Hôtel du Couvent

The Hôtel du Couvent is reason enough for us to return to Nice. This former 17th-century convent is situated above the old town, and behind its walls lies a little world of its own, comprising old buildings, terraces, gardens and wonderful views over the city. Studio Festen has furnished the rooms with great flair: whitewashed walls, old tiles, linen, dark wood, antiques and beautiful one-off pieces – elegant, yet with enough patina to allow you to still sense the history of the house. You’ll want to stay for a few days straight away and lose yourself amongst the garden, the pool, the Roman-inspired baths and the various restaurants. The garden, in particular, is what makes the Couvent so special. Vegetables, herbs and fruit grow on the old terraces, much of which ends up straight in the kitchen. Bread is baked on the premises, and the cuisine is Mediterranean and closely tied to the region. Strolling through the garden to breakfast in the morning and later walking down into the narrow streets of the old town is exactly the sort of luxury we like. The Couvent isn’t a hotel you book just for a beautiful room. You come for the whole place – and because here, right in the heart of Nice, you can completely switch off for a few days.