New Horizons: From Lille to Nice

So I have a big announcement to make - I now live in Nice, the second most popular city in France! It’s incredible to think of how much my life has changed in the space of 8 weeks. In fact, until the beginning of February I was even contemplating moving back to the UK in the near future, but instead I’ve moved over 1000 km further south to pursue my career within Booking.com. I can’t say that being that much closer to the equator is a bad thing! In fact I’m really starting to like it…

After a month in Nice, I’m finally starting to settle in, slowly but surely. For those wishing to visit, or maybe even considering moving to Nice on a more permanent basis, I’d like to discuss a few of my initial observations of life in Nice.

Positive Remarks

The weather – moving from the North of England, to the North of France, and finally the South of France… well, it’s simply bliss! It’s been raining today and it’s cloudy, but the balcony door is still wide open and it doesn’t feel cold. This time last year, I’m sure we were engulfed in snow in Lille.

National health insurance (CPAM) and housing benefits (CAF) were much more efficient in their management of paperwork here than in Lille. The palaver I had when changing from one area to another in Nord Pas-de-Calais was slightly ridiculous. So far, so good…

The people seem so much more relaxed. Naturally there’s a large retired population here and when they see me on my rollerblades (often struggling on the many hills), they seem to love to stop and chat. I seem to have one of those faces that just invites conversation… And of course the sun helps improve people’s moods. I’m a strong believer of this fact.

Even though the centre of Nice can be rather noisy from tourists and restaurants etc, the residential areas are surprisingly calm and well kept. 

The parks are really beautiful, with monuments, fountains, children’s play areas, palm trees and generally lots of people sat around talking and relaxing. Promenade des Anglais is also amazing for rollerblading along the sea front, with the sparkling blue sea.

The mountains and nature in general nearby are sensational. I climbed Mount Chauve last weekend (literally walking from my apartment) and the views from the top were outstanding. Needless to say, I suffered for a few days after, after a few months of not doing a lot of sport (well, none at all).

Negative Remarks

This is a city full of small dogs and inevitably small dogs’ excrement is littered over the pavement at regular intervals. A lot of time walking is therefore spent looking down. I really do think France should introduce fines for people who don’t pick up their dogs excrement, as they have done very strictly in the UK. It makes for much more pleasant surroundings. 

Motorbikes/Scooters. They’re everywhere and seem to think that rules of the road don’t apply to them. They’re always seen on the pavement or going against the flow of traffic (literally on one way streets).

Pedestrian crossings mean nothing most of the time to motorists. You just have to take a risk to get over the road. Particularly with the above mentioned motorbikes and scooters, who just cut red lights if they feel like it.

The price of living is fairly expensive, but if you know where to shop, then you can find reasonably priced items. Shopping in the centre of town is not advisable, but just slightly North of the Railway line is a Lidl and other cheap supermarkets. 

Overall, I think that it is fair to say that the positives in Nice far outweigh the negatives. The city is welcoming and beautiful as a whole and I just know that there is so much more to discover in Nice Côte d’Azur. This discovery will begin with my lovely parents who arrive tomorrow night for 2 weeks.

As I learn more and more about what Nice and the region has to offer, I will share it with you. I wake up most mornings and come home after work most afternoons feeling as though I must be in a dream. I’m floating in the clouds. What can I say… I’ve been very fortunate to end up in this corner of the world.

I’ve come a long way since leaving university and moving to France. EVS and Service Civique allowed me to establish my life in France and to realise what I enjoy doing, along with the help and guidance of my wonderful manager, Yves Bourdérou. Now I’m able to begin developing a career in a company that I love – Booking.com. I’m helping to paint the world Booking Blue!

I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading and I will update you again very soon. Keep smiling!