Nice acquired a modern transport infrastructure at the beginning of the 20th Century. The horse-drawn tramway was electrified in 1900, and the network extended to encompass Cagnes-sur-Mer and Menton. The airport opened in 1945, and the University of Nice in 1965. The Opera and National Conservatory were established soon thereafter. Sadly, in 1979 the coast of Nice was hit hard by a tsunami, causing 23 deaths.

Jean Medecin was mayor of Nice from 1947 to 1965. After his lengthy tenure, he was succeeded by his son Jacques Medecin, who held this post until 1990. That year, he fled France after facing accusations of corruption. He was arrested in Uruguay in 1993 and extradited the following year. In France, he was tried and sentenced to prison. Nice struggles with corrupt magistrates, shady businessmen and politicians to this day.

A significant event of recent history was the adoption of the Treaty of Nice by the European Council in 2003, in order to amend the two founding treaties of the European Union. As a capital of the Riviera, Nice attracts many visitors, especially in the summertime with its sunny beaches and vast array of luxurious hotels. Nowadays, Nice is the fifth-largest city in France, with the second-largest airport in the country.