Where to sleep this winter on the Côte d'Azur?

When it comes to hotels and accommodation , there is something to suit all tastes and prices on the Côte d’Azur. The winter season allows you to enjoy the best establishments at a more affordable price than during the summer. Here are the different types of accommodation available on the Côte d’Azur: ● Hotels ● Campsites ● Bed and breakfast ● Unusual accommodation ● Gîtes and furnished accommodation ● Tourist residences ● Holiday villages ● Youth hostels ● Refuges ● Sports facilities

Where to go on a long weekend in November?

Take advantage of the All Saints’ holiday to stay in France and go on a family weekend to the Côte d’Azur! Sumptuous landscapes await you: the Mercantour National Park, lakes, valleys, beaches, gorges, villages and even islands! Discover the Côte d’Azur from a different angle on a walk or hike. → Discover the 13 most beautiful hiking sites on the Côte d’Azur! Take advantage of a hike to visit monuments and historic buildings: museums or châteaux (hike to the château de la Napoule , château musée Grimaldi … ). Depending on the route you choose, a guide can accompany you and reveal all the secrets of this region.

Where to go for a weekend in December?

In December, set sail for the Côte d’Azur for a weekend, or more if you feel like it! Visit the most popular towns along the coast, which are much less busy in winter, and discover the magic of Christmas in a mild, sunny climate. During your next Christmas holidays in the sun , choose between beaches, Christmas markets and ski resorts! Take part in the shows and entertainment in the villages of the Côte d’Azur: Saint-Paul de Vence, Biot, Menton… Accommodation and hotels will be more affordable during this winter season. To keep you waiting until Christmas, check out our advent calendar for Christmas holidays on the Côte d’Azur.

Where to go for a weekend in January?

January is the perfect time to treat yourself to a relaxing weekend to get the year off to a good start and recover from the festive season. The sunny Côte d’Azur offers you a holiday in a mild climate, even in winter! Temperatures don’t fall below 5° and can rise to 15° during the day! For this relaxing weekend, discover the landscapes and history of the Côte d’Azur. Stroll between museums, parks and gardens, lakes and the various beaches of this destination. The Côte d’Azur has inspired many artists, including Matisse, Monet, Renoir and Picasso! Here are the 8 must-see museums on the Côte d’Azur! For the ultimate in relaxation, opt for a stay in one of the many SPA hotels on the Côte d’Azur. Don’t forget that little glass of champagne in the jacuzzi, doesn’t it make you want to? → Discover the most beautiful SPAS on the Côte d’Azur!

When does winter start?

Winter generally begins at the end of December (around the 20th) and ends at the end of March (also around the 20th). DID YOU KNOW? Not all destinations in the world have the same seasons: the seasons are reversed between the northern and southern hemispheres (a difference caused by the Earth’s axis of rotation in relation to the sun).

What to do on a winter weekend?

For nature lovers, you can choose to spend a few days in the mountains, one of the winter season’s key destinations. In town, for those who want to experience the vibrancy and atmosphere of city Christmas markets. Or in the countryside for a change of scenery and peace and quiet! But you can also go to the Côte d’Azur, where you’ll find the best of all these destinations: ski slopes, wild landscapes, beautiful beaches, typical villages and trendy, dynamic towns. On the Côte d’Azur, there’s something for everyone, activities for all the family, and above all… the sun is there all year round! In winter, the Côte d’Azur offers a festive Christmas atmosphere under the sun. Here are a few ideas for winter weekend activities in the region: ● Go hiking in the valley ● Enjoy a day’s skiing in the Alpine resorts ● Discover the hilltop villages of the Côte d’Azur hinterland ● Spend the afternoon on an island ● Take part in a museum marathon on the Côte d’Azur ● Discover the history, culture, gastronomy and crafts of the region

How do I get to the Côte d'Azur from Paris?

The Côte d’Azur has excellent transport links, so you can get here easily from all over France, and even Europe, by plane, train, car or boat! Nice is 930 kilometres from Paris, and takes the A6, A7 and A8 motorways in an hour and a half. From Paris to Hyères or Saint-Raphaël, allow around 8 hours’ drive. The train is a good alternative for getting to the Côte d’Azur from Paris. Thanks to the TGV, you can reach Nice from Paris in 5 hours 25 minutes. → Find out about the different ways of getting to the Côte d’Azur!

What price a winter holiday on the Côte d'Azur?

For your winter holidays on the Côte d’Azur, you can take advantage of the best hotels at the lowest possible price, since prices are much lower than during the summer season, and flight prices are also more attractive. So you can enjoy a more intimate Côte d’Azur experience, at a more affordable price! Plan your trip in advance to take advantage of the best offers!

Winter long weekend: destination the Côte d’Azur! | Côte d’Azur France / French Riviera

1. A festive weekend at the Nice carnival

To prolong the festive season, take a weekend away to enjoy the friendly atmosphere at the heart of the Nice carnival.

