en
November in the French Riviera is all about a different kind of glamour: vibrant, slow and full of seasonal magic. This time of year allows you to fully experience the Côte d'Azur’s beauty without the crowds and stifling summer heat. Here are 8 things to do in November in the French Riviera – don’t forget to put them on your list while planning your autumn holidays!
November is the perfect time to visit some of the French Riviera’s most famous places at a more leisurely pace. Walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice or wander through the narrow streets of the coastal towns like Antibes. With fewer people around, you can visit popular attractions and historic sites like the Matisse Museum in Nice or the Picasso Museum in Antibes without feeling hurried. This slow season is also a photographer’s dream to take postcard shots of landmarks, beaches and other places.
On the 19th of November, Monaco goes into party mode for its National Day. The date is set by the reigning prince and Prince Albert II has kept the date chosen by his father. National Day is celebrated with a fireworks display over the harbour the evening before and a formal mass at St. Nicholas Cathedral the next day. Luxury penthouses in Monaco offer the best view to enjoy the fireworks and witness this special moment for the principality. Live concerts and other events are also part of the day, giving you a unique opportunity to get a glimpse into the traditions and celebrations of Monaco.
This year, the Monte Carlo Jazz Festival takes place from 20 November to 1 December at the magnificent Opera Garnier, also known as the ‘jewel’ of the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Built to reflect the excess of Monte Carlo, the Salle Garnier is the perfect setting for this jazz extravaganza. Jazz lovers will be able to enjoy live performances, with before and after events in the Casino’s rotunda. Highlights include screenings of the jazz inspired movie Elevator to the Scaffold and a film-in-concert showing of the movie Whiplash.
Summer may be over, but November weather on the French Riviera is still warm. Many beaches, like Plage de la Garoupe in Antibes and Larvotto Beach in Monaco, are almost empty and peaceful, making them a perfect place for long walks or even a late season swim, if the weather allows. For a more private experience, rent one of the luxury villas with a pool in Saint-Tropez or other resorts and relax on your sunbed with views on the sea or the mountains.
November means calmer waters and the perfect time for yacht charters. The off season is a great opportunity to get good rates and to find the yacht of your dreams. A private charter allows you to enjoy the Riviera’s coastline, discover hidden coves and indulge in a bespoke cruise. From sunbathing and relaxation onboard to a private sunset, November is the time for the most exclusive yachting experience.
The region around the Riviera is full of beautiful mountain landscapes, which are a nice break from the coast. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are hiking and trekking possibilities, from the hills of the Esterel Mountains to the more dramatic terrain of Chamonix. If you are looking for a relaxing retreat, there are plenty of luxury chalets in exclusive mountain resorts. You can also visit mountain villages less than an hour from the Riviera for a day of wine tasting at a local vineyard or warming-up with traditional French cuisine at a family-run restaurant.
November’s cooler weather is the perfect excuse to get into the Riviera’s casinos. Monaco’s Casino de Monte-Carlo is the glamorous option, where you can spend a night of poker, roulette or other classic casino games. The casino has been the setting for scenes in movies like Never Say Never Again and GoldenEye, which makes it even more alluring. Don’t forget to enjoy gourmet meals at the casino’s restaurants and to admire the wonderful architecture of this famous casino.
Eating on the French Riviera in November is a foodie’s paradise. The autumn menus are full of comforting ingredients, local mushrooms, truffles and game meat. The off-season means famous restaurants, including Michelin starred ones, are more accessible and you can enjoy refined food without waiting for a table. And besides top-dining, the quiet months make exploring the charming cafés even more fun. Warming-up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine at an outdoor café in one of the charming towns of the French RIviera is definitely a unique experience.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.