Winter Travel in France: Things to See and Do on the Riviera
A selection of activities and events for visitors of all ages!
Related articles: The French Riviera in Winter
Riviera Sightseeing: 12 Must-See Historic Places on the Côte d’Azur
Where to Stay and Eat on the French Riviera
Cycling
Nice is the winter quarters of many current Tour de France cyclists – disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong once lived in the Old Town. Cycle the Col d’Èze, the Ironman route or scores of other ancient Tour tracks.
cycling the French Riviera
Hiking
The hundreds of hiking, mountain biking, horseback and climbing trails detailed in the free Randoxygène guides are best tackled in the cool of winter.
Skiing
The sun-kissed ski resorts of Auron and Isola shimmer at 2,000m, some 90 minutes from Nice Airport. Both specialise in day skiing, allowing you to be back on the beach for dinner.
www.auron.com, www.isola2000.com
Snow-shoeing in the Alpes-Maritimes. Photo: C Valberg
Snowshoeing
The established ski station of Valberg has several raquette à neige routes that lead out from the old village centre on snowshoes, including a four-hour Planetary Trail.
Photo: Riviera Classic Car Hire
Driving
Drive the Corniche coast of the Côte d’Azur in a classic Alfa Romeo Duetto or a Fiat 124 Spider. A dozen other classic marques come alive on the empty winter roads.
Cuisine
Discover the many different faces of Provence with an individualised culinary journey created for you by Domaines & Terroirs. Focus on what you want to see and learn about the area and experience the fabulous terroir Provence has to offer.
The rolling hills of Alpes-Maritimes offer
lovely views of the Mediterranean coast. Photo: CDT/ Alpes-Maritimes
Events Calendar
January – Monaco
International Circus Festival
The Olympics of the Big Top draws contemporary and traditional circus performers from as far afield as China, Ukraine and Cuba. The 2017 event runs from 19-29 January. www.montecarlofestival.mc
January – Villefranche
Combat Naval Fleuri
Over a long weekend in February, 20 traditional pointu boats throw flowers at dockside spectators, turning the sea into a carpet of red and yellow petals.
February – Nice
Carnaval de Nice
Carnaval
A million visitors call in for Nice’s two-week street theatre procession, which in 2017 honours the ‘King of Energy’. www.nicecarnaval.com
February – Menton
Lemon Festival
Some 140 tonnes of lemons are used to create dozens of 10-metre-high statues scattered throughout Menton. www.fete-du-citron.com
February – Mandelieu
Mimosa Festival. Photo: OTC Mandelieu le Napoule/ P Delpierre
Mimosa Festival
One week of floral floats, street theatre, music and seasonal color in the hills above Cannes. www.mandelieu.com
March – Cagnes-sur-Mer
Fête de l’Olivier
The Domaine Renoir that surrounds the late impressionist’s home hosts a homage to Michelin-starred chefs, oil tastings and all things olive. www.cagnes-tourisme.com
From France Today magazine
International Circus Festival in Monaco.
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