Nice enters France’s cultural Top 10: ranked eighth nationwide

Nice among France’s cultural capitals

Nice has secured eighth place among France’s most attractive cities for a cultural stay, according to a study by SumUp. The ranking considers museums, galleries, theatres, monuments, and free initiatives relative to the number of inhabitants.

With 106 free activities, mostly concentrated in the city centre, and 16 cultural options per 100,000 residents, the Côte d’Azur capital stands alongside established cities such as Marseille, Strasbourg, and Lille. This result highlights how free cultural access remains one of Nice’s greatest strengths.

A diverse cultural offer

Cultural walks, open-air concerts, temporary free exhibitions, and visits to historic sites enrich residents’ daily life and broaden the city’s appeal to visitors. These elements distinguish Nice within the national landscape, led by Marseille, in first place with 94 free activities, followed by Strasbourg and Lille.

The rise of local tourism

Nice’s ranking reflects a broader trend: the boom of “staycations” – short breaks close to home. Since the pandemic, mentions of these trips have increased by 80% on social media, boosting local commerce, dining, independent hospitality, and cultural initiatives. For Nice, this trend represents an opportunity to better distribute tourist flows, bringing more visibility to less central districts.

Prospects and challenges

Despite its strong performance, the number of cultural activities per capita remains lower than in some higher-ranked cities. The challenge will be to balance accessibility and quality, combining temporary events with permanent cultural structures. Thanks to its rich heritage and expanding free cultural offer, Nice is well positioned to strengthen its role as a Mediterranean cultural capital.