France, Europe

The French Riviera in December

Christmas markets and lights in Nice and Monaco, and sunny winter walks along the sea.

Quiet valueMild, highs near 58F (14C)

Villefranche-sur-Mer on the French Riviera — The French RivieraPhoto: Patrice Semeria, Public domain

The straight answer

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit the French Riviera. Christmas markets and lights in Nice and Monaco, and sunny winter walks along the sea.

Weather: Mild, highs near 58F (14C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What December is like in the French Riviera

December is mild, with highs near 58F (14C) and plenty of sunny days. Christmas markets and lights brighten Nice and Monaco, and seaside walks in the winter sun are a pleasure. Beach clubs are closed and Saint-Tropez is mostly shut, but the cities are open and festive. Crowds and prices stay low apart from the holiday week.

December suits couples, families and anyone who wants a festive, sunny winter city break. It is a great alternative to colder European Christmas trips. Beach lovers should come in June or September. If you want lively winter festivals, February's carnival season is better.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about the French Riviera this month.

Christmas markets and lights

Nice and Monaco put up holiday markets and lights, with a warm, relaxed feel.

Sunny seafront walks

Clear winter days make the Promenade des Anglais and Castle Hill views sparkle.

The little train to Castle Hill

Kids love the tourist train up to Castle Hill in Nice for the view over the bay.

What to pack for December

A warm coat for evenings
Layers for sunny afternoons
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses for low winter sun

Our timing tip

Visit the Christmas markets on weekday evenings for the lights without the weekend crowds, and book holiday dinners ahead.

Book The French Riviera for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The French Riviera
Opens a hotel search for The French Riviera in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
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Vacation rentals in The French Riviera
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in The French Riviera
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in The French Riviera for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in the French Riviera

Full guide

Old Nice and the Promenade des Anglais

The Cours Saleya market in the morning, then a walk along the seafront. Castle Hill has the classic view over the bay.

Tickets and tours →

Musee Matisse, Nice

In a hilltop villa in Cimiez, with the artist's grave nearby. Much calmer than the seafront on busy days.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

A pink Belle Epoque villa with themed gardens and musical fountains on Cap Ferrat.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Eze village

A medieval hill village with an exotic garden at the top. Go early or late to avoid tour groups.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Oceanographic Museum, Monaco

A grand museum and aquarium built into the cliff above the sea.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Fondation Maeght

Modern art in a garden setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence, with works by Miro, Giacometti, and Chagall.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Base yourself in Nice and use the train. It is cheaper than Cannes or Monaco and avoids the summer traffic and parking problem on the coast.
Check the calendar before booking May: the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix can double hotel rates in those towns.
Go to the hill villages (Eze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence) before 10am or after 5pm, when tour coaches are gone.
Swim at smaller coves and public beaches around Villefranche, Cap d'Antibes, and Cap Ferrat rather than the central Nice and Cannes beaches in peak weeks.

Know before you go

Most private beach clubs operate from about April or May to late September or October, and close for the winter.
Saint-Tropez is highly seasonal: many shops, hotels, and restaurants close from about November to March.
Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes stay fully open all year, with museums and markets running through winter.
Many Nice city museums close one day a week, often Tuesday. Check before planning a museum day.

The French Riviera in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit the French Riviera?

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit the French Riviera. Christmas markets and lights in Nice and Monaco, and sunny winter walks along the sea.

What is the weather like in the French Riviera in December?

Mild, highs near 58F (14C).

Is the French Riviera crowded in December?

December is one of the quieter months in the French Riviera; most sights can be done without long waits.