March marks a special transition on the French Riviera. Winter slowly fades away, the days grow longer, the light turns warmer and more golden, and café terraces begin to fill again.

It is still a peaceful period, far from the bustle of summer, yet already animated by cultural, sporting, and professional events. With its mild climate, awakening nature, and key annual highlights, March is a strategic month to discover the region from a different perspective.

Table of Contents

• What is the weather like in March on the French Riviera?
  • Events not to be missed
  • Nature and spring walks
  • Culture and lifestyle

What is the weather like in March on the French Riviera?

In March, the weather gradually becomes more stable.

Average temperatures in Nice generally range between 9°C and 16°C (48°F to 61°F). Sunny days are frequent, and sunshine levels increase noticeably compared to the winter months.

The sea remains cool, but the atmosphere is ideal for walking, exploring, and enjoying the coastline without the intensity of summer heat.

March offers a perfect balance: light, mild temperatures, and tranquility.

Events not to be missed in march

Nice Carnival (end of festivities)

The Nice Carnival usually comes to an end in early March, depending on the year. The final parades and flower battles extend the festive winter atmosphere before the calm of spring returns.

This historic event, whose origins date back to the 13th century, remains one of the most emblematic celebrations in the region.

Paris–Nice: The “Race to the Sun”

The famous Paris–Nice cycling race, part of the UCI WorldTour calendar, takes place every March and traditionally finishes on the French Riviera.

The roads of the Nice hinterland and the Promenade des Anglais become the setting for an internationally followed sporting spectacle.

MIPIM in Cannes

MIPIM (International Market of Real Estate Professionals) is held every year in March at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.

This major event attracts thousands of professionals from around the world and gives the city a dynamic, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The Spring of Poets (Le Printemps des Poètes)

Throughout March, several municipalities in the Alpes-Maritimes take part in the Spring of Poets, a national event celebrating poetry through readings and cultural gatherings.

Nature and spring walks

March is an ideal month to enjoy nature on the French Riviera.

Coastal trails around Nice, seaside promenades in Cannes, and the perched villages of the hinterland offer bright landscapes and vegetation that is just beginning to bloom.

🌸 The Gardens of the Cimiez Monastery

In Nice, the Gardens of the Cimiez Monastery provide a particularly pleasant springtime walk. Created in the 16th century within an older monastic site, they are considered the oldest gardens in the city.

Once cultivated by monks, these gardens now feature structured pathways, flowerbeds, and lush vegetation. In spring, roses and colorful plantings create a peaceful and luminous atmosphere.

It is an ideal place for strolling, contemplation, and a quiet pause, with open views over the city and the sea.

🌺 Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: A Garden Awakening in Spring

Located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is one of the most beautiful gardens on the French Riviera.

Built in the early 20th century by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, the villa overlooks the Mediterranean and features nine themed gardens: French, Spanish, Japanese, Florentine, and exotic, among others.

In March, the first blossoms transform the pathways into a delicate and colorful setting. Flowerbeds begin to flourish, the spring light enhances the villa’s pink façades, and the sea views are particularly clear.

It is an elegant, peaceful walk, perfectly suited to the season — a blend of heritage, botany, and exceptional panoramas.

Culture and Art of Living

In March, the French Riviera subtly shifts its rhythm. The winter excitement fades, the summer season has not yet begun, and the region regains a more local atmosphere.

Provençal markets — such as Cours Saleya in Nice or those in Antibes — already offer the first seasonal produce: late citrus fruits, spring vegetables, and fresh herbs. Wandering among the stalls becomes a true immersion in everyday Riviera life.

Museums and foundations, such as the Matisse Museum or the Chagall Museum, can be visited under ideal conditions: more space, more calm, and more time to appreciate the artworks.

On the gastronomic side, restaurants provide a more intimate experience. Terraces begin to fill during the sunniest hours, yet the atmosphere remains relaxed. It is the perfect moment to linger, enjoy seasonal Mediterranean cuisine, and savor lunch by the sea without the summer crowds.

March allows visitors to discover the French Riviera in its most authentic dimension: elegant, luminous, and deeply rooted in its art of living.

March reveals a French Riviera that is brighter, more peaceful, and profoundly authentic.

An ideal time to experience the Riviera differently — between gentle spring days and Mediterranean art of living.