Visiting Nice in winter outside the peak tourist season is a great idea as it benefits from a perfect connection with the GCC market all throughout the winter season, thanks to its international airport (the 2nd largest in France) and many direct flights from Dubai (daily flight) as well as Doha (4 flights per week).
In 2021, Nice was listed as a ‘Riviera winter resort town’ by UNESCO - tourism was born in Nice at a time when the aristocrats and crowned heads of Northern Europe came to the Côte d’Azur to spend much milder and more glamorous winters than in their own countries. Palaces, landscaped gardens and fantastic residences were built to welcome them. Nice has preserved the heritage of its past.
Explore the historic streets of Vieux-Nice, enjoy breathtaking sea views, discover the magnificent buildings and edifices of the seafront and city centre and immerse in Nice’s fascinating history.
GOURMET CUISINE
That’s not all, Nice cuisine is also listed as part of France’s intangible cultural heritage.
In winter, enjoy comforting Nice dishes such as pistou soup, stuffed vegetables or the famous daube niçoise, accompanied by olive oil from the hills around Nice. Clients will love burning their fingers as they enjoy a slice of socca fresh from the wood-fired oven. In a restaurant with the “Cuisine Nissarde” label, let them be tempted by local flavours and produce, advises the regional tourism board office.
Cooking lessons are also available: located in the heart of the Old Town, near the Cours Saleya and its market, a historic site that is already home to the Nice heritage centre, the “Atelier Cuisine Niçoise” offers cooking classes, culinary competitions, exhibitions and product presentations.
The area is known for its authentic cuisine but also for its top restaurants, you are in Michelin country with 11 starred restaurants in the area alone.
CARNIVAL TIME
A colourful and festive winter await with the Christmas market and Nice Carnival.
When winter sets in, the town gets decked out in lights and clients will be in for a real treat as the Christmas market opens its gates from December 7.
Nice Carnival is one of the three most famous and beautiful carnivals in the world. Every winter, in February and for two weeks of festivities, the carnival attracts over one million visitors. The sumptuously decorated floats, the colourful costumes, the performances by musicians and artists, these explosions of colour and lively music make the Carnival an unmissable event!
LUXURY HOSPITALITY
Nice Côte d’Azur is historically the cradle of luxury tourism. Today, the presence of internationally renowned establishments attracts a clientele that appreciates luxury and the possibility of a stay where everything can be combined: art of living, culture, nature or shopping… everything can be experienced in an exclusive way.
In Nice Côte d’Azur territory, there are in total twelve five-star hotels (including two palaces). Last year, the first Anantara in France opened its door in the heart of Nice with an architectural gem of the Belle Epoque. Other new luxury establishments are set to open soon: Le Victoria Hotel by Maison Albar in the very city centre of Nice with a shopping mall dedicated to luxury brands. Another new five-star hotel transformed from a former Convent of the Visitation (built in 1604) nestled in the old town of Nice is getting ready to welcome the clients very soon.
Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau is bringing together five-star and luxury hotels in a dedicated club – Luxury Hotels Collection – launched in December 2022 during the ILTM Cannes – to create synergy and joint actions.
RETAIL VARIETY
The Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Area offers a very varied shopping offer: fashion, luxury goods, leather goods, gifts, food, flowers, decoration, jewellery, beauty and sport.
A personal shopper can accompany your clients in Galeries Lafayette in the heart of Nice, a VIP tax refund service is reserved. The world of ready-to-wear and haute couture opens the doors of its shops in the Carré d’Or in the heart of Nice, in the Corso of CAP 3000, or in the Printemps of Polygone Riviera.
Craft shops, vintage boutiques, antique shops, local shops, markets, gourmet markets…There is something to suit all pockets and tastes. In December, the shopping centres and the major retailers are decked out in their finest finery to help you experience the magic of Christmas throughout the festive season. It will be a perfect shopping experience for both parents and the children.