Month: February 2025

The City of Nice has confirmed that a permit has been issued for the construction of a luxury four-star hotel – the largest in Nice – on the site of the Marché de la Buffa, a century-old landmark in the centre of the city.

After several months of exchanges between the City of Nice, the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur and the Architecte des Bâtiments de France, the building permit was officially granted to the management company APICAP, it was announced on 14th February.

The once-bustling covered marketplace, which has stood abandoned for years, will find new life in a four-star hotel featuring a supermarket and parking lot.

The news has been welcomed by many locals, with one resident telling Monaco Life: ‘’Back in the 1980s, it used to be a great market. We could find everything there. But then, little by little, stores started to close. Look at it now. I’m glad they will turn it into a hotel.’’

After initially being sold to SAS CAMAX in 2007, a company which later entered bankruptcy, property developer APICAP purchased the site in 2021, but the project only existed on paper as the developer and the Municipality of Nice debated the final details. Multiple proposals were considered, including the construction of a smaller four-star hotel and underground parking. However, none proved financially viable. 

A new development that will transform the neighbourhood 

Following extensive heated discussions, plans have been approved and the permit has been issued for a high-quality development consisting of a 13,000m2 luxury hotel with 358 rooms – “the largest in Nice” – , a 1,000m2 ground floor supermarket, a two-level underground parking lot, and pedestrian access connecting the streets Buffa and Joffre. 

Architect Jean-Paul Gomis designed the project, which will occupy the Gambetta-Joffre corner. The existing Casino supermarket, now residing at the same corner, will have to be demolished and rebuilt as part of the development. 

The investment has been welcomed by neighbouring businesses, who anticipate an increase in pedestrian traffic as a result of the new hotel. Staff at the nearby Rotisserie restaurant told Monaco Life: ‘’This could be very beneficial for the neighbourhood. A hotel always brings more clients and since we are quite far from the centre of Jean Médecin, we need more people our way.’’

The sentiment was shared by an employee at the Multari bakery: ‘’The hotel will certainly help. Look at our street – it’s empty. While the city-centre streets are full and the Nice Carnival is in full swing, we are quiet. The new bus lane on Gambetta has made car access even more difficult for businesses, so the hotel will help.” 

However, there are concerns about the impact during the construction phase. ‘’I assume the construction period will be difficult, especially for residents dealing with dust and noise,’’ the bakery worker added.

The project is part of a broader project to revitalise Boulevard Gambetta and develop green areas, aiming to strengthen the residential and commercial attractiveness of the sector.

According to the municipality, the building will be of “high quality and harmonious design,” adhering to architectural guidelines within Nice’s UNESCO heritage perimeter. A delivery date is yet to be revealed. 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

A massive airbag recall affecting an unknown number of cars manufactured between 1998 and 2019 is currently underway in France. In a bid to alert as many people as possible to the dangers of these defective Takata airbags, the Ministry of Transport, as well as prefects in overseas French territories, have launched an information campaign urging motorists to check their cars and take immediate action if necessary. The replacement of these airbags is completely free and could be lifesaving.

Takata airbags are linked to a critical safety defect. Over time, heat and humidity accelerate their deterioration, increasing the likelihood of failure. Instead of deploying safely during an accident, these airbags can explode with excessive force, propelling sharp metal fragments into the vehicle’s cabin. This defect has reportedly caused serious injuries and fatalities worldwide.

Manufacturers are in the process of notifying owners of vehicles affected by the recall by mail. However, due to address changes or other factors, some notifications may not reach the intended recipients. To ensure accuracy, drivers are encouraged to verify their vehicle’s status independently.

The first step involves locating the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a 17-character code found in several locations, including the vehicle registration document near the letter E, on the driver’s side dashboard, in the warranty or maintenance booklet, and on the manufacturer’s plate near the windshield.

Once you have identified the VIN, a quick online check via the car manufacturer’s website will confirm whether a recall applies.

NEXT STEPS

Any vehicle listed in the recall should undergo repairs without delay. Affected airbags will be replaced at no cost to the owner, with manufacturers covering all expenses. Some brands have also issued “STOP DRIVE” warnings, advising against vehicle use until repairs are completed.

For those experiencing delays in scheduling a repair, reports can be made to the Vehicle and Engine Market Surveillance Service (SSMVM), which oversees compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, concerns can be submitted through SignalConso, the French government’s platform that will assist in notifying the manufacturer and alert fraud prevention authorities.

This recall is more than a routine precaution; it is a critical safety measure designed to prevent serious injuries or death. Any vehicle potentially affected should be inspected immediately, and necessary repairs should not be postponed.

For a full list of affected makes and models, click here.

Read related:

Explained: How does France’s SignalConso platform for disputes work?

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo credit: Markus Spiske, Pexels