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Life.Style Journal

Things to do in winter on the Côte d’Azur

13 Feb 2020


Winter on the French Riviera means sunny crisp weather, small crowds and a local village feel. The coldest it gets is 3°C (37°F), and as…

Winter on the French Riviera means sunny crisp weather, small crowds and a local village feel. The coldest it gets is 3°C (37°F), and as we approach spring, temperatures average 10-16°C (50-61°F). So, for those chillier days on the Côte d’Azur, what traditional French pastimes can you enjoy whilst keeping snug indoors? We have prepared a list of things to do in winter on the Côte d’Azur.

Put the world to rights in a salon de thé

While France is well-known for its coffee drinking, afternoon tea has long been a social habit of the upper middle-class. In 1854 brothers Henri and Edouard Mariage opened the doors to the now-prestigious Parisian tea shop, Mariage Frères. As a result, you will find many ‘salons de thé’ today serving tea with sweet pastries and petite madeleines. For instance, our local favourite is La Cour des Thés in the heart of Antibes. This teahouse institution is a 5-minute drive or 25-minute stroll from Parc du Cap. Shelter there to catch up on current affairs or meet with friends over a cup of something deliciously warming.

Get wrapped up in artwork

Living on the Côte d’Azur, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to culture. Firstly, lose yourself in art from Ancient Egypt, Greece and the Romans at the award-winning Musée d’Art Classique de Mougins (MACM). In addition, discover modern and contemporary art from Salvador Dali, Calder, Picasso, Chagall and Damien Hirst at the same museum. After that, treat yourself to a hot chocolate at Le Petit Fouet café just up the road in the main square.

Secondly, over towards Nice, marvel at more modern works of art at the Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art (MAMAC). This free museum is a contemporary hive of concrete towers, rooftop walkways, arches, terraces, roof gardens and glass bridges. Here you can immerse yourself in the bright colours of Yves Klein, Niki de Saint Phalle and Andy Warhol. Furthermore, explore one of the largest greenhouses in Europe with a visit to Phoenix Floral Park. Enjoy the tropical climate and admission to the Asian Arts Museum which is included in the cost of your ticket.

Soothe the soul in the Parc du Cap spa

What better way to while away the winter weather than in a spa? And better still, one within the comfort of your French Riviera home? Perhaps you’ve spent the morning shopping in the nearby designer boutiques of Cannes, or you’ve hiked along Le Sentier du Littoral walk. Whatever the need for relaxation, the cosy Parc du Cap spa is on hand to help. Start off by enjoying the heated indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi followed by time in the cleansing Hammam. After that, finish your favourite book in the Zen Area or book a pampering session in one of the treatment rooms. For the days you’re feeling more energetic, there is also a large, fully equipped gym and flood-lit outdoor tennis court. If you fancy some time on the slopes you can find our more about where to ski here.

Master a new skill with the locals

Less than 30-minutes’ drive from Parc du Cap is Biot, a little village famous for its unusual bubble glass. Visit the glassblowing studios and eco-museum at the Verrerie de Biot. Established over 60 years ago and run by the same family since 1973, marvel at the glassblowers at work. As well as learning about this Roman tradition, you can even have a go at glassblowing yourself. If the weather permits, a stroll around the nearby medieval hill village is well worth it.

Host a ‘Belote’ evening

As a Parc du Cap resident, inviting friends to join you at your apartment or penthouse is a must. During the summer it could be for drinks on your terrace or a dip in your rooftop pool. In the colder months, why not try something new – and learn how to play the national French card game, Belote. Usually played with two to four players, Belote is a 32-card, trick-taking, Ace-Ten game with many variations. At the core, each player is trying to beat their opponents with as many tricks as possible. The aim of the game, over several hands, is to reach the score that is required to win the game. Brush up on your skills via this helpful site.



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