Hôtel du Couvent is the kind of place you stumble upon and instantly want to keep to yourself. Opened in 2024 after 10 years of restoration, this former convent has been transformed into a stylish hideaway that feels both historic and new. Step through the courtyard and you’re in a world of calm, yet Nice’s markets, cafés and beach are only minutes away. It’s the perfect mix of seclusion and connection – a base for exploring the Riviera while enjoying a quiet escape from it.
Hôtel du Couvent’s history is central to what makes the hotel distinctive. Built in 1604 by the Order of Saint Claire, and home to the Visitation nuns until the 1980s, the convent was constructed by hand, using materials salvaged from a neighboring château. After decades of abandonment, the landmark was rescued by hotelier Valéry Grégo and his brother Louis-Antoine. With the support of Perseus Group and the creative input of Studio Mumbai, Studio Méditerranée and Festen Architecture, the convent has been reborn.
Across its 88 rooms and 18 suites, the hotel offers interiors that are sophisticated and deeply connected to the character of the convent. Some occupy the original cells, where simple proportions create a contemplative atmosphere, while the suites bring a heightened sense of individuality. Several feature full kitchens with the option of a private chef and butlers – ideal for extended stays or families. The Garden Suite, for example, has its own private garden and outdoor shower, while the Cloister Terrace Suite opens onto a sundeck overlooking the courtyard of orange trees.
The interiors, curated by Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay, feel elegant and full of thoughtful details. I loved how the original features have been paired with bespoke furniture and antiques collected from Italian markets, with natural-toned linens and textiles adding warmth. Small paintings add a subtle nod to the convent’s traditions, and the electrical fittings are cleverly tucked around the door frames, leaving the historic fabric undisturbed. In fact, every detail felt considered: fresh flowers, branded pocket-size toiletries, and a minibar stocked with just the right essentials.
Food is taken seriously but never feels fussy. Breakfast sets the tone with eggs from the hotel’s own farm, handmade bread from the convent’s bakery and fresh juices. Lunch at La Guinguette is relaxed and seasonal – think fritters stuffed with chard and ricotta or a grilled catch of the day, best enjoyed in the garden.
Come evening, the courtyard restaurant shifts into something fancier. Chef Thomas Vitele constructs the menu around whatever Avit, the farmer at Nôtre Dame, delivers that morning. Expect plates like pea tart, sea bass with artichokes or grilled lamb, all paired with an excellent wine list. And while the cellar holds 3,500 bottles, nothing quite rivals starting the night with the hotel’s twist on a negroni.
The spa is also standout. I was immediately drawn to the Roman baths, where tepidarium, caldarium and frigidarium pools offer a restorative ritual. Treatments are also available, and after my massage, I was offered a cup of warm tea and a homemade biscuit – an unexpectedly lovely touch. There’s also a movement studio tucked alongside the spa, ideal for yoga or gentle workouts – making it easy to maintain an active routine while on holiday.
Outside, 2.5 acres of gardens offer plenty of space to relax, including a 20-metre pool overlooking the Mediterranean and a small plunge pool beside the Guinguette café. Between the spa treatments, movement sessions and serene surroundings, I felt fully refreshed – this is a place that truly embodies holistic well-being.
In fact, there is a whole life to be discovered within the grounds of Hôtel du Couvent. In the heart of the former convent, the centuries-old herbalist shop – once run by the nuns – has been revived by local herbalist Gregory Unrein, offering bespoke remedies and artisanal teas. This celebration of tradition and local craft continues each Saturday, when the courtyard transforms into a lively farmers market. Here, guests can wander among stalls of fresh produce and regional specialties, experiencing the tastes of Nice without ever leaving the hotel.
What stayed with me most about Hôtel du Couvent is how complete it feels as an experience. The history, the gardens, the seasonal food, the chic rooms – each element feels considered, yet nothing feels overworked. For a property set in the middle of Nice’s old town, the mix of seclusion and understated luxury is rare, and is exactly what makes Hôtel du Couvent stand out.
Rates from €330 per night (approx. £300, room only); hotelducouvent.com
Scarlet Bailey Tait is based in London and specialises in writing about travel and culture
