On April 30, 2025, the convention center was officially handed over to the State and to Costa Rica in preparation for the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3), following works delivered on schedule.
The Nice Convention Center, located on Quai Infernet, is set to become a key infrastructure for hosting international events.
The convention center is located near hotel and restaurant facilities, just 10 minutes from downtown Nice and 25 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport via tram.
The convention center will be inaugurated during the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025. This achievement represents a major milestone in the city’s strategy to strengthen its appeal in the business tourism and large-scale events sector.
Featuring a versatile hall, a panoramic rooftop, and a sustainable maritime terminal, this project highlights a modern, eco-friendly, and multifunctional design.
Nicea, the new landmark of the Port of Nice, has been delivered
On-time delivery of a structuring project
In June 2024, construction began on the future convention center at the Port of Nice, on the site of the former Quai Infernet parking lot. Less than a year later, the buildings have been delivered on schedule, allowing the French State to install the necessary infrastructure for hosting UNOC-3.
On April 30, 2025, the keys to the site were officially handed over in the presence of Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis and Deputy President of the Sud Region; Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic for UNOC; and Andrés Perez Saenz, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Costa Rica in France.
A program focused on user needs and functionality
Named Nicea following a public consultation, the complex features a large 4,000 m² multipurpose hall designed to host congresses, trade shows, performances, and exhibitions. It is complemented by two additional buildings: one will serve as the new cruise terminal, while the other will be operated by the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Tourist Office as a venue for conferences and seminars. The facility is designed to meet institutional, cultural, and economic needs.
Impact on the region and connection with UNOC-3
The delivery of Nicea comes at a time of international mobilization for ocean preservation. In June 2025, Nice will host the third edition of the United Nations Ocean Conference, a major diplomatic event co-organized by France and Costa Rica. The Nicea center will serve as one of the main venues for delegations and working sessions.
In the medium term, the facility is expected to enhance the appeal of the port and help structure the events offering of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis.
Project background
The Sea Pavilion: an economic and tourism asset for Nice
The future Nice Convention Center, located at the Port of Nice, was officially presented to economic and tourism stakeholders on March 12, 2025.
The construction, carried out at an exceptional pace, will be completed by April 30, 2025. In less than a year, the site has transformed from a bare concrete slab into a modern complex inspired by the United Nations General Assembly. After the summit, the facilities will be repurposed for local use, including a cruise terminal and a convention center dedicated to economic and cultural events. The modularity of the spaces will enable the hosting of various types of gatherings, thereby contributing to the city’s economic vitality.
This new facility, which is already booked for events through 2030, will enhance Nice’s economic and tourism appeal. In addition, the 5,000 UNOC delegates will have the opportunity to enjoy local restaurants, generating positive economic benefits for downtown businesses and hotels. (Source Nice 24)
A Structuring Project for the Dynamism of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis
The Convention Center is part of an ambitious vision for economic and territorial development. Designed as a strategic lever to position Nice among the leading European business tourism destinations, the project has been tailored to meet the needs of companies and event organizers.
A Diverse and Modular Offering
With a main hall spanning 3,600 m², the center can accommodate up to 2,100 participants. This modularity makes it possible to host a wide range of events, from international conferences to trade shows and concerts. Additionally, 1,200 m² of dedicated meeting and seminar spaces provide a flexible setting for businesses.
The 1,600 m² panoramic rooftop, offering breathtaking views of the Baie des Anges, has been designed for high-end receptions. These facilities combine aesthetics and functionality, meeting the expectations of organizers seeking exceptional venues.
An Eco-Responsible Maritime Terminal
At the heart of this project is a 3,800 m² maritime terminal, designed to accommodate premium cruises while promoting sustainable mobility and the electrification of ships. This component underscores Nice’s commitment to ecological transition.
A Rigorous Schedule and Innovative Management
Construction of the Sea Pavilion, the future convention center of Nice, is progressing according to schedule, with delivery set for the end of April 2025. Following the demolition of the former parking structure in September 2024 and the start of construction in January 2025, the main structures quickly took shape on the Quai Infernet and the pier of the Port of Nice.
The main building, which will feature a hall inspired by that of the United Nations, is set to be completed by March 6—marking a key milestone ahead of the site handover to the State in preparation for UNOC 2025, scheduled from June 9 to 13. During the site visit on February 14, Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, and Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region and President of Régions de France, emphasized the strict adherence to the timeline. Designed to be a lasting feature of the cityscape, the facility will later host cultural, sporting, and economic events, and will play a central role during the 2030 Winter Olympic Games as the headquarters for the international press.
