8 Things To Do In The South Of France In Winter​ And Beyond

In true French fashion, dedicating time to explore the local gastronomy scene, and perhaps even your own culinary skills, is a brilliant way to enjoy the South of France in the winter.

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1. Prepare A Seasonal Menu With Market Delights

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Especially when spending time in a Signature Home or Premium Collection property, the spaces are perfect for hosting in, so stocking up on your favourite regional ingredients to bring provencial spreads and more to life is will be a delight in winter. Forville market in Cannes was founded in 1934 and is well-loved in the region. Go early to scope out your favourite vendors and avoid the rush, especially if you are looking for the freshest produce. When you are stocked up, pause with a coffee or glass of wine nearby for an ideal way to shape the winter day ahead in the South of France.

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2. Seek Out Provence's Sweet Treats

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Candied and dried fruit from Provence make wonderful desserts and gifts for friends and family back home. The zesty and sweet aroma of candied orange, clementines, lemon peel, ginger and other treats are a delight to savour throughout the year, but especially in the winter season. La Maison Florian is the heritage confectioner of les Alpes-Maritimes. Alongside the boutique in Vieux Nice, you can visit its Confiserie des Gorges du Loup which lives at the Pont du Loup in Tourrettes-sur-Loup, or another of the locations. Spend an afternoon in the fascinating workshop or seek out the beautiful boxes of candies - decorated with the work of locally-born artist and painter, Philippe Métaireau - each makes a special wintertime treat.

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 3. Indulge In The Chef’s Best

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To unlock the flavours of the winter season and sample the region's finest produce, be sure to visit some of our favourite restaurants in the South of France, as recommended by Mélie Dunod and friends. Spelt in Tourettes-sur-Loup serves up wholesome dishes with finesse. As the name implies the nutritious grain, spelt, often forms the base of its gourmet creations. The restaurant works with the seaons and so the menu changes every two weeks. Even so, signature dishes, "risotto d’épeautre au homard"(lobster infused spelt risotto) and "citron Kalamansi" (Calamansi lemon dessert), can be enjoyed all year and make a wonderful choice in the cooler months. Additionally on the winter menu, you will usually find scallops, and root vegetables such as jerusalem artichokes, salsify and parsnips.

Brasserie Fiston, a newly opened restaurant outside of Valbonne village that is making a good impression on the locals, should also be on your list, as should Le Plongeoir in Nice - an iconic restaurant, on an old diving board, by the rocks near the old town.

To embrace the winter season and soak up the region's atmosphere, there is an array of neighbourhoods to enjoy, galleries to see, and Christmas traditions to unveil.

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4. See Le Suquet District Under A Winter Light

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Part of being a true local means knowing your neighbourhood in all seasons, and beyond heading to the beach to watch a movie when the annual Film Festival is in full swing, Cannes is a wonderful destination even in winter when it takes on a new ambience and festive atmosphere. Why not explore the cobbled streets of Le Suquet district to soak up its history and convivial feel? Connected to the modern parts of Cannes by Rue Meynadier - a go-to street for souvenirs and lovely boutiques - restaurants and typical French stores are dotted all around, so you can joyfully while away the hours amongst locals.

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5. Explore Iconic Museums And Galleries In The Region

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The Maeght Museum in Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a must-visit for its impressive permanent collection of 20th-century art - one of Europe’s largest - and curates different exhibitions throughout the seasons. The building itself is an architectural delight - created by Catalan architect Josep Lluís Sert - as is the surrounding sculpture garden, patios and quaint Saint-Bernard chapel. 

Musée Matisse in Nice, on heritage site Cimiez Hill, its red façade cannot be missed and it is another cultural spot to return to in all seasons. It boasts different exhibitions throughout the year that pay homage to the work of Henri Matisse. To dive into a home-museum setting in charming provincial surroundings, visit the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer, which is a 30-minute drive from Cannes. The Marc Chagall National Museum in Nice is another recommended museum in the South of France. Displaying the art of Marc Chagall, an early modernist with connections in the École de Paris, it remains open during the winter and is sure to inspire creatives and history lovers alike.

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6. Embrace Local Christmas Traditions

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From the end of November, Cannes has a Christmas Village that comes into full swing, showcasing parades, artisanal stores and more to capture the joy of the season, until the New Year. Local news website, Frequence-sud often shares a full itinerary listed should you be spending the entire season ‘sur place’.

Further up the coast in Nice, you will find charming chalets as part of their annual Christmas market that is much revered in the region, typically on the Place Masséna and the Jardin Albert 1e. Mouans-Sartoux also has a charming market and you will can find festive, artisanal stalls in Saint-Paul-de-Vence too. When visiting these markets, keep an eye out for handcrafted figurines “santons” that adorn Christmas Nativity scenes in households and churches across the region at this time of year.

And should you decide to spend Christmas in the region, why not assemble or sample "Les treize desserts"? The "13 Desserts" is a Christmas tradition, consisting of nougat, almonds, fresh fruit and more sweet delicacies to represent Jesus Christ and the 12 apostles at the Last Supper. It is traditionally served after midnight mass and can be a beautiful way to nod to the season.

Blue azure waters tempt in the summertime, but come winter there are adrenaline-fuelled activities that amplify the region's beautiful and dramatic landscape. In the New Year, mimosa comes into bloom and is a true celebration of early spring.‍

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7. Have A Brisk Day On The Slopes

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Skiing is not just reserved for the Chamonix and Megève for August friends in the French Alps… There are plenty of ways to enjoy an active lifestyle in the south of France, even in winter. Auron is a small resort in the Saint Etienne de Tinée, les Alpes-Maritimes that is just under a two-hour drive from Cannes, Valbonne, Mougins, and Tourettes-sur-Loup. The ski resort itself is divided into four parts and is hugely popular among locals in the region, seeking an invigorating day out on the slopes, making it perfect for a winter's day in the South of France.

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8. Stay For 'La Fête du Mimosa' in February

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Planning a trip to the South of France in winter to coincide with La Fête du Mimosa is a wonderful way to start the year in vibrant and energising colour. The heritage Mandelieu festival first took place in 1931 and still fills the town with a sea of yellow that carries the soul through the last weeks of winter. The festival takes place in February with a fun, new theme every year such as "Les Jeux Olympiques en Folie" (the 2024 title) - and you can expect night parades, live music and plenty of fanfare for the whole family. To immerse yourself in a forest of flora, be sure to schedule a hike or tour of the Tanneron Massif which is considered one of the largest Mimosa Forests in Europe.

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For more information on how to unlock your European dream through August co-ownership model, schedule a call with a member of our advisory team today.