The famous Nice carnival is one of the biggest in France and one of the best known in the world! For 2 weeks in February (and 3 weekends), night shows and decorated floats follow one another in a jovial and musical atmosphere! A battle of the flowers is organised every year, with 20 floats parading through the streets and distributing over 100,000 Côte d’Azur flowers to the public. It’s a performance worthy of the greatest, both magical and colourful!

The carnival attracts several thousand visitors every year: remember to book your accommodation early enough:

● Hotel in Nice
● Bed and breakfast in Nice
● Camping in Nice
● Find accommodation in Nice

Make the most of this holiday to visit Nice city centre: between history, culture, art and gastronomy, the city has a lot to offer. Here are our tips and good ideas for discovering Nice in a different way: 10 free or low-cost activities!

2. A colourful WEEKEND at Combat Naval Fleuri

Traditions and folklore

On Monday 16 February 2026, join us at the Combat Naval Fleuri in Villefranche-sur-Mer!

A carnival parade of around fifteen Mediterranean pointus boats adorned with local flowers (carnations, mimosas, etc.). Along the quays, the boats will throw flowers at you, which will have to be returned to the boats for a “naval battle”! Let the battle begin!

3. A weekend of fun at the Menton lemon festival!

Plus a zest! For lovers of lemons, pulp and cocktails, head to the town of Menton for an event that’s unique in the world: the lemon festival. This winter, during your stay on the Côte d’Azur, set aside a few days for this spectacular event, which takes place over 15 days from 14 February to 1ᵉʳ March 2026.

On the programme for the festival: discovering lemons from every angle!

● Visit to the Biovès Gardens with its majestic citrus fruit sculptures.
● Participation in the exhibitions and corsos to be discovered by day and by night
● Visit the craft and orchid fair at the Palais de l’Europe
● Dancing to the rhythm of brass bands, shows and folklore…
● The highlight of the evening is the fireworks display.

Of course, the town’s various bars and restaurants will be keen to give you a taste of this famous lemon: as a main course, dessert or cocktail (to be consumed in moderation, of course).

Menton has plenty to offer, and is well worth a few days’ visit! The town offers a wide range of accommodation, and there’s something for everyone:

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Côte d'Azur France / Soumaya BOUSSADOUN

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France, Alpes Maritimes (06), Pegomas, Vallon de l'Estreille, La Colline des Mimosas famille Reynaud
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Moirenc Camille

4. A fragrant weekend on the Mimosa trail

Stay with the colour yellow for the rest of the event and take the Mimosa Route: a sensory getaway to be enjoyed between January and March. In a mild climate, the Mimosa Route lets you discover the riches and landscapes of the Côte d’Azur, between sea and mountains.

From Bormes-Les-Mimosas to Grasse, the 130km route takes you through the small villages of the Côte d’Azur, with the golden flowers as a backdrop. It’s an experience that awakens the senses. The scents and colours of thousands of golden bunches of flowers play against the sun and contrast with the blue of the sky and sea.

Want to try it out? Discover our articles dedicated to the Mimosa Route:

The final touch? If you take this route in February, head to Mandelieu-La Napoule, the Mimosa capital of France, for its traditional Fête du Mimosa from 11 to 15 February 2026! On the programme: parades of flower-decked floats, night-time shows and the election of Miss Mimosa!

All about the Mimosa Festival

5. A traditional weekend of violets

Every year, the violet festival takes place on the first weekend in March, heralding the end of the season for producers. It was created in 1952 by Victor Linton, an artist and goldsmith of Scottish origin who lived in Tourrettes-sur-Loup.

From 28 February to 1 March 2026, the famous festival will celebrate the violet in Tourrettes-sur-Loup. With a craft market, tours of the Bastide aux violettes, entertainment, a flower parade and a flower fight, you’ll have no more secrets about violets!

A little history… Linton, who had fallen under the spell of the village, wanted to honour the producers and their know-how with a festival. For the first edition, bicycles, pushchairs and donkeys were transformed into flowery mounts that children happily rode. In the Place de la Libération, stalls selling local produce rubbed shoulders with stalls selling arts and crafts.

Over the years, the violet festival has become a veritable institution, attracting locals and tourists from all over the world. The festival is particularly popular with Italians, who flock to the festivities. The bicycles have given way to imposing floats entirely covered in flowers. Thousands of spectators attend every year.

Tourrettes sur Loup — ©
CRT COTE D'AZUR FRANCE/Camille MOIRENC

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PHOTOTHEQUE DU MERCANTOUR COMMUNE D'ISOLA
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GEORGES VERAN

6. A sporting weekend in the Côte d’Azur ski resorts

Do you love mountain sports? Take advantage of a long winter weekend to get away from it all and recharge your batteries in the snow-covered landscapes of the Côte d’Azur! The region welcomes you to the heart of its magnificent resorts! Downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoe trekking, zip-lining… Take to the roads of the most beautiful resorts to try your hand at snow and ski activities.

The region is blessed with the Southern Alps and Mercantour-Argentera massifs, set between a nature park and a coastline.

