The glamorous coastline of the Cote d’Azur is an attractive home for events in such well known destinations as Cannes, Nice and Monaco. Only a short flight from the UK to two of France’s largest airports, Nice and Marseilles, this area with its wealth of venues and attractions is ideally placed in Europe for meetings, congresses and exhibitions.
Choose from three fabulous destinations in this area…
- Monaco is well known for its casinos, yacht lined harbor and Grand Prix circuit.
- Nice, sitting on the shores of the Baie des Anges was a popular retreat for the 19th-century European elite and has long attracted artists such as Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall.
- Cannes is famous for the international film festival held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the Allée des Stars or walk of fame, and the Boulevard de la Croisette, with its beaches, upmarket shopping and extravagant hotels.
Exploring the South of France
By Air: Nice international Airport is one of France’s largest airports. It is ideally located to access Nice itself as well as Cannes and Monaco which can be reached relatively easily and by a variety of methods, including helicopter.
By train: The TGV system is the best way to get into the region from elsewhere in France. There is a local rail network connecting many of the towns in this region. And if you travel from the UK, Eurostar is a fantastic option to avoid the airport hassle.
By bike: Make the most of the south coast sunshine. Hire a bike for a few hours for a great team building event, searching for landmarks or going on a treasure hunt!
On foot: With many hot-spots in close proximity to each other, walking is a popular way to get around the region; or why not stop for a coffee and soak up the atmosphere at one of the local cafes.
By car: Delegates can escape the hustle and bustle, by hiring a car for a drive up to the mountains to take in the beautiful views of the coastline.
Conference Centres
Monaco
With more than 30,000 square feet of meeting space, the Fairmont Monte Carlo is a fabulous and iconic venue which has 18 flexible state of the art function rooms, including one of the largest ballrooms in the French Riviera, catering from 10 to 900 people. Meetings can be tailored to sustainably and positively impact the community.
Nice
Just 15 minutes from the airport in downtown Nice, close to the market area and never too far from the sea, this venue has 5 auditoriums to seat up to 2,500, 50 meeting rooms with up to 800 seats and a 26,000 sqm exhibition hall. This is great for large events and there is plenty to do for your partner if they accompany you
Cannes
Home of the Cannes Film Festival, the Cannes Palais des Festivals et des Congrès sits on the old port of Cannes, with its star lined boulevard, and hosts over 300,000 congress delegates each year. With a variety of auditoriums, reception rooms and break-out rooms along with 35,000 sq. m of exhibition space, the Palais offers tailor made events for 500 to 30,000. It is opposite the Croisette with all the most beautiful shops in the world and just one street away is the Rue d’Antibes with its multitude of shops leading to the old town of Cannes and all its restaurants
Hotels
Monaco
This four star luxury convention resort is centrally located between the sea and the famous Casino. It boasts 602 guest rooms and a variety of facilities including 18 meeting rooms, 3 restaurants and a rooftop pool with stunning views of the coastline.
Set beside Port Hercule in Monte-Carlo, this boutique hotel offeris panoramic views of the port and the Circuit de Monaco. Just 200 yards to the station, 450 yards from Monte-Carlo Casino and less than a mile to the beach.
Nice
This majestic hotel first opened in 1913.It is still one of the only family owned and run hotels left on the south coast and the service here is second to none. Blending Napoleon III style décor with the 21st century facilities, 9 rooms and lounges are available for meetings and events, including the refurbished Baie des Anges salon overlooking the sea.
This hotel is located just 8 kilometers from the Acropolis Convention and Exhibition Centre and 5 minutes from Nice Airport. A complimentary shuttle is available on request from 6 AM until 11 PM. 8 renovated meeting spaces can accommodate up to 220 delegates, who can take advantage of the beautiful restaurant and stunning pool area before and after meetings
Cannes
Many of Cannes’ finest hotels are located on the prestigious Boulevard de la Croisette, benefitting from views of the Mediterranean and close to the Palais des Festivals.
This glamorous venue, featured in many movies including Bond, can host up to 1000 guests across eight flexible rooms, including Le Grand Salon, an extravagant ballroom with gold and marble decor, ornate ceilings and chandeliers, catering for 450. Smaller rooms are available for intimate gatherings and dinners
This luxury 5 star hotel boasts 2,500 square metres of conference space with 15 versatile meeting and event venues capable of holding 50 to1000 delegates. With a Spa, 2 star Michelin restaurant and a large private beach, events of any size or style can be catered for.
Just opposite the Palais de Festival and opened in 1926 and with Art Deco design, Le Majestic’s 17 fully equipped meeting rooms can cater from 10 to 1000. Only 5 minutes from the train station, a spa and private beach as well as water sports, golf and tennis add to its allure.
For something a little different the private beach at Le Majestic can accommodate up to 1,350 people, including 650 seats and the Restaurant La Plage can be partially or entirely reserved for private use.
Delegate Hot Spots
Monaco
- Cafe de Paris
The stunning Terrace at Café de Paris Monte-Carlo immerses you in the authentic atmosphere of a Parisian bistro. It is one of the places from which to watch the Monaco Grand Prix. Discreet and private, this fabulous outside space offers you year-round dining. This space can also be booked for groups of up to 100 people (maximum).
Nice
- Le Meridien
Set on the Promenade des Anglais, this beautiful hotel benefits from a prime position on the beach.
The rooftop terrace restaurant has unbeatable panoramic sea views. There is also a fabulous rooftop swimming pool, as well as meeting rooms for up to 600 delegates.
- Promenade des Anglais
The 4km long Promenade des Anglais along the Baie des Anges in Nice is named after the visiting English aristocracy who paid for it in 1822. It is home to various landmark historic hotels and impressive sculptures, as well as bars, restaurants and its famous blue and white beach chairs. If walking is too much effort you can hire skates, scooters, bikes or segways to cruise the full length.
- St Paul de Vence
Set back from the coast St. Paul is a beautiful medieval fortified village with ancient ramparts and historical houses. It is said that Picasso was inspired by this area! Art galleries, tourist shops and café’s abound and the Russian born painter Mark Chagall is buried in the Saint Paul-de-Vence cemetery.
Cannes
- Le Fouquet’s
Le Fouquet’s is a traditional French brewery, perfect for meetings, all-day dining and authentic cuisine. Why not stay into the evening to sample the range of local beers! This beautiful restaurant with a private terrace is located in the heart of the Hotel Majestic.
- Boulevard de la Croisette
The Boulevard de la Croisette, with its wide pedestrian walkway is over three kilometres long. It’s a great place for a stroll while admiring the luxury shops and 5 star hotels, or to sit under the shade of a palm tree and enjoy a spot of car or people watching! There are a variety of bars, restaurants and beach clubs and in the summer numerous free events and activities take place.
Other places to visit in Cannes include Foville market, the harbour with its yachts and cruise ships and the Iles de Lerins, which is a short ferry ride across the bay.
For help with conferences, meetings and events in the South of France please contact Bien Venue on 01625 877776 or email us at sales@bvevents.co.uk