Variety is the spice of life...and your holiday! For a weekend, a short or long break, from snow-covered mountains to art galleries and museums, with its very mild winter climate, the Côte d'Azur unveils its surprises for the festive season.
Sporting excursions in the Mercantour National Park!
Are you on holiday in the Côte d'Azur over the Christmas period? Make sure you take a detour to the ski resorts! The Alpes Maritimes has 15 resorts and cross-country ski-ing trails. 660 km of slopes and trails await winter sports enthusiasts at ski resorts that are just 1.5 hours from Nice and the sea!
However, at Riviera Holiday Homes we recommend the following resorts Isola 2000 (120 km of slopes and trails), Auron (135 km of slopes and trails) & Valberg (90 km of slopes and trails). These are the region's biggest and have a real authentic charm, as well as a multitude of events and activities for the whole family!
Our tips: don’t want to drive? No problem! Shuttle buses leave Nice town centre every day! Within 1.5 hours you can be hitting the slopes with the kids or grandkids.
Cultural excursions!
Did you know that the Côte d’Azur has the second highest number of museums in France after the Paris region?
It’s not surprising since the greatest artists, from Picasso to Matisse, Bonnard to Chagall, have lived and created on the Mediterranean coast. They were inspired by the light of the Côte d’Azur: so bright, so pure.
Further reading> The five must-visit museums for your trip to the Côte d’Azur!
Family excursions!
In December the Christmas village came to Nice’s Place Massena. Almost 70 chalets house a wide range of handmade products and much more… High above the city stands the big wheel, offering a magnificent view of the city’s rooftops (we recommend going at sunset – it will take your breath away!). Below the big wheel there is an ice rink for the enjoyment of the whole family as well as games for kids, rides and food stands.
Practical information on the Christmas Village
You can also take a trip to Lucéram (30 minutes from Nice). Where there has been an annual nativity scene trail for the last 20 years. Over 450 life-sized and miniature nativity scenes are displayed in collaboration with villagers (until 6 January 2019!).
The excursion for festive thrills
At this time of year you can also visit Luna Park, Europe’s only indoor theme park. There is something for every generation: stands, rides and adrenaline guaranteed (for amateurs).
