The Côte d’Azur isn’t some quaint little region full of quiet where you can catch a little sun and sip some delicious French wine. It’s the heart of the famous French Riviera; the summertime playground of the rich and famous. From the yachts that skim across the trademark azure waters to the freshest, best-prepared seafood you could ever hope to taste and the glitziest beach and nightclubs around, this isn’t the spot to choose if you’re looking for a quiet retreat…at least, during summer. While the Côte d’Azur is a popular destination no matter the time of year, tourist numbers dwindle significantly as the weather cools. A winter vacation is the perfect option if you’ve always wanted to experience this chic, unique, and gorgeous place but want to avoid summer’s heat and tourist traffic. Is it worth a trip in the winter, though? Once you’ve read through all of the hidden gems you can visit, you can decide about that!

Why Winter?

There’s the most obvious reason: a winter vacation means a lower concentration of tourists.
Rental and room rates drop, in some cases significantly, in predominantly tourist-oriented places during winter.
If you want to book private jet travel, you may find it easier to get your desired dates in winter. There may even be a discount or a special offer to take advantage of.
Life moves at a slower pace in winter, which might encourage a deeper exploration of the location, its natural beauty, experiences, destinations, and culture.

Hidden Gem Winter Locations

Nice

In summer, Nice might not be considered a hidden gem as it is one of the best-known and most visited locations on the Riviera and in France. However, in the winter, there is a lot to offer that summer visitors either don’t know about or don’t find the time to experience. This chic seaside town is blessed with a gorgeous Mediterranean climate, which means the winters here aren’t as cold as other locations, so spending time on the beach (not necessarily getting a tan) and outdoor excursions definitely aren’t off the table.

There are all the usual things to see and do in Nice: gorgeous coastlines, beautiful sidewalk cafes, and exciting nightclubs. Why not step out of the box a little and try something truly unique? The Nice Carnival runs for two weeks every February, when it revives itself in the dead of winter with an influx of artists, performers, and attendees. Discover festive treats like ganses (specialty mini donuts) and tourte de blettes (an olive oil pastry and chard pie), and embrace the excitement in the coldest part of the year. There is the L’Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur. This gorgeous observatory is open all year, but a little tourist flooded in summer: some astronomers who work there even bring their telescopes down to the Promenade des Anglais in the evening to catch a glimpse of the heavens. If you happen to be in town the day before Christmas, you could embrace the tradition of a cold plunge in the ocean! It’s always a festive, if chilly, affair.

Isola/ the Isola 2000 Resort

Isola is a charming village nestled into the peaks at a height of 870m above sea level. While this may not appear, at a glance, to be a part of the Côte d’Azur, this ski (and apres ski, we can’t forget the apres ski) destination is an excellent winter option in the region. Isolans live a largely self-sufficient life in a vastly circular economy but are very warm and welcoming to respectful visitors. The charm of the town’s cobbled streets and quaint stores is only surpassed by the natural beauty in the area, including the lovely dam on the Tinée. Water isn’t just a source of awe here; it’s also caused a lot of flooding issues. You’ll note the charming Saint-Pierre bell tower (crafted in the Lombard style and a worthwhile stop as you enter town) is the only architectural survivor of one such flood. There are hiking trails to explore, though it’s advisable to keep an eye on the weather as Isola is also home to a ski resort: Isola 2000.

Skiing is an obvious perk of visiting a ski resort, but have you ever taken to the slopes under the light of the full moon? Well, now you can- and it’s magical. During the day, there are also apres-ski activities (we don’t mean just sipping on something warm and spiced) like snow volleyball. There are prestigious athletic events over the course of the season, too, so get ready to wrap up warm and enjoy the experience.

Menton

Menton is back down on the coast- an authentic and tranquil place to spend a few wintery weeks. Menton’s most obvious draw is the town’s aesthetic appeal, which is found largely in its warmly hued houses and buildings. Jean Cocteau himself found inspiration here, and you can trace his footsteps through locations like the Wedding Room and the Bastion Museum downtown. Menton is also known for its botanical gardens, which are still incredibly beautiful and calming places to visit even in winter. If the weather is too cold to be outdoors, visit historically and culturally significant locations like the Basilica of St Michael the Archangel.

If you like things a little busier and more exciting, you should make sure that your visit coincides with the Fête du Citron®, the lemon festival that takes place for two weeks every year around the end of winter. The theme changes yearly, but you can expect botanical garden experiences crafted and created by artists, corsos, parades, exhibitions, and a warm welcome from the locals who participate.

A Calm, Chic Winter Escape

Any of these unique French Riviera destinations could provide you with a one-of-a-kind winter escape. Who knows, maybe next year you’ll be ready to try another one and treat yourself to a winter you’ll never forget.