Celebrate Christmas on the French Riviera

The French Riviera is known for its sunny coastline and glamorous lifestyle, the mind doesn’t immediately jump to the winter season but at Christmas, the region takes on a magical charm, offering a warm yet festive atmosphere unlike anywhere else. From scenic coastal retreats to charming countryside getaways, here are the top five settings on the Riviera that will create the perfect Christmas holiday scene.

St. Tropez: Embrace glamour with a coastal Christmas

St. Tropez’s allure is timeless, and even during the festive season, this iconic town radiates charm. Stroll through cobbled streets adorned with Christmas lights, shop for gifts at the holiday markets, and enjoy a festive meal at one of the town’s renowned restaurants. Many luxury properties on the Saint-Tropez peninsula feature breathtaking waterfront views, offering the perfect backdrop for your holiday escape. Imagine celebrating Christmas in a luxury villa with a private chef preparing a feast of Provençal specialties.

Embrace glamour with a coastal Christmas

This luxurious villa for rent in Saint-Tropez provides the ideal mix of privacy and proximity to the city’s vibrant holiday atmosphere. Picture unwinding with the Mediterranean as your backdrop.

Available to rent via Savills Saint-Tropez - Find out more

Cannes: Christmas glamour on the Croisette

No Riviera Christmas is complete without a stop in Cannes, where the famed Croisette sparkles even brighter during the festive season. Known for its glamour, Cannes brings a sophisticated charm to the holidays with its luxury boutiques, fine dining, and a calendar of events that capture the essence of Riviera chic. Stroll along the palm-lined Promenade de la Croisette, illuminated with holiday lights, and explore the Marché de Noël, where artisan crafts and festive treats await. And if you are looking to indulge in a little Christmas shopping the famed shopping streets and designer boutiques of Cannes will not disappoint.

Christmas on the Croisette

A waterfront apartment in the newly refurbished luxury residence of Relais de la Reine offers the perfect setting to take in the enchanting festive Cannes Croisette.

For sale via Savills Cannes - Find out more

Relaxing in the countryside: A peaceful Christmas in the hills.

For a truly peaceful Christmas, head into the countryside of the Riviera. Just a short drive from the bustling coastal towns, you can find an abundance of charming villages with their own rich traditions and natural beauty. Spend the holidays in a Provencal Mas and experience a more traditional French Christmas, where the holiday is celebrated with family, friends, and a focus on good food, warmth, and conviviality.

Christmas in the Riviera countryside

This elegant Provencal bastide offers an exceptional setting at the heart of a three-hectare landscaped park. With breathtaking views and spacious living areas, this residence is ideal for creating your own Christmas traditions on the French Riviera.

For sale via Savills Valbonne-Mougins - Find out more

Nice: Festive City living by the sea

Nice combines the best of both worlds—breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and a cosmopolitan city feel. The Promenade des Anglais is particularly stunning during Christmas, with festive decorations and a holiday market in the centre of the city. Christmas in Nice embraces both French traditions and Mediterranean warmth, with the focus on family celebrations and delicious local dishes. 

Festive city living

This stylish city apartment in the heart of Nice would place you at the centre of the action, year-round you have markets, world-class dining, and coastal beauty on your doorstep.

For sale via Savills Beaulieu-sur-Mer - Find out more

Creating new traditions.

Christmas on the French Riviera offers a wonderful opportunity to blend local traditions with your own. Indulge in seasonal favourites or new additions. The Riviera is not only a place for relaxation, but also a place to create lasting memories. Whether you’re enjoying family time in the Riviera countryside, shopping for presents in the festive streets of Cannes, or sharing a glass of wine in a luxurious villa, the French Riviera is an ideal setting for starting new traditions while embracing the festive spirit. With its stunning waterfront villas, city apartments, and countryside retreats, the French Riviera offers something for everyone looking for a luxurious yet festive holiday escape this Christmas.

Contact our dedicated team of agents to make your move to the Riviera today.