Palais de la Préfecture

The Palais de la Préfecture in the heart of old Nice is now the official residence of the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes as well as the president of the General Council. The history of the complex dates back to the 16th century, when the Dukes of Savoy left their old castle and had a new residence built in the lower town. Originally conceived as a ducal palace, the building changed its status in the 18th century and served as the royal residence of the Kings of Sardinia. After France annexed Nice in 1860, the property was repurposed as the seat of the prefecture. In the decades that followed, especially between 1862 and 1910, the building underwent extensive renovations and expansions to prepare it for official state visits and social events.

Architecturally, the palace reflects several different eras, and only a few elements of the original ducal palace have survived. The plastered stone façade with its columned windows defines the building's appearance today. Particularly noteworthy is the courtyard of honor, designed by Jean-Antoine Scoffier in the early 19th century, with its magnificent staircase, considered one of the last remnants of the earlier construction phases. Inside, the banquet hall impresses with the stylistic eclecticism of the Third Republic. The grand gallery is adorned with elaborately executed paintings by Jules Chéret depicting Niçois festivals and the Carnival. Further artistic details can be found in the sculpture "Nice Gives Herself to France" as well as in the paintings that document the region's historic transitions.

For visitors, the palace offers insight into the political and cultural history of the region. It was the setting for significant historical moments, including the official handover of the County of Nice to Napoleon III in 1860 and the signing of the EU's Treaty of Nice in 2001. As part of the protected cultural heritage, the building is not only an administrative site but also a cultural center that is regularly used for official receptions and state ceremonies. The combination of historic fabric and ceremonial splendor makes it one of the city's most important architectural landmarks.