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Nice Municipal Elections 2026: Airbnb Impact

March 15 & 22, 2026 · Current mayor: Christian Estrosi (Horizons)

90

days max/year

90j

current cap

Yes

Quotas

Non

Rent control

Nice is a pioneer with a quota system (671 max furnished rentals) on top of the 90-day limit. Estrosi seeks a 4th term against Eric Ciotti (UDR). Personal rivalry dominates, but tourism and housing are major issues.

Candidates and Airbnb positions

Christian EstrosiIncumbent

Horizons (centre-droit)

Incumbent mayor since 2008, seeks a 4th term.

Airbnb / housing position

Defends his record on Airbnb regulation and fighting overtourism. Implemented the quota system and 90-day limit.

Eric Ciotti

UDR (allié RN)

Former LR president, allied with RN. Estrosi's main rival.

Airbnb / housing position

Focused on reducing property tax (+20% under Estrosi) and housing for police officers. Not very explicit on Airbnb.

Juliette Chesnel-Le Roux

EELV / Gauche unie

Green candidate heading a united left list (PS, PCF, Greens).

Airbnb / housing position

Much heavier limitations on seasonal rentals, strict Airbnb regulation, support for small landlords, energy renovation.

Current regulation

90 jours/an

Primary residence limit

671 max

Furnished rental quota

3 ans max

Authorization duration

Suspendu → 30/04/2026

Quota status

Nice implemented a unique quota system in France: maximum 671 authorized tourist furnished rentals in the most impacted neighborhoods. The 90-day limit applies. Change of use applications can only be submitted in February, for 3 years maximum. Note: the system is currently suspended until April 30, 2026 due to legal challenges.

See full regulation guide for Nice →

What could change

Outcome of legal challenges on quotas

Likely

The Council of State must rule on the legality of Nice's quota system. The outcome will determine whether other cities can copy this model.

Targeted restrictions on Promenade and Old Nice

Possible

Additional restrictions on the most touristic areas could be adopted, regardless of the quota system.

Key campaign issues

Estrosi-Ciotti rivalry

The personal rivalry between Estrosi and Ciotti dominates the campaign, sometimes at the expense of substantive debates on housing and tourism.

Overtourism and local economy

Tourism employs one in five Nice residents. The balance between the tourism economy and housing accessibility for workers and young people is a major challenge.

Sources

Last updated: February 2026. Check sources for the most recent information.

FAQ

Is Nice's quota system still in place?

The system is currently suspended until April 30, 2026, pending a Council of State ruling following legal challenges. If validated, it could be a model for other French cities.

Will Nice loosen or tighten the rules?

Even Estrosi (center-right) implemented quotas. Regardless of the winner, loosening is unlikely. The left pushes for even more restrictions.

Anticipate changes in Nice

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