5 things to do on the French Riviera in Winter

In Edwardian times, the peak tourist season on the French Riviera was the winter months. Hardly surprising when one considers the mild weather and relatively high number of sunshine hours. And the season is full of some fantastic local events and things to do. Read on for some ideas to fill out your plans:

Winemakers, guilds, and fine wine aficionados gather in Avignon (in November) to celebrate the end of harvest and the new vintage of the Rhône valley; one of the most ancient winemaking regions in the country. Millévin is a festival of good food and excellent wine.

Over 30 winemakers erect stands in the squares of Avignon; offering wine tastings and hand-picked eats to complement the wine, including meats, cheese, Aligot, and fresh oysters. Some of ​the restaurants will even present you a complimentary glass of Côtes du Rhône, to go with your meal. The celebration continues with a parade of Brotherhoods through the center of Avignon (accompanied by a friendly atmosphere and great music).

In November, the Monaco Principality becomes the very centre of the jazz world, with some of the biggest names performing in the unique setting of the Opéra Garnier. Founded in 2006, by jazz aficionado Jean-René Palacio, the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival has become a highlight of the Riviera winter season; promising a heady mix of established performers and up-and-coming talent.

Established performers (over the years) have included Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Sonny Rollins. Lesser-known artists – who have made their breakthrough at the event – include Avishai Cohen, Raoul Midon, and, most famously, trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf. A “Before & After” fringe programme offers intimate performances at the bars and cafés of local luxury hotels.

From the first day of December to the first day of January each year, Nice organises a large “Village de Noël” in the central Albert 1er Gardens. The Nice Christmas Market features an ice rink, a large Ferris wheel, market stalls, and a great range of Christmas gift ideas, seasonal food and drink.

There is a full-scale alpine forest constructed from over 600 pine trees, surrounding 50 alpine chalets for the market stalls. And a particular highlight is the amazing illuminations and christmas decorations which line the seafront Promenade des Anglais and the Place de Massena. For the kids, “Papa Noel” breaks his busy winter schedule to visit Nice in the week leading up to Christmas day (so you can give him your gift wishes in person from 14.00 to 19.00).

Late Winter on the Riviera sees an explosion of colour that is Mimosa season. Originating in Australia, Mimosa was introduced to France in the early 19th century by French botanist Étienne Soulange-Bodin. It has since thrived in the warm temperate, and highland tropical landscape that dominates the Riviera, where 200 different varieties are grown locally, in nurseries or in the wild.

Many visitors explore the ‘Route du Mimosa’; a breathtaking 130 kilometres between Grasse and the aptly-named, medieval town of Bormes-les-Mimosas; lined with villages which all celebrate the season with flower decorations and traditional events (from late January to the end of February)! Most notable amongst these is the Fête du Mimosa in Cannes-Mandelieu; a five day event featuring a Grand Corso Fleuri (procession of flowers) on the seafront promenade.

For almost 2 weeks every January, Nîmes became the world capital of flamenco, with lots of performances, events, and an exhibition featuring world-famous dancers. It’s the perfect way to inject some warmth and fire at the heart of winter. The 2024 event featured María Moreno, Paula Comitre and Patricia Guerrero.

Flamenco is a Spanish art form made up of three parts: guitar playing (“guitarra”), song (“cante”), and dance (“baile”). Alternatively entertaining, romantic, or comforting, flamenco is a very emotional style of dance; where dancers express their deepest emotions using facial expressions and body movements.

For further things to do on the French Riviera, please check out our ☀ Little Pieces of Light ☀ Blog. Sponsored by Haute Vue (a Vacation Rental in Montauroux), it contains details of local events, suggestions for daytrips, and notable sightseeing highlights in the region.