VISIT - THE HOTEL DU COUVENT RESURRECTED IN NICE (France)
Opened last June, the Hotel du Couvent is a spectacular triumph. Take a tour of this new luxury setting, where the soul of the place is combined with a remarkable eye for detail. |
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VISIT - THE HOTEL DU COUVENT RESURRECTED IN NICE (France)
Opened last June, the Hotel du Couvent is a spectacular triumph. Take a tour of this new luxury setting, where the soul of the place is combined with a remarkable eye for detail. |
Category: Europe - France - Industry economy
- Hotel opening vRenovation / Addition
Article written by Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine on 2024-08-20
 The outdoor swimming pool is the pinnacle of any visit to the Convent.
Photo credit © Hôtel du Couvent
The effervescence of this seafront extends all the way to the Place Masséna, whose water mirror reflects the bright, sunny colours of the city. This is where Nice reveals its most authentic soul. In the heart of the French Riviera capital, its old city, the city's lungs, invites you to immerse yourself in local life. During the day, the picturesque Cours Saleya market perfumes the air with its Mediterranean charm, while at nightfall, the narrow streets are transformed into a festive scene, where the friendly, vibrant spirit of this exceptional city resonates.
It is here, beneath the Castle hill, and nestled in this precious setting, that Hotel du Couvent has opened its doors after a decade of waiting, and promises a unique experience right in the heart of the City of Angels. Led by Valéry Grégo, founder of the Perseus group, the new jewel in the French Riviera hotel crown can be reached from Place Masséna. After wandering through the typical narrow streets, we enter the discreet entrance porch. The work is spectacular: the soul of the place has been carefully preserved, revived, one might even say, given that it had fallen into disuse. As soon as you enter this new addition to The Luxury Collection, you are transported into the atmosphere of the convent of the Clarisse sisters.A 10-year project and a host of talentsThis adventure is the fruit of a vision shared by Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, who in 2013 initiated the project to transform this former convent into a hotel, and Valéry Grégo and Myriam Kournaf-Lambert, the hotel's general manager, who helped to breathe new life into this historic site, respecting the Clarisse sisters' virtuous commitment and incorporating recycled elements, such as the timber that was turned into a desk.
To create this harmonious whole and fully embrace the soul of the Couvent, Valéry Grégo travelled to convents all over the world, hunting out authentic pieces and carefully studying every work in the field to deliver a Hotel du Couvent that lives up to its history. 10 years later, the art of convents holds no secrets for the owner. Here, the luxury is monastic, but the nobility of the materials, the quality of the services and the range of restaurants remind us that we are indeed in a luxurious property. This luxury is reflected in the choices made when recruiting staff, such as Pierre-Marie Ragon as Hotel Manager. This Meilleur Ouvrier de France Class Maître d'Hôtel, straight from Hotel Martinez in Cannes, will put his vision of excellence to work at the Couvent.
To make this ambitious project a reality, Studio Mumbai, Studio Méditerranée and Louis-Antoine Grégo for the architecture, and Festen for the interior design, have brought together an army of talent. To name but a few, we should mention Yann Gaudin, master wrought-iron craftsman, and some living heritage companies (Entreprises du Patrimoine Vivant) such as Hugues Rambert for the lighting, and Atelier Bidal for some bespoke stone benches and tables.A community spiritVisitors, pilgrims for the duration of their stay, are seduced from the moment they arrive by the preserved authenticity of the premises and by the sweet, intoxicating aroma of traditional pastries and bakery products. Much like a family home, a reception room and adjoining kitchen allow guests to check in, make enquiries to the concierges and sample homemade sweets, such as the succulent lemon madeleines by the hotel's head pastry chef, Florian Gaglio. In this warm and welcoming space, Nicolas Avril, the Clefs d'or concierge chef, who comes from the great Parisian palaces, directs the most curious visitors to the best spots and activities on the French Riviera.
As you step into the Orange-trees courtyard, the beating heart of the hotel, the discovery is complete. In this soothing sanctuary, the atmosphere exudes serenity, and the pleasure of the senses is cultivated. The song of the cicadas accompanies our stroll around the U-shaped structure of the former convent, and the wooden extension created on a former sports field, which now houses the Roman baths and 24 rooms and suites. Every Saturday, the courtyard comes alive in the early hours of the morning and becomes the scene of the Couvent market, a rendezvous with local producers during which visitors can savour the creations of the Couvent bakery. A symbiosis between the hotel and the local community that enriches the guest experience and reinforces the authenticity of the place.A temple to gastronomy and WellnessGastronomy occupies a central place at the Hôtel du Couvent. Head chef Thomas Vetele prepares refined dishes using fresh produce from the Touët-sur-Var farm. The farm also welcomes hotel guests for personalized experiences. In addition to private lunches and dinners concocted on site, 20 privileged guests are offered the opportunity to picnic at the farm, where visits and discovery of the site, coupled with workshops, appeal to young and old alike.
