Nice - Californie / Ferber / Carras

The Origins of the Ferber and Carras Districts

Located to the west of downtown Nice, the Ferber and Carras districts, also known as Caucade and Californie, are centered around the historic Caucade Cemetery in Nice. In the Middle Ages, this area was a hilly countryside, far from the city of Nice. Its development began in the 13th century with the clearing of land for planting vineyards, fig trees, and cereals. Olive trees were planted in the 15th century, later replaced in the 19th century by flower cultivation, particularly carnations, as the land in western Nice could finally be irrigated for market gardening activities. Orchards and market gardens were still present in the area in the 1950s. The presence of the Caucade Cemetery also influenced the character of the Ferber district. Created in the 19th century, the cemetery covers 190 hectares. For two centuries, the district was bustling with marble workshops, stonecutters, sculptors, florists, inns, coachmen, and grooms. In the 1960s, the neighborhood became more urbanized and densified, with a more pronounced residential focus. Roads were expanded, and Boulevard Napoléon III was constructed. The 1970s saw the construction of large housing complexes and subdivisions, and a new church dedicated to Saint Mark was built in 1995. Discover all the properties for sale in the district with our agency, a specialist in real estate in Nice Carras.

The Highlights of the Ferber and Carras Districts

The Caucade Cemetery and its English cemetery are the must-see sites in the Ferber/Carras district. Among its 40,000 graves are those of many notable civilian and military figures: World War II heroes, painters, singers, sculptors, musicians, and notably, René Goscinny, the father of the character Asterix. The area also houses a military battery built in 1891, known as the "Russian Battery" due to its proximity to the Russian cemetery created in the north of the district in 1867. On the seafront, the former fishing village of Carras is now a highly urbanized area known as Californie. However, the site still has a small port where traditional Niçois boats called "pointus" can be admired. The name Californie refers to the Californie Hippodrome located near the old airfield. The airport runway expansion required the relocation of the racetrack. Today, the Ferber and Carras districts are known for their proximity to the airport and the large business district of Arénas, the green lung provided by the shaded alleys of Caucade Cemetery, the seafront with the small port of Nice-Carras, and Carras Park.

Living in the Ferber and Carras Districts

The Ferber-Carras or Caucade-Californie sector is sought after for its advantageous location relative to downtown Nice, which can be quickly reached via the seafront. Now a very urban area, it is equipped with all the amenities and is characterized by a very dynamic community life. On the seafront, resident associations are working to recreate the village spirit of the small Carras area. The arrival of the tramway will further revitalize the area. In both Caucade and Californie, the district is predominantly composed of apartments. The housing options are varied, ranging from large 1970s complexes to small subdivisions and old Belle Époque villas on the seafront. Real estate prices are significantly lower than in the more eastern neighborhoods closer to the city center, such as Magnan. The area is home to many schools, as well as numerous sports and cultural associations and facilities. The district is also very commercial, offering a wide range of local shops and services.