It is so off season that many wonderful hotels and restaurants are closed. Any guidance on staying in Nice or Cannes? Or even another recommendation for a more quaint luxury hotel? Is it worth heading to Menton for the Fete de Citron?
Merci
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10621 posts
That's surprising to read as the Nice Carnival begins Saturday, in addition to the Menton Fête du citron. The area has a lot of tourists from northern areas and countries right now. I'll be there this weekend.
Some hotels and restaurants close in January to give everyone a break after the holidays. The winter school ski vacation period for the Riviera is Feb 24 to March 11, so some businesses might close to allow families to go away. Otherwise, it's business as usual.
However, do note that we've been having an unusual amount of rain here in the south. The ground is saturated according to family living in that area. It's a bit cloudy and in the 50s right now. ☹️
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you! 🙏🏻 for at least one sunny day. Would you recommend staying in Cannes, Nice or St Paul de Vence?
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10621 posts
It depends on what you want to do, but Nice is the most central and has the most transportation options.
Posted by
san ramon, ca, usa
286 posts
I agree about Nice. Stay near old town if you can. Even over the last 4 days, it was crowded for this time of year. If you can get a room, try Hotel Suisse. I was going to book there, except they have a no cancellation policy. Nice has more variety than Cannes.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you!
Posted by
Nice, France & San Francisco
712 posts
You should really only see that the beach clubs and le Plongeoir still closed (plus seasonal business like water craft rental). January (and November) are the usual time when businesses take vacations, but some really good restaurants close in August so their staff can holiday with family (they are good enough they are full year round, and don't need the summer tourist trade). Carnival starts this Saturday in Nice, and there will be a wider variety of things to do. There will be extra people but it won't be crowded. The Fete du Citron is a bit crowded but the use of citrus is pretty amazing on the floats.
If you need specific restaurant recommendations, just ask.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you for the reply. Restaurant suggestions heading back from Menton to Cannes are appreciated!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15781 posts
Nice is the best base. Consider if you want to be closer to the train station (for day trips along the coast) or the sea.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10621 posts
Cannes: Astoux & Brun, a regular for us
Menton: the Casino has a surprisingly good restaurant, at least it was the last time I ate there in January 2020 a few days before you know what changed everyone's plans.