Nice throughout the seasons
Situated between sea and mountains, and between Italy and the French Riviera, Nice is a magnificent city of 350,000 inhabitants and is focused on the present while remaining proud of its past and its culture.
Attached late to France, Nice maintains a strong identity that is reflected in its colourful Genoese style buildings, its living traditions and its generous gastronomy comprised of distinctly Mediterranean flavours. The city has long been a popular destination for painters and artists. Nestled in the heart of the Riviera, it benefits from an exceptionally mild climate, making it a popular holiday location, both in summer and winter.
The year is punctuated by unmissable cultural events such as the carnival with its Battle of the Flowers, the Jazz Festival, May Festival, and Port of Nice Festival. Lovers of physical activities will also find what they are looking for here. There are urban paths offering magnificent panoramas and quickly accessible hiking trails which open onto the Mercantour National Park. What’s more, the nearest ski resorts are 1 hour 30 minutes away by car.
Nice, a multifaceted city, harmoniously combines culture and physical activities, offering an enriching experience for all visitors.
Spring
In spring, in Nice, you can do what you please!
The days begin to grow warmer, inviting you to indulge in pleasant sessions of relaxation on the beach and long walks on the Promenade des Anglais. However, it is still possible to enjoy some ski descents and snowshoe walks at Isola 2000 or the other Mercantour resorts.
It’s the perfect time to enjoy the latest exhibitions at the various museums and have lunch on the terrace. You can also take day trips to Ventimiglia and the Italian Riviera, to Menton to experience its lemon growing heritage, or even to the Lérins Islands.
Activities
Everything is possible in spring in Nice: sea and mountains, work and leisure, gastronomy and culture. You can enjoy the many attractions of Nice without the summer crowds.
The beaches will belong only to you. The perched villages of the hinterland offer themselves to be explored in peace and serenity. The gardens and hills are covered with flowers fragrant with wonderful Mediterranean scents, from the Botanical Garden to the Parc du Mont-Boron, via the Parc de la Colline du Château.
Discover the timeless charm of the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a haven for artists on the French Riviera, where the picturesque streets reveal artistic treasures and a unique bohemian ambiance.
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Grasse, the world capital of perfume. Explore its prestigious perfumeries, where exquisite scents and artisanal techniques transport you to a world of olfactory luxury.
You will also want to spend plenty of time wandering the streets of the Old Town and visiting the jewels of its heritage such as the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral.
Events
The agenda is busy this spring in Nice! Let's start with the Foire de Nice in the middle of March. Each year this wide-ranging fair welcomes more than 130,000 visitors to 15,000 m² of exhibition space. Home, leisure, automobiles, lifestyle… It’s all here.
In April, the Easter holidays mark the start of the summer season with the reopening of certain beaches and seasonal restaurants. The fine weather also welcomes the Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament.
In May, the Jardins des Arènes de Cimiez become the centre of activity when the Fête des Mai takes place. This festival invites you to fully immerse yourself in the traditions of Nice, through songs, dance and, of course, tastings. The Monaco Grand Prix Formula One motor racing event and the Cannes Film Festival are two more annual events that put the French Riviera in the international spotlight.
Finally, just before summer, the heart of old Nice hosts the Festival du Livre, a celebration of books and publishing featuring readings, conferences, debates and, of course, the Prix Nice Baie des Anges literary awards.
Summer
Experience the summer rhythm of Nice!
The heat is lessened by the cooler air wafting down from the mountains, bringing the perfect conditions for enjoying the pleasures of the seaside. The laurels and bougainvillea add beautiful touches of colour around the palm trees and create the perfect Mediterranean landscape.
On the beach, the atmosphere is festive, and the deckchairs await. The chic seek out trendy evenings in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat while urbanites opt for the city's beach restaurants. Whether you enjoy a vibrant nightlife or maritime activities, you are sure to find the kind of holiday break you prefer, so come and take advantage of the joys of summer!
Activities
Summer is the ideal season in which to enjoy the sea and water activities. Whether you prefer relaxing in the sun or going on a jet ski ride, ice cream on a terrace or a stroll by the water, you will find plenty in Nice to suit your holiday preferences.
A stroll along the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat coastal path is a must and along the way you can enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of a hidden cove and admire the millionaires' villas.
Hiking enthusiasts will turn to the mountains and take day trips to the Vallée des Merveilles and the Mercantour National Park.
Immerse yourself in an ocean of purple as you explore the lavender fields of the Nice hinterland, where the intoxicating scent and vibrant colours provide an unforgettable sensory experience.
Explore the coastal majesty of the Cap d'Antibes or the preserved authenticity of the Lérins Islands, where azure waters and unspoiled landscapes invite discovery and relaxation.
Events
In June, Nice hosts Ironman, a world-renowned sporting event that attracts athletes and spectators from around the world for an intense triathlon experience in the picturesque setting of the French Riviera.
