Hôtel du Couvent | Festen

Tucked away on 10,000 square metres of greenery in the heights of Nice’s Old Town, just a few minutes’ walk from the seashore, Hôtel du Couvent is a place of quiet reflection. As suggested by its name, the hotel was a 17th-century convent. It has been restored with care to its original essence, at the initiative of Valéry Grégo and with the support of Festen Architecture – using natural materials and no pastiche. The establishment celebrates the rituals of a monastic life that no longer exists, with the restaurant occupying the old refectory, and with the bakery and herbal pharmacy returned to their original locations. In this way, the hotel cultivates an uncommon atmosphere, albeit with no explicit mention of religion, that is conducive to tranquillity and well-being. Anyone looking for authenticity has only to step through the gates to the grounds. From there to the pool, they will find themselves in a discreet, preserved and seemingly unalterable environment.