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Nice residents blame Airbnb for ‘tourist neighbourhood’ ahead of 2026 elections

Residents in Vieux-Nice say the rise of Airbnb-style rentals is changing the character of the historic district.

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Cours Saleya Market, Vieux Nice. Open-air market selling local produce, flowers, and specialties under striped awnings.
Cours Saleya Market, Vieux Nice. Open-air market selling local produce, flowers, and specialties under striped awnings. Picture: Alamy

By Camille Bidard

Residents of Vieux-Nice say the growth of short-term rentals such as Airbnb has transformed the historic district into a “tourist neighbourhood”.

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Local concerns are emerging ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.

Locals interviewed in the area said the high number of holiday rentals is pushing residents out and leaving the neighbourhood unusually quiet outside the tourist season.

Housing and tourism pressures in the old town are expected to be key issues in the campaign for the next city council in Nice.