France, Europe
The French Riviera in November
Quiet and cheap, but wet. Cities and museums open; beach life finished.
The straight answer
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit the French Riviera. Quiet and cheap, but wet. Cities and museums open; beach life finished.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 63F (17C), often the rainiest month
- Crowds
- 1 of 5
- Prices
- 1 of 5
What November is like in the French Riviera
November is quiet, cheap and often the rainiest month on the Riviera. Highs sit near 63F (17C), and heavy downpours can come in bursts. Beach life is finished, and Saint-Tropez mostly closes until spring. Nice, Monaco, Cannes and Antibes stay fully open, with museums and markets running.
November suits budget travelers, museum lovers and city walkers who do not mind rain. It is not a beach or village-hopping month, and the sea is too cold for swimming. If you want mild, sunny weather at low prices, try April or early October. For festive atmosphere, wait for December.
Make the most of November
What is especially good about the French Riviera this month.
Museum days
The Musee Matisse, the Oceanographic Museum and the Fondation Maeght make great rainy-day plans.
Low prices
Hotels in Nice and Antibes drop to near their lowest rates of the year.
Markets without crowds
Nice's Cours Saleya market is calm and local on weekday mornings.
What to pack for November
- A waterproof jacket
- A sturdy umbrella
- Warm layers
- Waterproof walking shoes
Our timing tip
Keep your plans flexible and check the forecast each morning, saving hill villages and coastal walks for the dry days.
Book The French Riviera for November.
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- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The French RivieraOpens a hotel search for The French Riviera in November, 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 November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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 November, quick answers
Is November a good time to visit the French Riviera?
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit the French Riviera. Quiet and cheap, but wet. Cities and museums open; beach life finished.
What is the weather like in the French Riviera in November?
Cool, highs near 63F (17C), often the rainiest month.
Is the French Riviera crowded in November?
November is one of the quieter months in the French Riviera; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning The French Riviera.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in November
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