Winter holidays: our recommendations to spend your holidays in the sun!

Here we are, the first snowflakes have fallen on the Alpine peaks: long winter nights are here! For the winter holidays, book a stay on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera to take advantage of the landscapes, which are still sunny. With the mountain and the seaside, the Côte d’Azur French Riviera is sure to please everyone in winter. Here are some ideas to (re)discover the French Riviera on a winter trip!

The programme includes:

Discovering the most beautiful winter destinations on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera

Celebrating during the Carnival

Walking the famous Mimosa Route

Skiing in the Isola 2000 station

Reminiscing about the summer on the French Riviera beaches

Are you coming to the French Riviera for Christmas? Read on to enjoy your Christmas holidays in the sunshine on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera!

Festival, carnival: celebrate on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera!

On a family holiday, take the opportunity to rediscover the region’s traditions with the Côte d’Azur French Riviera’s events! Every year, the winter holidays mean it’s the start of the carnival season. Carnival-goers parade in the streets of Côte d’Azur French Riviera towns on colourful flowered floats to children’s delight. A number of events are also planned and organised during this important time of the new year!

Here is our selection of the best winter carnivals on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera:

●     In Menton, the end of winter means it’s time for the Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival)! This event, which is unique in the world, celebrates Menton’s flagship citrus fruit with parades and folk dancing.
●     Saint-Tropez welcomes you for its Provençal carnival in February. With their costumes and instruments, folk groups take you back to the traditions of Provence.
●     The Nice Carnival is one of the most famous in the world. In February, Nice follows the rhythm of festival-goers and artists from around the world for two weeks. Take the opportunity to taste ganses and chard pie, two specialities from Nice which are especially popular during the Carnival!
●     In February, yellow is the new black in Mandelieu-la-Napoule! The Mimosa Festival celebrates the flower which gave the town its reputation. On this occasion, the alleys of Mandelieu-la-Napoule are filled with the sunshine-yellow winter blooms and their flowery fragrance.

Contemplating the “winter sun” on the Mimosa Route

During your winter holidays on the French Riviera, do not miss the famous Mimosa Route.

From January to March, the legendary 130-kilometre route promises breathtaking views! Departure: Bormes-les-Mimosas, in direction of Grasse for the grand finale.

On the way, villages on the Mimosa Route offer guided tours and walks on the theme of the mimosa.

Something to arouse your curiosity!

Ready to go down a piste in a ski resort on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera?

Your feet in the sand in the morning, in the snow in the afternoon… Only on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera is that possible.

A few kilometres from the seaside, ski resorts in the “Alpes d’Azur” welcome winter sports aficionados looking for sensations.

Ski resort Isola 2000, which is only 1h30 away from Nice, actually features a view on the Mediterranean Sea while you go down the slope!

Of course, skiing is not the only sport in the Riviera mountains: snowshoeing, snowboarding, sleigh dogs and ice skating are also available during your winter holidays.

Snow and Ski Activities

Spirit of contrast, this is how the Alpes-Maritimes region can be described, with 3 international resorts (Auron, Isola 2000 and Valberg) and more than a dozen family resorts...

A trip in the sun on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera beaches

Winter colours bring out the best of the Côte d’Azur French Riviera. The blue sky is reflected in the Mediterranean waters and snow-covered peaks offer a breathtaking view of the coastline. Between earth and sea, in summer or winter, the Côte d’Azur French Riviera will seduce you in all seasons. In winter, the Côte d’Azur beaches also attract walkers and photographers in search of breathtaking landscapes.

Here are the top 3 most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera in winter:

●     Antibes: On the Mediterranean coastline, Antibes offers one of the most gorgeous views of the Côte d’Azur French Riviera in winter. Snow-covered peaks can be seen from the beach and seem so close! Come and watch the sunrise or sunset to contemplate 1001 colours in the Antibes sky: the view is breathtaking.
●     Bormes-Les-Mimosas: Estagnol Beach in Bormes-Les-Mimosas gives a little taste of paradise. It is even known as “Provence’s Tahiti”.
●     Menton: In Menton, Les Sablettes Beach is remarkable with its view on the mountains and its coloured houses. The landscape looks like the Cinque Terre, on the other side of the Italian border.

Curling up with a hot chocolate: finding a cosy nest on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera

After spending the day in the winter cold, there’s nothing like a nice evening by the fire to warm up. There are numerous lodgings on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera to accommodate you during your winter holidays. A cabin at the foot of the slopes or a hotel with a view on the Mediterranean Sea: choose your favourite cocoon.

Find your lodging for your winter holidays on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera

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Accommodation

On the Côte d’Azur, there is a place to stay and an experience to fulfil your every desire. From a luxury hotel with a sea view to a charming bed and breakfast in the heart of...

Frequently-asked questions

Why spend your winter holidays on the Côte d'Azur French Riviera?
In addition to its unique landscapes in France, the Côte d’Azur French Riviera also has a very mild climate in winter. It has a very high sunshine rate and the weather is fine almost every day of the year. Temperatures are very pleasant: the bravest souls can even have a swim in February!
What prices are we looking at to spend winter holidays on the Côte d'Azur French Riviera?
You can find all kinds of prices for a winter stay on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera. Naturally, accommodation prices are much cheaper than during the summer and you can enjoy the best places for a more affordable price. Flights are also cheaper in winter compared to the summer. Plan your trip well in advance to get the best deal!
What are the dates of the winter school holidays this year?
Winter school holiday dates vary according to holiday zones and school districts. Check the winter holiday dates on the government website’s school calendar.
What to do during your winter holidays on the Côte d'Azur French Riviera?
There are many things to do on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera in winter. You can practice winter sports in the nearby Alps (skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh dogs, snowboarding…) or go on a hike on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera footpaths. The winter holidays are also the time for carnivals and festivities on the Côte d’Azur French Riviera.
How can I reach the Côte d'Azur French Riviera from Paris or Bordeaux?
From Paris, Bordeaux or any other city in France, you can come to the Côte d’Azur French Riviera by plane, by train or by car. From Corsica, you can come to the Côte d’Azur French Riviera by boat or by plane.
Look up all practical information to come to the Côte d’Azur French Riviera.
What is the weather like in winter on the French Riviera?
The weather in winter is very mild on the French Riviera. Temperatures rarely fall below 0, with an average of 12°C. The sun continues to shine in the region in winter. No one can tell you otherwise!