Where to Live in Nice: The Musicians Quarter

The Musicians quarter is a vibrant and centrally located neighborhood of Nice that stands out for its many gorgeous Art Deco, Belle Epoque and Bourgeois buildings. While walking around, it’s well worth looking up! Ornate balconies, detailed cornices or colorful mosaic works are often crafted into the facades of the beautiful buildings that were completed during the late 19th or early 20th century.

The neighborhood’s name stems from the fact that many of its streets are named after famous musicians, Ludwig van Beethoven (rue Beethoven), Giuseppe Verdi (rue Verdi), Gioacchino Antonio Rossini (rue Rossini) and more.

Consisting mainly of residential buildings, the Musicians quarter houses a diverse population of young professionals, students, retirees, and artists. The neighborhood is also home to several small, independent shops and markets, where you can find a variety of unique items, from vintage clothing to handmade crafts. Cafes, restaurants, bistrots and bars, located around the train station, give the neighborhood a vibrant feel. Several small art galleries are also in the area too, showcasing the work of local and international artists.

A major feature of the Musicians quarter is the proximity to the city center. The neighborhood is located just a short walk from Place Massena, the central square of Nice. The famous Promenade des Anglais, the beachfront walkway, is also within walking distance. Additionally, well-connected to public transportation, it easy to get around to the rest of the city by tram or bus from anywhere in the neighborhood.

In terms of housing, the Musicians quarter is primarily composed of apartments, ranging from studios to 3-bedroom apartments. As it’s located in the central area of Nice, rental or purchase prices tend to be a bit higher compared to more distant areas, but it’s still considered a relatively affordable neighborhood compared to some of the other prime areas of the city (like the very upscale beachfront/central Carré d’Or area).

Parameters of the Musicians Quarter are: Avenue Jean Medecin to the east, the central train station “Gare Thiers” to the north, Boulevard Gambetta to the west and Boulevard Victor Hugo to the south.