About Your Stay
A Taste of Life on the French Riviera

Leisure Time
Creative workshops take place in the mornings from 8:30am till 12:30pm allowing participants afternoons and evenings free to experience the sensations of France’s southern coast. Half-day optional visits are available for those who want to optimize their time while here. Participants are also encouraged to discover the captivating nuances of the coast on their own. The French Riviera is very tourist-friendly and provides excellent facilities in English.
 

Nice, France
The City of Nice, home to Esprit Seminars, is in the heart of the French Riviera. Many consider it to be a paradise on earth with its temperate climate, enchanting coastline, and many leisure options. Once a makeshift shelter for Greek sailors, Nice has become a mecca for visitors around the world. Whether strolling through the narrow and animated streets of the Old Town, or sipping the local rosé wine as the sun sets on the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels), the color-drenched coast stirs unique emotions in everyone.

Surrounding Areas
Within 30 minutes to 1 hour from Nice, the neighboring jewels of the Cote d’Azur (Blue Coast) can be reached: Antibes with its ancient ramparts and yacht-speckled harbor, Monaco the fairytale Principality where American actress Grace Kelly became a princess, and innumerable medieval villages perched on hilltops. Further down the coast past Monaco, lies the Italian Riviera, offering its version of the “good life”.

For those of you who want to experience the solace and energy of the Mediterranean, footpaths hug rugged coastlines where one can take leisurely or energetic walks and get lost in the moment.

People
Nice has a population of approximately 350,000 people, representing an international mix of French, Italians and other Europeans who have made this coast their home. People are generally relaxed, compared to their compatriots in big cities, and never take for granted the quality of life and beauty of their surroundings. The French Riviera inhabitants boast one of the highest life expectancies in the world.

Cuisine
The Niçois (natives of Nice) thrive on the Mediterranean diet. Many sumptuous dishes that permeate the area share recipes in common with their Italian neighbors. The cuisine of the Riviera combines the best of both lands offering refined taste experiences.

Climate
With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Nice and the surrounding areas offer a typical Mediterranean climate of mild winters and warm but breezy summers.

Traveling Alone?
We warmly welcome women traveling alone. We would like to reassure you that you will feel anything but “alone” when you get here. Apart from the morning workshops and the afternoon optional tours, you will find yourself enjoying meals and other activities with us and other workshop participants. For those of you who prefer some down-time, you will feel very comfortable strolling through the city and taking walks along the Mediterranean on your own. The Hotel Vendome was chosen for the Esprit Seminar participants since it is privately owned and provides a warm family atmosphere. The manager Jérémy and his staff all speak perfect English and look forward to making you feel at home. In addition, the Nice airport is small, very modern, and user-friendly. It is approximately a 20 minute taxi ride to the hotel. Taxi drivers speak English too. Please feel free to contact us for any questions.

Hotel Vendome
Workshops are held at the Hotel Vendome, a charming Belle Époque hotel in the center of Nice.
Single and double occupancy available with special rates for Esprit Seminar participants.
www.hotel-vendome-nice.com
Schedule/Rates

Getting there
Nice has a modern international airport connected to major cities around the world with direct flights from N.Y. daily. The airport is located 20 minutes from the center of Nice.

Personal welcome
The Esprit team in Nice look forward to making your stay a rewarding experience.