Марина Азурева – The French Riviera: A Guide to Festivals, Traditions & the Art of Living Well. Discover the Côte d’Azur All Year Round (страница 2)
Day Trips and Beyond
One of the best things about Nice is its accessibility to other stunning Riviera destinations. A short train ride takes you to the glitz and glamour of Monaco, where you can visit the famous Monte Carlo Casino or stroll through the opulent gardens of the Prince’s Palace. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, head to Eze, a medieval hilltop village with breathtaking views and beautiful Botanical Garden. And for those seeking artistic inspiration, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, an enchanting artists’ haven, offers quaint galleries and a timeless ambiance.
The Perfect French Escape
Nice is more than just a beautiful city – it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re enjoying a morning espresso at a sun-drenched café, watching the sunset over the Bay of Angels, or dancing after midnight at the CAP 3000 Rooftop, Nice captures the essence of la belle vie (the beautiful life). For travelers, it’s the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. So pack your bags, brush up on your French, and get ready to fall in love with the magic of Nice.
Glossary of French Terms
Apéritif (ah-pay-ree-teef)
A pre-dinner drink, often accompanied by light snacks. Common in social gatherings.
Bûche de Noël (boosh duh noh-el)
A traditional Yule log-shaped cake served at Christmas, typically made of rolled sponge cake filled with buttercream and decorated to resemble a log.
Chassé-croisé (sha-say kwa-zay)
Literally “crossing paths.” Refers to the chaotic travel period when vacationers depart and return simultaneously, causing nationwide traffic jams.
Crèche (kresh)
A nativity scene, often displayed during Christmas. In Provence and on Riviera, these include
Galette des Rois (ga-let day rwa)
A puff pastry cake eaten on Epiphany (January 6). Contains a hidden figurine (
Juilletistes (zhwee-yeh-teest)
People who take their summer vacations in July. Contrast with
La Bise (lah beeze)
Cheek-kissing greetings (1—4 kisses depending on the region, 2 on Riviera). Common among acquaintances/friends/family; tourists are often exempt.
Les Treize Desserts (lay trez day-ser)
“The Thirteen Desserts,” a Provençal Christmas tradition symbolizing Jesus and the 12 apostles. Includes dried fruits, nuts, and sweets like
Marché de Noël (mar-shay duh noh-el)
Christmas market, featuring stalls selling crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts (
Pétanque (pay-tonk)
A popular outdoor game similar to bocce, played with metal balls. A staple of southern French culture.
Pissaladière (pee-sa-la-dyehr)
A Niçois onion tart topped with olives and anchovies, akin to pizza.
Réveillon (ray-vay-yon)
A lavish midnight feast on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, featuring dishes like oysters, foie gras, and turkey.
Santons (sahn-ton)
Hand-painted clay figurines from Provence, used in nativity scenes (
Savoir-Vivre (sav-wahr veev-ruh)
The French “art of living well,” emphasizing etiquette, cultural refinement, and balance between indulgence and restraint.
Socca (soh-ka)
A thin, savory chickpea pancake, a street-food specialty of Nice and its region.
Toussaint (too-san)
All Saints’ Day (November 1), when families visit cemeteries to honor the dead. Chrysanthemums are traditional grave decorations.
Vous vs. Tu (voo / tew)
The formal (
Timeline of Events: The Annual Festive Cycle of Riviera and Monaco
What is celebrated in Nice and in the Principality of Monaco throughout the calendar year. Here is the most interesting in my opinion, with a brief description and some photos
December 25 – Christmas (Noël)
Christmas in France is a time for family and tradition. Homes are decorated with Christmas trees and nativity scenes (
Noël et Nouvel An. December 25th and January 1st are public holidays. From mid-November, television channels begin festive programming, showcasing classic French comedies familiar to us, as well as American films set during the Christmas season.
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, two main channels broadcast live services from the Vatican conducted by the Pope, with translations and explanations of the liturgy in French.
The president delivers the New Year’s address before the evening news at 8 PM.
The gastronomic staples of the French Christmas table include smoked salmon, foie gras, turkey, and the “Bûche de Noël” cake.
By early December, wooden stalls of the Christmas market are set up in the city center, selling sweets, decorations, cotton candy, roasted chestnuts, and handcrafted items by local artisans. Among the most unique are the small, hand-painted clay figurines called “santons.” These figures depict characters from the nativity scene – the birth of Jesus Christ surrounded by Mary, Joseph, the Magi, and stable animals. Over time, artisans began creating representations of various professions, vegetables, fruits, trees, and replicas of buildings characteristic of French towns. People collect these figurines.
During Christmas, scenes made from these figures are displayed in homes; this can be a nativity scene or depictions of urban life. The cost of one figurine is 7—18 euros, and not all families can afford to create such elaborate compositions. However, they are showcased in churches and shop windows. Thankfully, in the secular Europe where even Christian-themed greeting cards are hard to find, the tradition of santons continues to thrive (each year, scenes are updated with figures representing new “modern” professions), delighting the eye.
These figurines are crafted in workshops in Provence, a tradition spanning several centuries. Although, to reduce costs, some figurines are now produced in China and Spain. However, the Christmas market strives to feature local workshops.
In home décor, the inclusion of fly agaric mushrooms – a whimsical nod to folklore – adds a touch of Nordic-inspired whimsy.
this was a fashion trend or a symbol of Christmas celebration in a particular country couldn’t be determined. But that season, mushrooms were featured in all city design stores.
The color palette associated with Christmas in France includes gold, white, and red; to a lesser extent, but also present, are black and silver. Fabrics for dresses and festive accessories in clothing are of the same colors but always with glitter!
Here’s a French worship song, inviting with music and songs to celebrate His birth, promised by the prophets and so long-awaited:
“Il est né le divin enfant,
Jouez hautbois, résonnez musettes!
Il est né le divin enfant,
Chantons tous son avènement!
Depuis plus de quatre mille ans,
Nous le promettaient les prophètes
Depuis plus de quatre mille ans
Nous attendions cet heureux temps.”
“He is born the divine child, Play oboes, resound musettes! He is born the divine child, Let us all sing his advent! For more than four thousand years, The prophets promised it to us For more than four thousand years We waited for this happy time.”
The 13 Desserts of Provence
The term “thirteen desserts” evokes a sweeter image than these treats might actually suggest. In Provençal tradition, the thirteen desserts (les treize desserts) are a selection of dried fruits, a couple of pieces of nougat, and cookies, each bearing symbolic significance. Families either assemble these assortments themselves or purchase pre-packaged sets, artfully arranged to serve or gift during the festive season. This dessert ensemble is a cherished tradition in the south of France.