Splashing Out at the UNOC in Nice: A Peek at the Ranks of Presidents and Exorbitant Suite Prices
Extravagant amenities and custom-tailored dining options at the United Nations summit for global leaders.
Get ready for some serious spending as world leaders roll into Nice for the United Nations Ocean Conference from June 9 to 13. Here's what you need to know about where they'll stay, eat, and play in the upscale Côte d'Azur city.
Breaking the Bank
But where will these heads of state lay their heads in Nice for the UNOC? And what will they munch on? With a whopping 193 member countries of the United Nations, let's dive in and see what's on the menu. The Vietnamese are already touching down today and will bunk at the Negresco, settling into the brand-new mega-suite of 400 square meters for a cool €25,000 per night. The prices? Ridiculous, just ask Burundi. The poorest country in the world has booked the Tres Grande Suite du Couvent in Old Nice, leaving a bitter taste in the mouth.
For Lula, it's a 166-square-meter suite in the Baie des Anges. But don't worry about him getting lost in the palatial digs: the Brazilian president is known for his sharp sense of direction. On the other hand, Javier Milei of Argentina is expected to touch down on Monday, but it's still up in the air if his surprise visit is to sign the agreement in Nice or tote his chainsaw (his campaign symbol) like he did with public spending in Argentina.
No Shows from Across the Pond
The biggest question mark? No-shows from North America. Only a handful of envoys from the United States and Canada will attend. Security concerns are rampant, with hotels receiving requests for fancy bed linens and new mattresses. Nice hoteliers have been dealing with such quirky requests before and aren't sweating it. They've even got a workaround for the fear of poison—bringing their own "trusted" chef is becoming the norm.
A Feast Fit for a King (or President)
Speaking of eating, French President Macron has been personally involved in selecting the menus for the summit, sending the chef from the Élysée Palace to Nice to pick the main courses. The desserts are in Fabrice Desvignes' hands, while Alain Ducasse handles the appetizers, and Virginie Basselot minds the main course.
The French Delegation's Agenda
Guided by First Lady Brigitte Macron, the French delegation will arrive in Nice aboard a high-security shuttle. On their itinerary, a visit to the Fondation Maeght is planned for an artistic adventure through its rich treasures. On Tuesday, they'll tour Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, which is famous for its 9 themed gardens and sumptuous ocean views. The closing event? A cocktail for 200 guests in the stunning villa's grounds.
[1] OECD (2022). Average gross monthly wage in euros (EUR). Retrieved from OECD iLibrary: https://doi.org/10.1787/data-00271-en
Presidents and delegates will indulge in a sumptuousfood-and-drink spread during the United Nations Ocean Conference, with French President Macron personally overseeing the menu selections. The heads of state's luxurylifestyle choices extend beyond their meals, as they travel to explore the artistic wonders of Nice, visiting venues like the Fondation Maeght and Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