The Nice summer is particularly notable for the Jazz Festival, which has taken place in July every year since 1948. The Théâtre de Verdure offers an exceptional setting in the heart of the Jardin Albert 1er, a few steps from the Promenade des Anglais, and welcomes the biggest names in this genre of music. Numerous concerts are presented in parallel in various parts of the city, creating an exceptional sound environment for a whole month.
Throughout the summer, various fireworks displays light up the city's skies with breathtaking pyrotechnic splendour, providing a magical and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
When September comes, head to the Port of Nice Festival. Welcoming, inclusive and hugely popular, this festival invites all the people of Nice to come together to dance, eat, sing, and be merry.
Autumn
When the chill sets in elsewhere, Nice benefits from an incredibly mild late season.
It is often possible to swim and enjoy the beach until Christmas, and the end of the hot weather makes it comfortable to resume more intense physical activities such as hiking, jogging, etc. Numerous festivals mark the tail-end of the season, while the various museums take the opportunity to host exciting temporary exhibitions. It's also the time to go picking mushrooms in the hills of the hinterland and relish the fresh air as the first snows whiten the peaks surrounding Nice, while the arbutus trees are adorned with red berries in the parks of the city…
Activities
You can still engage in many outdoor activities in the autumn, even if the risk of rain is a little higher than in summer.
Take advantage of the calm found after the summer rush to visit the MAMAC (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art), the Matisse Museum or the Chagall Museum or go on an excursion to Antibes or Juan-les-Pins. It’s also the ideal time to explore the urban trails and discover the magnificent panoramas that inspired Modigliani, Renoir, Picasso, Chagall, and many more. You could also devote some time to shopping in the very elegant boutiques of the Carré d'Or.
It’s a great opportunity to pick up some Christmas gifts!
Events
Cinema is in the spotlight during autumn in Nice, with several unmissable festivals such as Un Festival C'est Trop Court, which features short films, and Cinéroman, which specialises in films adapted from literary works, in October.
There’s also the Festival Ciné Récré, aimed at children, in November. Music and art are not left out, either, as demonstrated by several very innovative festivals such as MANCA (contemporary music) and C’est Pas Classique (classical music).
The Palais Nikaïa and the Palais des Expositions also host numerous events - congresses, concerts, theatre performances, conferences – throughout the autumn.
The nautical world is in the spotlight with three major events. Attend the elegant Cannes Regatta, where graceful sailboats ply the azure waters in captivating competition, capturing the maritime spirit of the French Riviera. And immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, a prestigious sailing event.
Experience luxury and elegance at the Monaco Yacht Show, an exclusive event where the world's most beautiful yachts are gathered in a glamorous display.
Winter
Winter invites us to return to our roots and traditions.
There are many events during the winter that focus on the culture niçoise. It begins with Christmas and its songs, culinary specialties and nativity scenes. Then comes the Nice Carnival, the largest event of its kind in France, which attracts thousands of visitors and plunges the city into a festive atmosphere for entire days. The mimosas then pervade Nice with their intoxicating scents.
At the same time, all eyes are turned towards the mountains and the joys of winter sports, while hardier types continue to swim daily.
And, of course, there’s the opportunity to taste the delicious donuts that always accompany carnival time...
Activities
Nice almost becomes a ski resort, but one with the added benefit of proximity to the sea! It’s easy to spend the day skiing and come back for a sunset stroll on the Promenade des Anglais while looking out at the Baie des Anges. The nearest ski resort is located just an hour and thirty minutes from Nice!
Christmas is a special time in Nice. The Village de Noël invites you to discover local traditions, specialties and crafts while the city lights up with a multitude of heartwarming decorations. When carnival time comes, Nice becomes the centre of the world. The carnival parades, the Battle of the Flowers, and the joyously festive atmosphere attract visitors from all over the world to the Cité des Anges.
Events
The Christmas holidays are accompanied by a wealth of events. Illuminations, Christmas markets, shopping, parades, shows, masses... The programme is certainly a full one! Next, the New Year's Concert offered by the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Opéra de Nice celebrates the transition to the new year in style.
In January, immerse yourself in the magical world of the circus at the International Circus Festival in Monaco, where world-renowned performers amaze audiences with their spectacular skills and exceptional talent, providing unforgettable moments under the big top.
In February, immerse yourself in the floral magic of the Nice Carnival, where sumptuously decorated floats parade through the streets, offering a colourful and magical spectacle in the midst of the city.
At the same time, you can discover the fun-filled Fête des Citrons (Lemon Festival) in Menton, where monumental sculptures of lemons and oranges astonish visitors.
And, of course, we must not forget the Mimosa Festival, a joyful celebration during which the streets of the region are filled with sunny yellow, heralding the coming of spring and offering a vibrant tribute to this emblematic flower of the French Riviera.
