5. Nice and Menton
Nestled alongside a picturesque bay on the Côte d’Azur, Nice enjoys a Mediterranean climate with gentle winters. In fact, Nice became a popular wintertime resort in the 19th century, prized for its luxurious resort hotels, sublime sea views, and lovely gardens.
The months of December, January, and February brings mild, refreshing weather, around the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit. Winter is not the time to sunbathe at the beach, but you can take walks along the waterfront and dine al fresco on pleasant outdoor terraces when the sun is out. Prepare for a mix of sunny days and rain during wintertime on the French Riviera.
In mid-February, the Carnaval de Nice takes place in the center of Nice at the Place Masséna and the Jardin Albert 1er. This lively event rivals the famous carnivals of Rio de Janeiro and Venice. Every year, the carnival attracts a crowd of several hundred thousand spectators who come to watch the parades with its marvelous floats and vibrant entertainment.
The French Riviera town of Menton near the border with Italy also hosts another fabulous wintertime event. The Fête du Citron (Citrus Festival) draws thousands of visitors to the town in mid-February to celebrate the locally grown lemons. Parades feature dazzling floats and elaborate sculptures like lions and castles, made entirely from citrus fruits.
6. Auvergne
An off-the-beaten-path tourist destination, the Auvergne region rewards visitors with its dramatic natural scenery and interesting historic towns. Tourists will also enjoy the region’s cultural attractions and festivals.
Worth traveling to Auvergne in the winter for, the Sancy Snow Jazz festival presents a program of New Orleans jazz, swing music, and traditional genres of jazz. The line-up includes high-caliber musical artists like Grammy award-winning jazz musician Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown; renowned pianist and composer David Torkanowsky; and Enrico Tomasso, five-time winner of the British Jazz Awards. Check ahead of time to see the festival’s schedule and plan your trip.
Winter is a quiet, peaceful time in the Auvergne region. For those seeking a relaxing getaway, the historic spa towns of Auvergne provide a tranquil and rejuvenating experience.