Nice and Menton

Nice, a city on the Côte d'Azur, is tucked away next to a lovely bay and boasts a Mediterranean environment with mild winters. In fact, Nice rose to prominence as a winter getaway in the 19th century, admired for its opulent resort hotels, breathtaking sea vistas, and charming gardens.

Weather in the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit is pleasant, and refreshing, and occurs in the months of December, January, and February. Beach sunbathing is not recommended in the winter, but you can stroll along the waterfront and eat outside on attractive terraces when the weather is nice. On the French Riviera in the winter, plan on a mix of sunny days and rain. The Carnaval de Nice is held in the middle of February at the Jardin Albert 1er and the Place Masséna in Nice. This exciting occasion stands up to Rio de Janeiro and Venice's well-known carnivals. The carnival draws a large crowd of several hundred thousand visitors each year who come to watch the parades with their magnificent floats and lively entertainment. Another great wintertime event is held in the French Riviera town of Menton, which is close to the Italian border. To honor the locally cultivated lemons, the town hosts the Fête du Citron (Citrus Festival) in the middle of February, drawing thousands of tourists.