Residents of Nice have until March 31, 2025, to vote on the official name of the pavilion, which is intended to symbolize the region’s commitment to the blue economy and ocean preservation.
A Sustainable and Exemplary Design
The Convention Center reflects the strategic priorities of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis in terms of innovation and sustainability.
Environmental Commitment
The city of Nice aims to become a model of sustainability. In addition to promoting the electrification of docks for a zero-emission port by 2026, the Convention Center incorporates significant greenery. A green strip along Rauba Capèu and landscaped areas surrounding the structure are designed to create ecological harmony with the urban environment.
Innovation Serving Professionals
Equipped with connected technology, cutting-edge digital tools, and modularity designed to maximize functionality, the Center meets the growing expectations of professionals in the event industry.
Significant Economic and Cultural Impact
The Convention Center is not just an infrastructure; it is a driver for the local economy.
Robust Financing and Economic Model
The project is self-financed through revenues generated by port users, the tourist tax, and services provided by the Metropolitan Tourism Office. A swift return on investment, estimated between one and two years, is anticipated thanks to rigorous management and strategic partnerships, such as leasing the space to the State for €10 million.
A Rich and Diverse Program
From its opening, the Center will host prestigious events such as:
- The Grand Pavois in La Rochelle in September 2025;
- The Grand Tourism Summit in October 2025;
- Performances by the Nice Opera at the end of the year.
This diverse program will enhance Nice’s appeal on the international stage and foster economic synergies with local stakeholders.
During SIMI 2024, the leading trade show for commercial real estate, Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, and Deputy President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, introduced the new Nice Congress Center, a strategic infrastructure for business tourism.
A Presentation for Professionals: A Project Praised by the Industry
On December 13, 2024, at Maison Albar Le Victoria in Nice, the future Convention Center was officially presented to over 60 key players in the event and tourism sectors. This meeting, organized by the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Tourism Office and Team Nice Côte d’Azur, highlighted the strengths of this innovative infrastructure.
Key highlights of this presentation included the modular and connected equipment designed to meet the demands of professionals, as well as the anticipated economic and environmental benefits. Hervé Laubertie, General Manager of Team Nice Côte d’Azur, and Jean-Sébastien Martinez, General Manager of the Metropolitan Tourism Office, emphasized the personalized support offered to organizers, including tools such as business tours and immersive audiovisual resources.
This day also provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges of business tourism and gather participants’ feedback, who were unanimously enthusiastic about the transformative impact of this project on Nice’s international prominence.
An Infrastructure Supporting International Outreach
Transforming the Port of Nice: A Renewal Vision
The Convention Center, under construction on Quai Infernet, embodies a major ambition for Nice: to transform the port into a model of sustainability and innovation, while boosting its international appeal and strengthening the local economy.
The official site visit on December 20, 2024, by Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice and President of the Metropolis, highlighted the importance of this facility in hosting the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference— a key event on the global environmental agenda (Read more on Nice 24).
The construction remains on schedule December’s efforts are focused on completing the slab and utility networks, including a power supply for ships, aiming for a smoke-free port by 2026.
Infrastructure Supporting Ambitious Goals
The center’s modular components, transported by sea and scheduled for delivery in April 2025, highlight an innovative approach to construction and installation.
The site will also include a 2,200-seat multipurpose hall by the end of 2025, ideal for hosting international congresses.
Additionally, a green strip along Rauba Capèu and around the building will reinforce the site’s ecological integration. This greening initiative aims to connect the port to the city, creating a harmonious ecological continuity.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The funding is based on local sources, including revenue from the tourist tax, port users, and services provided by the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Tourist Office. A rapid payback period of one to two years is expected, thanks to rental income—such as the €10 million generated from leasing the building to the State for the United Nations Ocean Conference.
The upcoming schedule promises to be rich and diverse, with events such as the Grand Pavois in La Rochelle, the Grand Tourism Summit in October, and performances by the Nice Opera at the end of the year. In the long term, the venue will also host events for the 2030 Winter Olympics, cementing its role as a key hub for international events.
By combining modernity, sustainability, and versatility, the Nice Convention Center is set to play a central role in the future of business tourism. Its opening in 2025, coupled with a first series of high-profile events, positions Nice among the leading European destinations for conferences and professional events.
This project reflects the ambition of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis to embrace a global dynamic while staying true to its local values.
Sources: Nice 24, Invest in Côte d’Azur, Compte Linkedin de M.Christian Estrosi
Events Nice Côte d’Azur
- Nice Convention Center: an infrastructure serving international events
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- Carnival of Nice 2024: A Space Dedicated to Businesses
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- Future Nice Congress Center: A Project for International Influence and Sustainability
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