Legal Ruling Puts the Brakes on Port Nice Cruise Caps: What You Need to Know

A court in Nice has ruled against Mayor Christian Estrosi’s decree aimed at limiting cruise passenger numbers at the ports of Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer. The decree, issued on July 9, sought to reduce environmental impact and protect marine life but was deemed unlawful and outside Estrosi’s jurisdiction by the Administrative Court on July 13.

The prefect of Alpes-Maritimes filed the challenge, asserting that regulation of maritime traffic is the responsibility of state-appointed officials, not municipal authorities. The court confirmed that Estrosi, who holds both mayoral and metropolitan president roles, does not have the authority to override national maritime laws.

Estrosi’s proposed limits included capping cruise calls in Nice to ships carrying no more than 450 passengers, and permitting only one ship with up to 2,500 passengers per day in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Following the decree, the Voyager of the Seas arrived at Villefranche with over 3,100 passengers on July 11. Estrosi attempted to confront the ship by boarding a police boat, but maritime protocol prevented any attempt to board, resulting in a media spectacle.

In response to the court’s decision, Estrosi warned of potential legal action against the State for failing to provide adequate environmental protection should national regulations not address the issue of large cruise ships. His comments have drawn criticism for politicizing marine policies and turning serious environmental concerns into a public relations issue.

The ruling effectively suspends Estrosi’s decree and paves the way for a broader national dialogue regarding cruise ship management and coastal preservation. Officials plan to convene in September to develop a legally sound framework addressing these challenges on the Côte d’Azur.

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