Nice: one year to go

Nice has launched its countdown, one year before the first UEFA EURO 2016 match is played in the city on 12 June 2016. Mayor and local member of parliament Christian Estrosi celebrated the occasion accompanied by Daniel Bravo, the southern French city's UEFA EURO 2016 ambassador. 

After welcoming the France team for a friendly in June 2014, and before hosting the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2019, Nice is getting set for UEFA EURO 2016. On this festive and highly symbolic day, the city's residents – the future spectators of finals matches at Grand Stade de Nice – were able to learn about the workshops, stands and free entertainment that will be offered throughout the tournament.

"Nice – a region of football, a host city of major sporting events – is getting ready to welcome UEFA EURO 2016," said Mr Estrosi, in front of numerous guests and children from the city's many schools. The children also had the chance to take part in two treasure hunts and meet Eric Bauthéac, a current OGC Nice player.

"EURO and the media coverage that comes with it will once again enable us to demonstrate the uncontestably international nature of our city, its festive traditions, its tourist potential, its unfailing willingness to be responsible towards the environment, its ambitious policy on transport and its expertise in terms of security," added Mr Estrosi.

"Nice is one of the ten host cities, but that was not a given," continued the mayor. Although Nice is the second most popular tourist city in France, welcoming a major international sporting event will give it another dimension: "The hotel, transport and commercial sectors are already looking forward to being part of this celebration and to receiving foreign visitors."

At 8,000 square metres and with a capacity for almost 10,000 people, the fan zone will be almost like a village on the Promenade du Paillon from 10 June to 10 July 2016. "For one month, our city, our region, France, Europe and the entire world will be dancing to the rhythm of football," Mr Estrosi went on. "I've chosen to create a high-quality space, free and open to all, with two giant screens so that everyone can enjoy the show."

Supporters should have no doubts about the excellent reception in store for them, with UEFA having already approved a revised plan to provide transport for the 35,000 fans expected at the stadium on each matchday (three group games and a round of 16 fixture). A partnership programme with local businesses is also being drawn up. From the Quai des Etats-Unis to the Eco Vallée in the Plaine du Var via the Promenade du Paillon, all of Nice is poised to make UEFA EURO 2016 the best party ever.