France, Europe
The French Riviera in March
Mimosa and early spring blooms. Quiet and good value; the sea is still cold.
The straight answer
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit the French Riviera. Mimosa and early spring blooms. Quiet and good value; the sea is still cold.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 60F (16C), some rain
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What March is like in the French Riviera
March is mild, with highs near 60F (16C) and some rainy days. Mimosa and early spring flowers brighten the hills. The sea is still cold and beach clubs are closed, but crowds are low and prices are good value. In some years, the Nice Carnival and the Menton Lemon Festival run into early March.
March suits walkers, garden lovers and budget travelers who like quiet towns and spring color. It is a good time for Villa Ephrussi's gardens and the hill villages. Swimmers should wait for June. If you want more reliable warmth without summer crowds, April or late May are better.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about the French Riviera this month.
Mimosa and spring blooms
Yellow mimosa and early flowers bring color to the hills and gardens along the coast.
Festival finales, some years
When the Nice Carnival or the Menton Lemon Festival runs into early March, you can catch the last parades.
Quiet Lerins Islands
A short ferry from Cannes brings you to calm pine woods and the monastery island, almost empty this time of year.
What to pack for March
- A light rain jacket
- A warm sweater
- Walking shoes for garden and village paths
- A compact umbrella
Our timing tip
Plan garden visits for a dry, sunny morning, and check this year's festival dates if you want to catch the tail end.
Book The French Riviera for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The French RivieraOpens a hotel search for The French Riviera in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in The French RivieraWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in The French RivieraTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in The French Riviera for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
Nice Carnival
Two weeks in February, sometimes into early March
Giant floats, flower parades, and night parades on the Place Massena. One of the world's great carnivals.
Menton Lemon Festival (Fete du Citron)
February into early March
Enormous sculptures built from lemons and oranges, plus parades through the town.
Things to do in the French Riviera
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.
Musee Matisse, Nice
In a hilltop villa in Cimiez, with the artist's grave nearby. Much calmer than the seafront on busy days.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
A pink Belle Epoque villa with themed gardens and musical fountains on Cap Ferrat.
Eze village
A medieval hill village with an exotic garden at the top. Go early or late to avoid tour groups.
Oceanographic Museum, Monaco
A grand museum and aquarium built into the cliff above the sea.
Fondation Maeght
Modern art in a garden setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence, with works by Miro, Giacometti, and Chagall.
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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit the French Riviera?
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit the French Riviera. Mimosa and early spring blooms. Quiet and good value; the sea is still cold.
What is the weather like in the French Riviera in March?
Mild, highs near 60F (16C), some rain.
Is the French Riviera crowded in March?
March is one of the quieter months in the French Riviera; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in the French Riviera in March?
Nice Carnival (two weeks in february, sometimes into early march); Menton Lemon Festival (Fete du Citron) (february into early march).
Keep planning The French Riviera.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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