Côte d’Azur Habitat will strengthen its video protection system in Nice. After an initial experiment launched in 2022, a new contract plans the modernization of existing installations and the progressive deployment of cameras in 30 Nice residences over three years.
Côte d’Azur Habitat launched, on September 4, 2026, a new contract dedicated to video protection. To date, five residences, four local agencies and the organization’s headquarters already have such a system. The new contract now plans to equip 30 residences in Nice over a three-year period. Work is to begin at the end of 2026, with a first expansion of installations planned for the first quarter of 2027.
The stated objective also consists of modernizing the existing system whose deterioration has been criticized in the past. Video protection should notably help prevent disturbances, combat gatherings and damage and allow faster intervention by police forces when an incident is confirmed.
An agreement signed in 2025 with the city of Nice and the National Police also provides for a direct connection to the Urban Supervision Center (CSU) in the event of the alert button being triggered. This connection allows real-time visualization of the situation and, when circumstances justify it, facilitates immediate intervention by law enforcement.
Recorded images are stored on a secure server. Their access remains regulated by regulations, particularly following a complaint or judicial requisition. Only authorized agents of Côte d’Azur Habitat can access images in this context.
Françoise Souliman, president of Côte d’Azur Habitat, defends this expansion of the system: “The safety and peace of mind of our tenants are a constant priority. This policy must be amplified in accordance with commitments made by Eric Ciotti. By modernizing our video protection system and extending it to 30 new Nice residences, Côte d’Azur Habitat pursues a clear objective: to prevent disturbances, secure our tenants and enable, in conjunction with the City of Nice and law enforcement, a rapid and coordinated response. This project is based on a solid partnership with the City of Nice and the State, within a strict framework of personal data protection.”
Julien Picot criticizes the management of the system
The announcement comes as controversy surrounds the condition of certain Côte d’Azur Habitat cameras. Julien Picot, municipal councilor in Nice and leader of the PCF06, responds by evoking “the scandal of cameras that protect no one.”
The reaction follows notably revelations by Nice-Matin concerning deficient video protection equipment. “The revelations from Nice-Matin about Côte d’Azur Habitat’s failing video surveillance are a real scandal”, says Julien Picot.
The municipal councilor questions the management of the system by the various management teams of the organization. “The Estrosistes, with Anthony Borré, former president of Côte d’Azur Habitat, as well as the Ciotistes, with Françoise Souliman, now at its head, must answer for themselves. You cannot change presidents and erase responsibilities”, states Julien Picot.
For the leader of the PCF06, the question also concerns the use of public money and the actual functioning of equipment installed in working-class neighborhoods. “A broken camera protects no one. But it can cost taxpayers a great deal”, declares Julien Picot.
The new contract must therefore address a dual challenge for Côte d’Azur Habitat: to extend video protection to more Nice residences and to modernize already installed equipment. The schedule calls for work to begin before the end of 2026, followed by a first expansion in the first quarter of 2027.
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