Stay at Hôtel Vendôme: What to do in Nice in winter? The best winter activities on the French Riviera

 

Heritage and art of living

Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Nice captivates visitors with its cultural heritage and rich history. From the 17th to the 18th century, every palace, church, and square tells a story of the County of Nice, where the Belle Époque elegance still shines.

Winter & cold weather is the perfect time to discover the museums that have made the French Riviera famous : the Musée Henri Matisse, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Marc Chagall National Museum, as well as the wonderful treasures of Vieux Nice. Enjoy a lovely walk along the Promenade des Anglais, a true symbol of the city’s coastal beauty.

Continue your stroll from Cours Saleya to Place Masséna, admire the winter lights, and let yourself have a break in the City of Nice.

Among the can’t-miss places to visit are:

  • Mont Boron and its trails offering a stunning view of the Baie des Anges and the coastline.
  • Port Lympia, with its colourful façades reflecting Mediterranean heritage;
  • La Colline du Château, a peaceful hill of spectacular and enchanting beauty, perfect for an outdoor walk;
  • The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, le Vœu, a beautiful jewel of Nice’s religious heritage.
  • Thanks to its ideal location, Hôtel Vendôme allows easy exploration of these emblematic sites.

Winter flavours and traditions

Winter in Nice is an invitation to indulgence and local flavours. From Hôtel Vendôme, explore the city-centre restaurants that celebrate Niçoise cuisine, its popular dishes and comforting recipes: daube niçoise, petits farcis, soupe au pistou, and more. These traditional foods are true symbols of Mediterranean life, blending local ingredients with authenticity.

In December, the Christmas market on the Promenade du Paillon extends this gourmet experience, filled with sweet treats, festive food, and warm aromas. A perfect lunch stop for tourists and locals alike, it’s a place to enjoy walking among the lights and tasting the plenty of seasonal delights before heading toward the Alps or a stroll through Nice’s old town.

Other winter activities on the Côte d’Azur

Staying at Hôtel Vendôme gives you privileged access to plenty of activities for all tastes. Shopping lovers will enjoy walking along Avenue Jean Médecin, discovering local shops, selling crafts and souvenirs from Nice. Families can take a short holiday trip to nearby towns like Cannes, Monaco, or Menton, exploring the cultural heritage of the Côte d’Azur.

For a change of scenery, head to the ski resorts of Gréolières-les-Neiges, just 1h30 by car from Nice or to Auron, another popular winter resort town nestled in the southern Alps. Surrounded by mountains and hill villages, this charming resort combines fun, snow, and fresh air : the perfect contrast to the seaside sunshine.

Must-see events

Between December and February, Nice comes alive with winter festivals that attract countless visitors from around the world.

  • The Christmas Market and its magical lights fill the city with festive charm.
  • The Carnaval de Nice, a world-famous festival, showcases flowered floats, costumes, and local traditions.
  • Concerts and cultural events on Place Garibaldi or at the Opéra de Nice complete this joyful winter atmosphere.

These festivals embody the vibrant spirit of the French Riviera and make Nice in winter an unforgettable destination.

 
 
 
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