In the heart of Nice’s Old Town, a centuries-old sanctuary has been brought back to life, offering a unique blend of history, luxury, and sustainability. Hôtel du Couvent, a forgotten 17th-century landmark, has been meticulously restored and reimagined for the modern traveller, thanks to the visionary efforts of Valéry Grégo, the founder of Perseus. This extraordinary hotel is more than just a place to stay; it symbolises a new era in hospitality on the French Riviera.
A Landmark Reborn
The story of Hôtel du Couvent is one of rediscovery and revival. Built in 1604 by the Order of Saint Claire and later inhabited by the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, the convent was a place of peace and reflection for nearly four centuries. However, by the early 1980s, the site had fallen into disrepair and was all but forgotten. That is until Valéry Grégo and his team at Perseus embarked on a decade-long journey to restore this historic gem.
Grégo, known for his work on design-led hotels like Les Roches Rouges and La Pigalle, approached the project with a deep respect for the building’s history. Collaborating with renowned firms Studio Mumbai, Studio Méditerranée, and Festen Architecture, Grégo oversaw the delicate restoration of the convent’s four buildings, ensuring that the original architectural features were preserved while integrating modern amenities.
Today, Hôtel du Couvent stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of both the past and present. The hotel boasts 88 rooms and suites, each elegantly furnished with bespoke pieces and period antiques. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Old Town, the terraced gardens, the harbour, or the surrounding hills while immersing themselves in the rich history of the convent.
Experience the rebirth of Hôtel du Couvent, a 17th-century sanctuary in Nice’s Old Town that blends history, luxury, and sustainability.
A Sanctuary in the City
One of the most striking features of Hôtel du Couvent is its 2.5 acres of gardens, hidden from the outside world behind the convent’s ancient walls. These carefully restored and replanted gardens are home to over 300 species of plants, including olive and lemon trees, herbs, and flowers. The air is naturally scented with the fragrance of these plants, creating a serene environment that invites guests to relax, meditate, and reconnect with nature.
The gardens also play a central role in the hotel’s culinary offerings. Hôtel du Couvent’s menus are crafted using produce sourced from the hotel’s farm in nearby Touët-sur-Var and the gardens themselves. This hyper-local approach ensures that each dish is fresh and flavorful and reflects the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
“Having our own farm also means making a commitment to the living world,” says Valéry Grégo. “Understanding our products, protecting the soil, preserving local savoir-faire, and creating seasonal menus are all part of that commitment.”
Guests can enjoy these thoughtfully prepared dishes in the cloister restaurant, which occupies the convent’s original refectory, or in the more casual Guinguette café and the bistro on Rue des Serruriers. Highlights include raw amberjack, Barbajuans de la Roya—a regional specialty of fritters stuffed with Swiss chard, rice, and ricotta—pistou gnocchi, and lemon tart. Freshly baked bread is available daily from the on-site bakery, which uses flour milled on-site in keeping with conventional tradition.
Reviving Ancient Traditions
In addition to its culinary offerings, Hôtel du Couvent is dedicated to reviving the ancient traditions of herbalism and wellness. The convent’s centuries-old herbalist shop has been brought back to life, with local herbalist Gregory Unrein from Nice Organic leading the charge. Guests can receive personalized advice and custom-made remedies, including teas, tisanes, and tinctures made from herbs grown in the garden. These herbs are also used in the hotel’s kitchen and bar, ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience is infused with the essence of the land.
Wellness is further emphasized in Hôtel du Couvent’s Roman-inspired thermal baths, which draw on ancient bathing traditions to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Upon arrival, guests are encouraged to follow a bathing ritual that begins with the warm tepidarium, progresses to the hot caldarium, and concludes with a refreshing plunge in the frigidarium. This sequence is designed to cleanse the body and mind, revitalising guests.
The wellness centre also features an indoor swimming pool, a relaxation pool, and a movement studio dedicated to exercise, dance, and movement. Outside, guests can dip in the 20-meter lap pool or the adjacent plunge pool, both of which offer stunning views of the Mediterranean. For those seeking a truly holistic experience, the hotel provides a range of personalized treatments, including massages using essential oils selected by the resident herbalist and facial treatments utilizing natural products from carefully curated brands.
A Deeper Connection to Nice
Hôtel du Couvent is not just a place to stay; it’s a gateway to Nice’s rich cultural heritage. The on-site library is dedicated to “L’École de Nice,” an artistic movement that emerged in the city in the late 1950s and gained international recognition. The library houses an official archive of everything published on the movement, allowing guests to delve deeper into the region’s history and culture.
The library also serves as a hub for collaborations with local art schools, conferences, and workshops, fostering a sense of community and connection between the hotel’s guests and the residents of Nice. This commitment to culture and community is reflected in the hotel’s Saturday morning market, where guests and locals can purchase fresh produce from local farmers and producers.
A New Era of Hospitality
With its meticulous restoration, commitment to sustainability, and focus on community and culture, Hôtel du Couvent represents a new era of hospitality on the French Riviera. Valéry Grégo’s vision of a hotel that provides luxury and comfort and inspires and engages its guests has been fully realized in this 17th-century sanctuary.
“Today, people travel everywhere, work anywhere. They form communities wherever they are, looking for ways to live, work, and travel,” Grégo explains. “They also want to share and engage more. They want more inspiration and wonder, but at the same time, they are mindful of their impact on the world. I believe that hotels need to help us travel better and create wonder.”
Hôtel du Couvent offers a place where guests can find peace, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the world around them. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat, a culinary adventure, or a journey into the rich cultural history of Nice, Hôtel du Couvent is the perfect destination.
Hôtel du Couvent is more than just a hotel; it’s a living, breathing part of Nice’s history, thoughtfully reimagined for the 21st century. With its stunning architecture, lush gardens, and commitment to sustainability and community, this 17th-century sanctuary offers an unparalleled experience on the French Riviera. Valéry Grégo has shown that the past and present coexist harmoniously, creating a new standard for luxury hospitality that honours tradition and innovation.
Written by: Octavia Koo
