Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport (NCE)

Smoking is permitted at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is not a totally non-smoking terminal and smoking areas are provided at certain locations. Smoking is prohibited in and near the terminal building, gates, toilets, corridors, restaurants, shops, lounges, and in areas not clearly signed as designated smoking areas.

Compared to many French airports this airport is relatively smoker-friendly with opportunities to smoke both before and after the security check. Look for signs marked "Espace fumeurs".

Before Security

There are limited outdoor smoking areas outside the terminal buildings, pre-security.

The easiest option if you are at the airport early, waiting outside for check-in, or arriving and leaving the airport afterwards. You would not want to leave after you are clear of security, unless you have plenty of time to pass through the various airport checks again.

After Security

After security at Nice Airport you can smoke in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, although the locations of some smoking areas can be a little confusing (in older parts of the airport).

The best bet for a smoking zone is the Schengen side in the area of Gates A01-A10. The smoking area is now reportedly downstairs between A06 & A07, but another source says that it is near Gate A7. The location is not always obvious, so if you cannot find it, ask airport staff for the "Espace fumeurs".

At Terminal 2: most reliable option is in the Schengen area, close to Gate A13 (or maybe A12). Another smoking area is mentioned in older sources, close to Gate A00, but it shouldn't be considered as a primary one.

Some past reports also mention a smoking area inside the non-Schengen area at Gate B30 (down the stairs past the passport control). Its usefulness for international departures is unconfirmed. Stronger reports exist for the Schengen area inside the terminal at Gate A12-A13.

Closed or Less Reliable Areas

Some gates have been formerly or presently used as smoking areas, such as the former Gate A00 smoking area in Terminal 2, which has been reported as either closed or replaced by A12-A13.

Conflicting information on the gates has been given in the past, so travelers are advised to follow airport signage.

Vaping at NCE

Because vaping is not distinguishable from smoking by passengers, the safest approach is to treat vaping in the same manner as smoking.

Do not vape in the terminal, gates, toilets, restaurants, lounges or shops. Use only designated smoking areas unless informed otherwise by airport staff.

Practical Advice

Nice Airport is also relatively unobtrusive for smokers, as long as you know the terminal of your gate.

Terminal 1: At A01-A10 and A06-A07 / A7 after security.
Terminal 2: A12-A13 in Schengen area after security.
Prior to security, outdoor smoking areas are located outside terminal buildings.

Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking zones, and fines may be issued for smoking elsewhere in the airport.