Nice, France -- (Sports Network) - The ATP Tour has announced a change in next year's schedule, selecting Nice, France to host the event previously staged by Kitzbuhel, Austria.

Nice last hosted an ATP event in 1995. The 2010 tournament in Nice will take place the week before the French Open in May on the clay courts of the Nice Lawn Tennis Club.

"We are delighted to announce the new event in Nice," said Laurent Delanney, ATP Chief Executive Officer -- Europe. "Nice staged a popular ATP World Tour event for many years and it is great to be able to return there after a 15- year absence. Tennis has a huge following in France and many French players compete at the highest level on the ATP World Tour."

Five French cities will host ATP events, as Nice joins Marseille, Metz, Lyon and Paris. The French Open actually gives the country six tennis events.

Kitzbuhel had been a pro stop since 1945.