Which neighborhood should you live in Nice when you’re gay?

This idea for an article came after I received a message from one of my readers — apparently a foreigner who chose to move to Nice. He asked me which neighborhoods are the best to live in permanently when you’re gay. Since I’m gay myself, I found it interesting to write about this topic — especially because it’s not the first time I’ve been asked this question!

Nice is not just a destination for sun and sea, “the Miami of France” as some like to call it. It’s also a welcoming city for the LGBT+ community. I know this statement may spark debate, considering the political orientation of the city and the region in general. But we can’t deny that the current mayor has actually done quite a bit for the community. With its Mediterranean climate, picturesque historic center, dynamic LGBTQ+ Center, and numerous gay-friendly venues, Nice is attracting more and more men who want to settle here. But the question often remains: which neighborhood is the best to live in when you’re gay in Nice?

To answer, you need to take into account the proximity to downtown, access to gay nightlife, and overall quality of life. Below are my recommendations. A quick note: I moved to Nice (from Paris) back in 2009, so I have some perspective to give you solid advice!

Of course, if you’d like to follow my daily life in Nice, I invite you to check out my Instagram account: Le Mâle Français.

The Carré d’Or: the Upscale Heart of Nice

I’ll start with the Carré d’Or because many of the people who ask me where to settle in Nice are foreigners with a certain income level. If I had to sketch a portrait of these readers: a couple of men over 45, senior executives, living in the US. They usually come to France after selling their property back home. In that case, the Carré d’Or is, in my opinion, the most relevant place to buy an apartment.

A central and chic neighborhood

Located between the Promenade des Anglais, Avenue Jean-Médecin, and Boulevard Victor Hugo, the Carré d’Or is the most sought-after neighborhood in Nice. It’s full of beautiful bourgeois and Art Deco buildings that define Nice’s style, elegant streets lined with boutiques, and, above all, immediate proximity to the beach and the main gay hangouts — bars and nightclubs.

👉 If you’d like to discover the best gay-friendly places in Nice, check out my dedicated article here: Gay-friendly spots in Nice

Proche des établissements gays emblématiques

C’est dans et autour du Carré d’Or que se concentrent de nombreux bars et clubs gays de la ville. Si tu veux sortir dans Nice sans devoir prendre un taxi ou marcher une demi-heure, c’est clairement l’endroit idéal. Tout peut se faire à pied ! En plus, la plage est à quelques minutes à pied, parfaite pour les après-midis détente ou les rendez-vous improvisés.

Close to iconic gay venues

Most of Nice’s gay bars and clubs are concentrated in and around the Carré d’Or. If you want to go out without taking a taxi or walking half an hour, this is clearly the best option. Everything is within walking distance! Plus, the beach is only a few minutes away — perfect for lazy afternoons or spontaneous meetups.

The Carré d’Or is also vibrant outside of the tourist season. Restaurants, cafés, and local shops give it a genuine neighborhood feel while still being at the very heart of the city. Of course, rents are higher here, but that’s the price of living where everything happens.

Downtown Nice : convenience meets urban energy

Jean-Médecin : connected to everything

Avenue Jean-Médecin and its surroundings form the main artery of Nice. Living here means having direct access to public transport (tram, train station), shops, and services. It’s also the city’s main shopping street, with all the big-name stores, the Nicetoile mall, and the new Iconic complex. For a gay man looking for a practical, dynamic, and central neighborhood, it’s a solid choice.

Old Nice : charm and nightlife

Just steps from the modern center, Vieux Nice enchants with its colorful alleys, charming little squares, and lively bars. I personally love strolling there on weekends. It’s bohemian, festive, and yes — quite noisy at night. If you love peace and quiet, this may not be the best fit.

The Musicians’quarter : practical and well-located

The Musicians’quarter, located just behind Thiers station and next to the Carré d’Or, is a great option if you want to stay close to downtown without being in the middle of the hustle and bustle. It’s a residential, elegant area with beautiful Art Deco buildings and streets named after famous composers. You’ll enjoy a calmer atmosphere while still being less than 10 minutes on foot from Nice’s main gay-friendly spots. It’s also well served by public transport, making it convenient for frequent travelers. A perfect choice if you want to combine everyday peace and quiet with proximity to Nice’s gay social life.

The Port : the trendy alternative

If you’re looking for something more affordable than the Carré d’Or but still close to downtown, the Port is an excellent option. In recent years, it has been undergoing a transformation, attracting a younger, creative, and open-minded crowd. Trendy bars and restaurants are popping up everywhere, and the vibe is definitely cosmopolitan.

The Rue Bonaparte and Place du Pin in this area were once nicknamed the “Marais of Nice,” in reference to Paris’s gay neighborhood. And it’s true — for a few years, this part of the Port concentrated several gay venues and attracted a mainly LGBT+ clientele. But today, that’s no longer the case. The street has turned into one of the city’s busiest nightlife hubs, full of trendy bars and restaurants that attract a wide and mixed crowd. The atmosphere is lively, yes, but no longer particularly “gay.” Also note: this area gets quite noisy at night, which can be a downside if you’re looking for tranquility.

Buying a house in Nice : head to the hills

Cimiez : elegant and peaceful

If your dream is to buy a house in Nice, you’ll need to look beyond the city center. Cimiez is one of the most sought-after areas for villas or townhouses. Residential, green, and elegant, it attracts well-off families. It’s not specifically a gay neighborhood, but it offers a very high quality of life while remaining close to the center.

Mont Boron : prestigious with sea views

The Mont Boron is perhaps Nice’s most prestigious area for buying a house or villa. Located east of the city, overlooking the Port, it offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean, the Baie des Anges, and even Monaco on a clear day. Here you’ll find stunning properties, often with pools and gardens, in a leafy and residential setting. It’s quieter and more exclusive than downtown. Mont Boron is perfect if you want to combine prestige, tranquility, and breathtaking views while being just a short drive from the gay-friendly heart of Nice.

In short, if you want a house, you’ll need to move away from the lively center and look toward Nice’s hills. You’ll be further from the gay scene, but you’ll gain space, greenery, and peace. A car or scooter is a must.

If you want to be at the heart of Nice’s gay life, the Carré d’Or is without a doubt the best choice. Everything is within reach: bars, clubs, the beach, and downtown.

If you prefer convenience and an urban vibe, downtown Nice (Jean-Médecin, Vieux Nice) is a great alternative.

Finally, if you’re looking for a more trendy and affordable atmosphere, with a creative and open-minded community, then the Port is perfect.