Hotel du Couvent Hotel

Nice, France

Tucked away behind towering walls at the base of the Colline du Chateau in Nice’s Old Town, you’d never know this 17th-century convent turned-hotel was there. That’s exactly what the nuns, who lived here between 1803 and the 1980s, wanted: a refuge away from prying eyes. And a sanctuary it remains, thanks to faithful restoration by hotelier Valéry Grégo. A small square filled with orange trees leads to a central courtyard with shaded cloisters. Here, you’ll find the bakery – follow the scent of warm bread and watch the master bakers at work, using flour milled on the premises. Pick up a loaf or try some in Le Restaurant, where chef Thomas Vitele focuses on simplicity at its finest (no dishes created solely for Instagram here), using local ingredients as much as possible: a meat tart with beetroot and coffee-infused oil sauce; creamy rice pudding with caramel; and possibly the best pain au chocolat in the city.

Also in keeping with tradition is the neighbouring apothecary, run by pharmacist-turned-herbalist Gregory Unrein. Just as the nuns before them, guests can stop by for bespoke herbal remedies, tinctures and teas. While in the main building, hushed hallways lead to minimalist bedrooms with high ceilings, antique wooden furniture and large windows with cheesecloth curtains to ensure ethereal light fills each room.

Outside, tiered gardens are abundant with wild flowers, herbs and vegetables. Wend your way along the path and you’ll reach an idyllic 20m lap pool, where you can take a dip while soaking up sweeping views of the Old Town.

Or grab a pew in the library, watch an outdoor movie screening by the guinguette in the gardens, sip cocktails in the courtyard or browse the Saturday morning farmers’ market. For profound relaxation, visit the hotel’s atmospheric Roman Baths andfinish off with a massage. Heavenly.

Doubles from £330.

Words by Victoria Beardwood.

This article was taken from the July 2025 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.