The houses of Old Nice are naturally refreshed by the presence of a skylight in the roof and an opening above the front door, the "clairoir" (clearing).
The temperature difference between the fresh air entering through the "clairoir" and the heated air through the skylight in the stairwell causes a natural movement of air, which can freely circulate through the Nice-style shutters: these are made of slatted wooden slats and have a tilting opening, the "portissol", allowing the rooms to be ventilated while protecting from outside light.
