Moving to France as a gay couple : why Nice stands out compared to Bordeaux, Marseille and Aix-en-Provence

Relocating to France is a dream for many couples who want a lifestyle filled with culture, food, and sunshine. For gay couples, the choice of city can make a huge difference—not only in terms of beauty and amenities but also in terms of quality of life, accessibility, and international connections.

While Bordeaux, Marseille and Aix-en-Provence are often considered, Nice deserves a closer look. Having lived in Nice since 2009 myself, I can confidently say : for me, there is no better place to live in France.

Me on the Negresco beach

Nice at a glance

Nestled on the French Riviera, Nice offers a unique blend of Mediterranean beauty, cosmopolitan vibes, and international convenience. It is not just another picturesque seaside town, it’s a city where lifestyle, accessibility and luxury meet.

Let’s explore why Nice is such a great choice for expats, and especially for gay couples considering France as their new home.

The beauty of Nice : Mediterranean charm and architecture

Vieux Nice (Old Nice) and Art Deco buildings

Nice is a city that feels like a painting. From the colorful alleys of Vieux Nice, filled with local markets and lively cafés, to the Art Deco and Belle Époque architecture along the Promenade des Anglais, every corner breathes charm.

Compared to Bordeaux, which is elegant but more classical, and Marseille, which is more raw and eclectic, Nice combines elegance with vibrant seaside energy. Aix-en-Provence is beautiful but smaller, more provincial, and without the same dynamic international vibe.

For couples looking to live in a city that feels alive and inspiring every single day, Nice is unmatched.

Strategic location : Italy at your doorstep

Living in Nice means you are just a short drive or train ride from Italy. Weekends in Sanremo, Ventimiglia, or even Turin are completely doable.

• from Nice, you can literally have an espresso in Italy before lunch.

• from Bordeaux or Aix, international getaways require much more planning.

• Marseille is well connected, but Italy is not just “around the corner” as it is from Nice.

For couples who love travel, food, and discovering new cultures, this proximity to Italy is priceless.

An international Airport in the city

One of Nice’s greatest advantages is its international airport located just minutes from downtown. You can literally go from your apartment to a flight to New York, Dubai, or Oslo in less than half an hour by tram.

• from Bordeaux, reaching the airport takes longer and there are fewer direct connections.

• from Marseille, flights are available but the airport is outside the city.

• from Aix, you always have to rely on Marseille’s airport.

For expats, especially couples coming from the US or Northern Europe, being so well-connected to the world makes daily life much easier.

Surrounded by beautiful towns and villages

Nice isn’t just a city ; it’s the heart of a region full of treasures. Within 30 minutes, you can discover:

• Cannes and Antibes for glamorous escapes,

• Menton and Villefranche-sur-Mer for colorful seaside charm,

• Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence for medieval beauty and artistic inspiration.

Living in Nice means having all these jewels at your doorstep. Bordeaux and Aix, while charming, don’t offer the same diversity of nearby destinations. Marseille has proximity to the Calanques, but it lacks the same blend of luxury and culture found on the Riviera.

A growing luxury destination

Nice is rapidly becoming a luxury hotspot. The city has seen an explosion of high-end hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, designer boutiques, and world-class cultural events. Add Monaco, just 20 minutes away, and you’re next to one of the most luxurious spots on the planet.

• Bordeaux is more about wine and gastronomy than international luxury.

• Marseille, though vibrant, has a rougher edge and is less associated with luxury living.

• Aix is elegant, but more traditional and provincial.

For couples who enjoy a touch of glamour—whether it’s dining, shopping, or nightlife—Nice offers endless opportunities.

Sea and mountains : ski in the morning, aperitif by the sea

Few cities in the world allow you to ski in the morning and enjoy a cocktail by the beach in the evening. In just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Nice, you can reach ski resorts in the Southern Alps.

• Bordeaux is hours away from the Pyrenees.

• Marseille has the Calanques but not ski resorts nearby.

• Aix is close to Provence, but again, no quick ski access.

This unique dual lifestyle of sea and mountains makes Nice truly exceptional.

Gay-Friendly Atmosphere

France as a whole is LGBTQ+ friendly, but Nice stands out as a welcoming place for gay couples. The city has:

• several gay bars and clubs,

• a visible and active LGBTQ+ community,

• the In&Out Film Festival dedicated to queer cinema,

• a Mediterranean spirit of openness and tolerance.

You can find my article dedicated to gay-friendly places here.

Compared to Bordeaux and Aix, Nice has a more international and visible gay scene. Marseille is also open, with its diversity and energy, but Nice offers a more glamorous and comfortable setting for expat gay couples.

Living in Nice since 2009 : my personal experience

I moved to Nice in 2009, and I can honestly say : I would never trade this city for any other. Every day, I feel lucky to wake up to the Mediterranean light, to be so well-connected to the world, and to live in a city that combines beauty, luxury, and a gay-friendly atmosphere. If you want to know more about my daily life as a gay man living in Nice, you can follow me on Instagram.

For couples considering where to settle in France, I can only recommend Nice. It offers everything: culture, lifestyle, international convenience, and a welcoming community. I also wrote an article about the best neighborhoods in Nice to live in, which you can find here.

All four cities, Bordeaux, Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Nice, have their charm. Bordeaux is elegant and wine-focused, Marseille is energetic and multicultural, Aix is refined and traditional.

But Nice offers the perfect balance : Mediterranean beauty, proximity to Italy, international accessibility, luxury lifestyle, sea and mountains, and a welcoming gay-friendly community.

If you’re a gay couple dreaming of France, and you want a place that combines beauty, glamour, travel opportunities, and quality of life, then Nice is, without doubt, one of the best choices you can make.