The viennoiseries and artisan breads on offer at the Hôtel du Couvent are the work of a certain Geffrey Marx, whose talent is as obvious as that of his illustrious father. The Couvent's restaurant, the Bistrot des Serruriers, and the Guinguette du jardin, open from April to October, offer various culinary experiences, from the typical Niçoise salad to the catch of the day a la plancha. From the Touët-sur-Var farm, guests can savour the produce as soon as they taste a meal from the convent.
Another original feature of the Hôtel du Couvent is the herbalist's shop, run by local man Grégory Unrein. This dispensary has a collection of 30 aromatic plants and herbs and pays tribute to the historical practices of the place. The pharmacist not only offers customers personalized treatments, infusions and decoctions, but also works alongside the barman to create cocktails and other drinks for the restaurant. In addition to these signature cocktails, visitors can educate their palates by discovering the natural wines, another choice harmonizing with the convent's history. To refresh guests this summer, an ice-cream trolley even made its debut recently in the main courtyard, “Cour des Orangers”.Spearheaded by authenticityWhile the Hotel du Couvent looks like a lively and charming destination in the heart of Nice, the attachment to an atmosphere of serenity is present everywhere, particularly when you enter the buildings dedicated to the rooms. As you enter the former convent, the authenticity of the premises is reflected in every detail, from the original floor tiles to the irregularities of the rough concrete, reminiscent of a Wabi Sabi aesthetic “à la niçoise”. This perfect imperfection gives the place a humility and simplicity that will appeal to lovers of noble materials and contemplation.
The former convent, whose building architecture dates to the 17ᵉ century, houses 38 rooms and suites, including the precious Le Chapitre, 166 m², and Le Séchoir, 82 m², suites. By combining Le Chapitre and two adjoining rooms, guests can enjoy a generous 320 m² suite, ideal for families. The 88 rooms and suites at the Hôtel du Couvent, with an average surface area of 45 m², do not have televisions to encourage rest and disconnection, although they are equipped with discreet technology and ultra-efficient Wi-Fi.
Another special feature of the Hôtel du Couvent is its library, the only place alongside the MAMAC (Nice Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) and the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence to house the documentation of the École de Nice. This serene space is open to the public for consultation on request. Hotel guests can thus meet students consulting these precious works, an exceptional authenticity in a luxury hotel.
Wellness and serenity remain at the heart of the experience offered at Le Couvent. There is no spa here, but rather the 'Roman baths', a wellness centre with a thermal trail that takes you from the warmth of the tepidarium, to the heat of the caldarium, before tasting the coolness of the frigidarium, and ending in the unctuarium, the oil room, where herbalist-prepared anointments work wonders on guests. The wellbeing is also contemplative, as guests walk through the terraced gardens to reach its highest point, which hides a 20-metre swimming corridor with an enchanting view stretching from the roofs of old Nice to the Bay of Angels.
Much more than a hotel, the Hotel du Couvent is a sanctuary of tranquillity, a place to live and socialise, where every detail has been designed to offer an authentic and luxurious experience, far removed from the standards and habits of luxury clientele. An offer that has already won over new loyalists in the City of Angels. Like the young parents we met during our visit. Initially, here for two nights, they had already been here for a fortnight. Who said the Lord's ways were impenetrable?
 the Cour des Orangers unveils every building renovated and created within the Convent, here the reception areas
Photo credit © Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine / Hôtel du Couvent
 The restored arcades of the Convent offer discreet places for guests to relax
Photo credit © Hôtel du Couvent
 From the outside to the inside of the Convent, everything has been designed to favour disconnection and wellness
Photo credit © Hôtel du Couvent
 Here, the spa takes the form of Roman baths
Photo credit © Hôtel du Couvent
 Here, more than anywhere else, the atmosphere is monastic
Photo credit © Hôtel du Couvent
 Every space is dedicated to the well-being of our guests
Photo credit © Hôtel du Couvent
 The Bar du Couvent is one of the most popular spots for travellers and locals alike
Photo credit © Hôtel du Couvent
 Gastronomy plays an important role at the Convent, particularly around the 500-year-old table
Photo credit © Hôtel du Couvent
 In the rooms, there are no televisions, but a sober, authentic decor, coupled with ultra-efficient Wi-Fi
Photo credit © Hôtel du Couvent
 A sobriety also cultivated in the bathrooms of the rooms of the Convent
Photo credit © Hôtel du Couvent
 The courtyard of the Convent is the ideal place for a terrace lunch
Photo credit © Hôtel du Couvent
 The herb shop is one of the Convent's curiosities
Photo credit © Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine / Hôtel du Couvent
 Each piece in Le Couvent has been carefully selected and orchestrated by Valéry Grégo.
Photo credit © Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine / Hôtel du Couvent
 Valéry Grégo has travelled the world's convents to understand and immerse himself in the art of convents
Photo credit © Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine / Hôtel du Couvent
 The terraced gardens are a popular place for walks
Photo credit © Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine / Hôtel du Couvent
 Visitors are most fascinated by the swimming pool and its breathtaking view over the rooftops of Nice and the Bay of Angels.
Photo credit © Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine / Hôtel du Couvent
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