Why the springtime is an idyllic time to visit the Côte d’Azur

The Côte d’Azur has something to offer all year around, but during spring you will find it an exceptionally wonderful place to visit. With long walks on the Promenade, leisurely lunches and coffee breaks on numerous café terraces, spring is a relaxed affair on the French Riviera.

Springtime is ideal to get out and explore the area on foot, bike, or by boat, and even on horseback. The temperature is perfect for expending some energy, the hordes of tourists haven’t yet arrived, trees are budding, flowers are starting to proliferate and birds are chirping.

Diving and snorkelling is possible in the spring as the water is not too cold, especially if you are wearing a wet suit. Boat trips start up in spring, and are a great way to see the coastline and between the main coastal resorts, including Nice, Monaco, Cannes and St Tropez.

Snow can still be present in the spring on the Southern Alps, providing the opportunity for final ski weekends.

Being less busy than the summer months, spring is also the ideal time to hire a car and go on your own tour of the Côte d’Azur countryside.

There are plenty of events coming up in late summer and early spring on the Côte d’Azur. Two large events take place in February, the Lemon Festival in Menton and the Carnival of Nice. During March the Paris to Nice bicycle race takes place. In April, there is a French national Easter holiday, where everyone flocks to the coast.

Smaller events that you may be interested in during the spring period include the Festin des Cougourdons, a Niçois religious feast which has folk dancing and displays. In Mouans-Sartoux they have the Honey festival, and in the Arenes de Cimiez in Nice is the Corn festival.