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Nice reaches level 4 of the national “Active and Sporty City” label

active and sporty city nice level 4 obtained

Nice has obtained level 4 of the “Active and Sporty City” label. This distinction is awarded by the National Council of Active and Sporty Cities. Level 4 represents the highest degree of recognition within the scheme.
More than 100,000 participants are recorded in more than 65 disciplines. They are spread across 600 clubs benefiting from 335 sports facilities. The facilities are distributed across the entire municipal territory.
The award of the label is based on technical and organisational criteria. It takes into account accessibility, diversity of activities and the range of infrastructures. The application was assessed according to the applicable national reference framework.
This recognition reflects coordination between institutional and associative stakeholders. It is based on actions in favour of sport accessible to all audiences. The label is valid for a fixed period, subject to the maintenance of standards.

A national distinction awarded by the CNVAS

The City of Nice has been officially certified at level 4 of the “Active and Sporty City” scheme during a ceremony held at the Océanice Convention Centre. This level constitutes the highest distinction awarded by the National Council of Active and Sporty Cities (CNVAS), a national body responsible for promoting local authorities that facilitate access to sport in their area.

The assessment is carried out on the basis of a set of criteria: number and quality of facilities, accessibility, actions in favour of diversity of activities, associative dynamism and services provided. The procedure only takes into account concrete data supplied in the application file, with no forward-looking analysis or political dimension.

A structured and accessible sports landscape

The area has 335 sports facilities, whose diversity makes it possible to accommodate more than 100,000 participants across more than 65 disciplines. Activity is driven by a network of more than 600 clubs. These organisations operate in various fields, from recreational sport to supervised sport, and for all audiences.

The territorial organisation allows for a balanced distribution of facilities across the entire urban area. The offer meets the needs of young people, adults, seniors and people with disabilities. This structure enables continuity of sports practice throughout life.

Recognition based on stakeholder coordination

Level 4 of the label attests to operational coordination between several components of the local fabric: technical departments, field staff, affiliated clubs and voluntary structures. This cooperation ensures the proper functioning of the local sports system, in compliance with accessibility and quality standards.

The label is based on an objective and measurable approach using nationally defined indicators. The move from level 3 to level 4 reflects a change in the organisation and management of resources dedicated to sports practice.

A structuring framework for local sports development

Obtaining level 4 of the “Active and Sporty City” label commits local structures to a process of continuous improvement. This recognition is not permanent: it is reassessed according to the labelling cycles set by the CNVAS, with the possibility of re-evaluation.

It provides a useful benchmark for sports sector stakeholders at local level. It also facilitates exchanges between areas through the network of certified cities. Through this scheme, the objective remains unchanged: to allow as many people as possible to access regular, supervised practice adapted to each profile.

Sport, a lever for attractiveness and influence for Nice Côte d’Azur

The label obtained by Nice Côte d’Azur further strengthens the place of sport as a pillar of the attractiveness of the Nice Côte d’Azur area. It reflects an integrated strategy in which sport becomes a vector of economic development, international influence and territorial cohesion.

In this perspective, the area is committed to regularly hosting national and international events, relying on high-performance sports and logistical infrastructures, multimodal accessibility, an adapted hotel offering and a natural environment conducive to a diversity of practices.

In 2024, Nice hosted the finish of the Men’s Tour de France. In 2026, it will notably host the Women’s Tour de France, the ARES Fighting Championship (MMA) season at the Palais Nikaïa, as well as triathlon and trail events such as IRONMAN® and Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB®. This dense calendar illustrates the region’s ability to maintain continuous sports activity and to diversify the disciplines represented.

The prospect of the 2030 Winter Olympic Games, for which Nice will be a host city for ice sports events, will confirm this international trajectory and consolidate the role of the metropolis as a platform for hosting major sporting events.