The Nice municipality is extending until January 2, 2026, an order aimed at limiting certain gatherings in public areas across 18 sectors. The objective is to prevent nuisances and public order disturbances amid high visitor numbers and recurrent complaints from residents.
For over fifteen years, the Nice municipality has been committed to maintaining a peaceful living environment for its residents. Since 2008, Mayor Christian Estrosi has made public tranquility a central focus of his work. The implemented measures involve urban planning interventions, police presence, and the adoption of specific orders.
Among these tools is the municipal order regulating gatherings in high-traffic public places. This order, already enforced in previous years, is being extended again. It will remain in effect until January 2, 2026.
The mayor emphasizes that this measure is part of a comprehensive policy: “Public tranquility has always been one of my priorities in Nice. As we witness a resurgence of uncivil behavior across France, I wanted to act firmly and responsibly by renewing this order. It is part of a comprehensive safety and quality of life policy that I have pursued since 2008 to ensure that every resident of Nice feels safe, everywhere and at any time.”
A measure justified by figures and observations
Between January and July 2025, the Municipal Police recorded nearly 1,300 calls related to nuisances or neighborhood disturbances. These reports include a variety of incidents: noisy gatherings, sidewalk blockages, consumption of alcohol or food leaving waste, installation of gambling, use of combustion equipment in public spaces.
For the municipality, these situations diminish residents’ quality of life and disrupt pedestrian access to public spaces. They may also pose safety risks, especially in cases of abusive occupation of transit areas or the use of flames or stoves.
The city hall reminds that the city experiences significant tourist traffic, particularly during summer and major events. This influx increases the pressure on certain areas, already exposed to tensions between residential usage and leisure activities.
Strict hours and a targeted perimeter
The order prohibits daily gatherings between 4 p.m. and 5 a.m. when they may:
- obstruct pedestrian traffic;
- endanger users’ safety;
- create noise nuisances or neighborhood disturbances;
- lead to unsanitary conditions;
- pose a fire risk through the use of combustion equipment;
- abuse public space with installations or gambling.
This prohibition does not target all presence in public spaces. It concerns only situations considered problematic by authorities. Family, associative, or cultural gatherings organized legally are not affected.
The text applies to 18 sectors identified as sensitive. Among them: the city center, the seafront, the Trachel, Saint-Roch, Madeleine, Las Planas, Les Moulins, Arson-Barla, Saint-Sylvestre, and Pasteur neighborhoods. These areas account for a significant portion of calls to the Municipal Police.
A tool for prevention and intervention
For the city hall, the order serves a dual purpose. It provides a clear framework for the actions of the Municipal Police officers and serves as a signal to the population about expected behavior in public spaces.
In the event of a violation, law enforcement can intervene promptly, disperse a gathering, or issue fines. Penalties are provided by the General Code of Local Authorities and municipal regulations.
The mayor insists on the complementarity of this measure with other security actions: foot and motorized patrols, video protection systems, social mediation. The municipality believes that public tranquility is built through a combination of prevention, deterrence, and enforcement.
Implementation until early 2026
The renewal until January 2, 2026, covers the summer of 2025, the year-end holidays, and the winter school holidays. These periods correspond to peaks in tourist activity and high public presence, day and night.
The city hall plans regular monitoring of the order’s implementation. Municipal Police data will be analyzed to measure its impact. If necessary, adjustments on hours or the application perimeter may be made.
For the municipality, the challenge is to maintain a balance: allow everyone to enjoy public places while ensuring the safety and tranquility of residents. According to them, the order acts as a means to prevent tensions from escalating.