7. Stroll around and discover the winter charm of Cannes

Cannes, world-famous for its film festival, reveals an equally enchanting face in winter. The city offers a quieter atmosphere and a mild climate, perfect for strolling along the Croisette, as elegant as ever with its breathtaking views over the Mediterranean. The fine sandy beaches are the perfect setting for an invigorating stroll, while the picturesque lanes of Le Suquet, Cannes’ historic district, invite you to immerse yourself in the local charm and history.

For a fun and creative getaway, visit the Festival International des Jeux, a not-to-be-missed annual event. This festival brings together fans of board, card, role-playing and video games in a warm and festive atmosphere. It’s a chance to discover the latest trends, take part in tournaments, or simply share some unforgettable moments with family and friends. With its many workshops and events, the festival promises a weekend full of entertainment and discoveries in the heart of the Côte d’Azur.

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Photographer
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Herve FABRE - Cannes is yours

Frequently asked questions :

Where to sleep this winter on the Côte d'Azur?
When it comes to hotels and accommodation, there is something to suit all tastes and prices on the Côte d’Azur. The winter season allows you to enjoy the best establishments at a more affordable price than during the summer. Here are the different types of accommodation available on the Côte d’Azur:
● Hotels
● Campsites
● Bed and breakfast
● Unusual accommodation
● Gîtes and furnished accommodation
● Tourist residences
● Holiday villages
● Youth hostels
● Refuges
● Sports facilities
Where to go on a long weekend in November?
Take advantage of the All Saints’ holiday to stay in France and go on a family weekend to the Côte d’Azur! Sumptuous landscapes await you: the Mercantour National Park, lakes, valleys, beaches, gorges, villages and even islands! Discover the Côte d’Azur from a different angle on a walk or hike.
→ Discover the 13 most beautiful hiking sites on the Côte d’Azur!
Take advantage of a hike to visit monuments and historic buildings: museums or châteaux(hike to the château de la Napoule, château musée Grimaldi… ). Depending on the route you choose, a guide can accompany you and reveal all the secrets of this region.
Where to go for a weekend in December?
In December, set sail for the Côte d’Azur for a weekend, or more if you feel like it! Visit the most popular towns along the coast, which are much less busy in winter, and discover the magic of Christmas in a mild, sunny climate.
During your next Christmas holidays in the sun, choose between beaches, Christmas markets and ski resorts! Take part in the shows and entertainment in the villages of the Côte d’Azur: Saint-Paul de Vence, Biot, Menton… Accommodation and hotels will be more affordable during this winter season.
To keep you waiting until Christmas, check out our advent calendar for Christmas holidays on the Côte d’Azur.
Where to go for a weekend in January?
January is the perfect time to treat yourself to a relaxing weekend to get the year off to a good start and recover from the festive season. The sunny Côte d’Azur offers you a holiday in a mild climate, even in winter! Temperatures don’t fall below 5° and can rise to 15° during the day!
For this relaxing weekend, discover the landscapes and history of the Côte d’Azur. Stroll between museums, parks and gardens, lakes and the various beaches of this destination. The Côte d’Azur has inspired many artists, including Matisse, Monet, Renoir and Picasso! Here are the 8 must-see museums on the Côte d’Azur!
For the ultimate in relaxation, opt for a stay in one of the many SPA hotels on the Côte d’Azur. Don’t forget that little glass of champagne in the jacuzzi, doesn’t it make you want to?
→ Discover the most beautiful SPAS on the Côte d’Azur!
When does winter start?
What to do on a winter weekend?
For nature lovers, you can choose to spend a few days in the mountains, one of the winter season’s key destinations. In town, for those who want to experience the vibrancy and atmosphere of city Christmas markets. Or in the countryside for a change of scenery and peace and quiet! But you can also go to the Côte d’Azur, where you’ll find the best of all these destinations: ski slopes, wild landscapes, beautiful beaches, typical villages and trendy, dynamic towns. On the Côte d’Azur, there’s something for everyone, activities for all the family, and above all… the sun is there all year round!
In winter, the Côte d’Azur offers a festive Christmas atmosphere under the sun. Here are a few ideas for winter weekend activities in the region:
● Go hiking in the valley
● Enjoy a day’s skiing in the Alpine resorts
● Discover the hilltop villages of the Côte d’Azur hinterland
● Spend the afternoon on an island
● Take part in a museum marathon on the Côte d’Azur
● Discover the history, culture, gastronomy and crafts of the region
How do I get to the Côte d'Azur from Paris?
The Côte d’Azur has excellent transport links, so you can get here easily from all over France, and even Europe, by plane, train, car or boat!
Nice is 930 kilometres from Paris, and takes the A6, A7 and A8 motorways in an hour and a half. From Paris to Hyères or Saint-Raphaël, allow around 8 hours’ drive.
The train is a good alternative for getting to the Côte d’Azur from Paris. Thanks to the TGV, you can reach Nice from Paris in 5 hours 25 minutes.
→ Find out about the different ways of getting to the Côte d’Azur!
What price a winter holiday on the Côte d'Azur?