Christmas on the Riviera: Nice Christmas Village, Monaco & the Coast Lights
A winter day between the Christmas Village of Nice and the illuminated port of Monaco, with the old towns to yourselves.
Overview
From late November to the first days of January, the Riviera lives its quietest and most luminous season. This full day with Pacôme begins in Nice, where the Christmas Village fills the Jardin Albert 1er and Place Masséna with more than sixty chalets, mulled wine and the scent of socca, before the Old Town and its market, far less crowded than in summer. In the afternoon, the coast road leads to Monaco: the Prince's Palace, the old town of Monaco-Ville and, at dusk, the Christmas Village and illuminations of the port.
The day keeps the rhythm of a winter afternoon: short distances, warm stops, and the light of the Riviera at 4 PM, which is reason enough to come. Pacôme adapts the order of the stops to the weather, the crowds and the age of the guests, so that the day ends with the lights rather than in the dark.
Dates & practical details
Christmas Village of Nice: 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, every day, free entry. The Christmas Village of Monaco opens on the port in early December and runs until the first days of January; the Principality confirms its dates each autumn.
- The stops are planned so that the lights are seen at dusk, around 5 PM in December.
- Ice rinks, big wheels and chalet purchases are paid on site.
- The 24th, 25th and 31st of December are possible on request; some sites close early on those days.
Stops on This Journey
- 01
Nice
The Christmas Village of Place Masséna and the Jardin Albert 1er, the Cours Saleya market, the lanes of the Old Town and, weather permitting, the panorama from Castle Hill.
- 02
Monaco
The Rock and the Prince's Palace, the cathedral, the gardens above the port, then the Christmas Village and the illuminations of Port Hercule at dusk.
A Glimpse of the Experience
What's Included
Included
- Free Vehicle: brand-new, all-electric French Renault 5 (up to 3 guests). For larger groups, a Mercedes V-Class van with a professional driver (up to 6 guests, 6 cabin bags and 6 checked bags), at a fixed price of €750 per van.
- Private experience with a licensed guide (Pacôme)
- Tailor-made itinerary adapted to your interests and pace
- Photo opportunities
- Local gems and insights
Not Included
- Parking fees for Pacôme's vehicle: €50 per group (€50 per day, one day), added to your online payment. Transportation itself is free. Not charged with the chauffeur-driven van.
- Entrance fees to museums, attractions and gardens
- Private workshops or tastings
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
Your Guide & Vehicle
Pacôme, your licensed private guide
2026 Renault 5 Iconic, 100% electricGood to know
Is the Riviera worth visiting at Christmas?
Yes, for travellers who want the Côte d'Azur without the crowds: mild days, often sunny, around 12 to 15 degrees at noon, two Christmas villages, and old towns that belong to the locals again. Most museums and villas stay open, with shorter hours on the 24th and 31st.
How is pricing structured?
The price shown is for the private experience as a whole, not per person, you and your group are with Pacôme exclusively for its full duration. Groups above 15 guests (up to 30 max) are quoted at double the base price.
Is transportation included?
Transportation is included: a free all-electric vehicle for up to 3 guests. Transportation itself is free; only the public parking is charged: €50 per group (€50 per day, one day), added to your online payment. There is no parking fee with the chauffeur-driven van. For larger groups, a Mercedes V-Class van with a professional driver, through Pacôme's partner (up to 6 guests, 6 cabin bags and 6 checked bags), is available at a fixed price of €750 per van, with no parking fee. Pickup from your hotel, Airbnb, or a central Nice meeting point can be arranged under the same conditions. Let's confirm the details together when you send your enquiry.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included by default, but Pacôme is happy to recommend or arrange a table that fits the day's route and your preferences.
How much walking is involved?
Full-day experiences combine walking through old towns and villages with time in the vehicle between stops. Let Pacôme know in advance if the pace needs adjusting for anyone in your group.
Can the itinerary be adjusted?
Yes, every experience can be adapted to your interests, pace and mobility, and its length can flex shorter or longer around your group's needs. Reach out with any specific requests before booking.