Starting this weekend and until March 16, 2026, the Nice Fair will celebrate its 80th edition at the Exhibition Palace. For ten days, over 400 exhibitors and more than 100,000 visitors are expected. On this occasion, the Alpes-Maritimes department will dedicate its stand to bicycles and sustainable mobility.
The Nice Fair will open its doors from Saturday, March 7 to Monday, March 16, 2026 at the Exhibition Palace, on the Europe esplanade. The event celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. For several decades, this gathering has brought together businesses, institutions and associations around the economic activities of the region.
The event attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. More than 400 exhibitors occupy approximately 15,000 m² of exhibition space. Craftspeople, businesses and institutional partners present products, services and local initiatives.
The Alpes-Maritimes department is participating in the event again. A dedicated stand will welcome the public throughout the fair. For this anniversary edition, the departmental stand chooses a central theme: the bicycle. The department’s sports mission will animate the space during the ten days of the event.
The first Nice Fair dates back to 1946. Over the decades, the event has become established in the local calendar. Each edition brings together regional businesses and institutional actors. The fair becomes a commercial exhibition space and a meeting place for ten days.
The organizers highlight local expertise. The stands present varied sectors: crafts, housing, gastronomy, innovation and services. The event also contributes to the visibility of initiatives carried out by local authorities.
Bicycles as the central theme
Stand AT 807 will showcase cycling in several forms. The department’s sports mission will lead the animation of the space. The objective is to present the actions taken to develop active mobility and cycling activities.
The Alpes-Maritimes region offers a particular environment for cycling with numerous professional cycling races running along the roads of the hinterland. The proximity between sea and mountains allows for different practices. Sport cycling, leisure, tourism and daily commuting find suitable terrain.
This focus is part of a broader program carried out by the local authority. The Department is developing a Cycling Plan designed to encourage bicycle travel and cycling-related activities. The strategy aims to combine tourist appeal, sporting practice and ecological transition.
Several activities are planned at the stand during the fair. The public will be able to meet former champion Stephen Roche, winner of the Tour de France 1987 among others and ambassador of the connected passes during the first weekend. Signing sessions are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A presentation of his role as ambassador will accompany these meetings. An exhibition of his jersey will also pay tribute to the triple victory achieved in 1987 (Giro d’Italia and World Championship).
An immersive experience will complement the initiative. Meta Quest virtual reality headsets will allow viewers to watch a 360-degree video dedicated to a mountain bike descent. The video was shot in Contes by rider Hugo Marini, a member of the US Cagnes MTB club.
Fun activities will accompany these installations. A quiz on cycling will be offered to visitors, with prizes to be won. A photobooth will be available during both weekends to leave with a souvenir photograph.
A mailbox will also allow visitors to send messages about the connected passes. Visitors will be able to share these cards with loved ones.
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