Nissart: A Local Currency Serving the Nice Economy

The Nissart is a local currency from Nice that supports the economy, culture and businesses in the region. The 2026 edition offers twelve illustrated banknotes, used by a network of partners to encourage short supply chains.

Colorful banknotes, historical figures and local language: for nearly ten years, the Nissart has circulated discreetly in the hands of those who wish to consume differently. Little known to the general public, the Nissart is nevertheless very real. This complementary local currency, usable only in the Nice territory, is part of a broader movement to relocate the economy and support local businesses. In 2026, the project takes a new step with the issuance of a new series of banknotes, presented recently to the press.

Cristou Dauròre, president of the Republica de Nissa association, recalls the spirit of the project: « the Nissart currency is a local currency, linked to local culture, language and economy. It is based on a charter that all partners must respect. This charter stipulates that you must produce locally, process locally or carry out a local activity that cannot be relocated. ». This charter, signed by all partners, commits users to support local development, promote quality production, limit their environmental impact and contribute to a more human and solidarity-based economy.

Beyond the economic aspect, local currency plays a strong identity role. « The banknotes represent symbols very dear to people from Nice. Those who use them are proud to pay with the Nissart », emphasizes Cristou Dauròre. The currency is also used during major events such as the Festival of May, where all exhibitors adopt this means of payment. In a context where local production remains limited, despite the existence of an agricultural heritage recognized as Nice olive oil or Bellet wine, the Nissart aims to be a tool for enhancement and awareness. Modest in its volume, the Nice local currency above all seeks to encourage new consumption habits and strengthen ties between actors in the « País de Nissa ».

2026 Edition

For the year 2026, the Nissart comes in twelve banknotes. Their design was created by artist Ben Vautier. A symbolic “0” banknote, sold for 10 euros, supports the Calandreta Nissarda Maurís school, a bilingual Nissart-French establishment. The other denominations honor figures and symbols of the Nice region, such as the Aigla Nissarda, the Ratapinhata, Francis Gag, Jean-Dominique Cassini, Rancher, Charles-Albert of Savoy, Carlo Bovari, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Catarina Ségurane and Menica Rondelly, author of the anthem Nissa la Bèla. In total, 2,600 Nissart banknotes were issued for 2026, representing an exchange value of 28,900 euros. The banknotes are written in Nissart, but also in Alpine Occitan and Ligurian, affirming the desire to link language, culture and economy.

The Nissart currently relies on a network of 22 local partners. Restaurants, farmers, fishermen, craftspeople, artists, legal and health professionals, cultural and educational organizations accept this currency and can also use it among themselves. This system promotes short supply chains: some restaurateurs source directly from farmers, the Bellet wine estate or the fisherman partners in the network. How does it work concretely? Individuals exchange their euros for Nissarts at the two authorized exchange offices located at the Federation of Associations of the County of Nice and at the Casa Nissa restaurant. One euro equals one Nissart, rounded down to the nearest unit (for example 1€50 equals 1 Nissart)

Be careful, Nissarts cannot be converted back to euros, but can only be spent at partner locations, ensuring that money stays in the region. They are valid until December 31, 2026. After that date, they will become collector’s items…