risk is low via oral, but not zero)
  

• Gonorrhea
  

• Chlamydia
  

• Syphilis
  

• Hepatitis B
  

Even in monogamous relationships, regular testing and open communication are essential. Protection matters, and knowledge is power. Prioritize health—it’s the sexiest choice of all.

4. Psychological & Erotic Dimensions

Some men report mental or emotional benefits from swallowing, such as:

• Heightened confidence and erotic satisfaction
  

• Dynamics of power, submission, or control
  

• Affirmation of queer identity and masculinity

Sexual pleasure is personal, and these experiences vary widely. What matters is that it feels good for you.

5. Shame, Stigma & the Queer Body

Generations of shame—especially within the queer community—have made open discussions around sex difficult. Religious guilt, internalized homophobia, and fear of judgment linger. But here's the truth:

Desire is not dirty. Your body is not wrong. Your pleasure is valid.

If it’s safe, consensual, and feels right—then it is right. Let’s drop the shame and embrace joy in our sexual selves.

Final Thoughts

Swallowing isn’t a requirement, a health hack, or a badge of honor—it’s a choice. A personal one. Whether you’re into it, prefer to skip it, or simply don’t care, the goal is the same: to feel good, be informed, and connect in ways that are safe, consensual, and pleasurable.

So whether you spit, swallow, or do neither—do it with intention, honesty, and pride.

Have some health concerns?
One option for being tested on a myriad of health issues in Nice is 8 Basquis.

Why Buying Property in the French Riviera Makes Perfect Sense

 (Especially After a Summer Visit)

For many, the French Riviera has long been a dream destination — a place where sun-drenched coastlines, charming medieval towns, and cosmopolitan culture converge in one unforgettable region. But beyond a picturesque holiday, more and more international visitors are realizing that the Riviera isn't just a place to visit — it's a place to call home.

From Summer Visitors to Future Homeowners

Typically in the region it often begins the same way: a summer vacation. First-timers arrive in the Côte d’Azur, hopping between beach clubs in Saint-Tropez, exploring the colorful markets of Antibes, sipping rosé in Villefranche-sur-Mer, or wandering the cobblestone streets of Eze or Mougins. Each town has its own character, and after a week or two in the region, a common thought emerges: Could I actually live here? And this is when we get the call.

That initial vacation serves as the perfect scouting trip. Rather than rushing into a decision, most prospective buyers take their time, exploring different villages, observing the rhythm of life, and imagining themselves as part of it. Many return in the autumn months with a more informed sense of where they’d like to settle — whether it’s the tranquility of the hinterlands, the bustle of Nice, or a villa with sea views around Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.

Why Autumn is the Smart Season to Buy

The period from late September through November is a particularly strategic time for serious buyers. The Riviera quiets down after the summer season, allowing for easier access to real estate agents, property viewings, and less competition among other buyers. It also provides a practical timeline for the French property purchase process. 

And gives you a better idea of what life with the locals is like away from high season.

Unlike some countries, buying property in France is a relatively structured — and at times lengthy — legal process. From signing the compromis de vente (preliminary sales agreement) to the final acte de vente (deed of sale), the notary-led paperwork typically takes around three to four months. Therefore, buyers who make their decisions in autumn can expect to finalize their purchase and receive the keys by late winter or early spring — just in time to enjoy their new home when the region comes alive again.

A Lifestyle Worth Investing In

Whether it's a holiday home, a semi-permanent pied-à-terre, or a long-term investment, the French Riviera offers enduring appeal. It combines year-round sunshine, proximity to Italy and Monaco, excellent healthcare and infrastructure, and a lifestyle that balances luxury with natural beauty.

Since most of our clients are from North America…for US buyers, favorable exchange rates and France’s stable real estate market only add to the allure and peace of mind.

The best part? It’s a decision rooted not just in spreadsheets, but in emotion. Most people don’t just buy a home on the Riviera — they fall in love with it first.

So, if you’ve found yourself lingering a little too long over Riviera real estate listings after a recent trip, know that you’re not alone. Just return in the fall with open eyes, plenty of questions and an open calendar — your future French home might just be waiting.