Winter stay in the Pre-Alps: charm and tranquility
- Cedric KTORZA
- Nov 19
- 7 min read
A winter getaway in the Prealps offers charm and tranquility: head for a soothing escape between sea and mountains. Just a stone's throw from Grasse, Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey offers a luminous setting, unspoiled landscapes, and a slower pace of life in winter. An ideal base, Le Relais Impérial combines comfort, gastronomy, and authenticity for a rejuvenating break, whether you're traveling as a couple, with friends, family, or for a special event.
In short
A haven of peace between the French Riviera and the Prealps of the French Riviera, with easy access via the Route Napoléon.
A charming hotel with cozy rooms, a bistro-style restaurant and a wood-fired pizzeria.
Mild winter ideal for walks, museums in Grasse and snow outings nearby.
Practical tips and itinerary ideas for a stress-free stay.
Easy direct booking and modular spaces for your events.
Why choose the Pre-Alps in winter?
A soothing landscape between sea and mountains
Winter in the Prealps of the French Riviera is all about the soft light, less frequented trails, and perched villages that reveal themselves at a different pace. In Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, you can enjoy a preserved natural environment in the heart of the Prealps of the French Riviera Regional Natural Park, established in 2012, which works to protect the landscapes and local traditions. To plan your walks, discover the area and its best practices on the official website of the Prealps of the French Riviera Regional Natural Park.
Mild weather and winter lights
The Grasse hinterland enjoys a contrasting and sunny climate during the colder months: often clear days, moderate temperature variations compared to the higher Alpine ranges, and occasional snowfall in the higher elevations. To plan your activities and clothing accordingly, consult the regional weather trends and averages on the Météo-France – Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur website . Local tip: opt for early morning departures to take advantage of the best light and drier air.
A legendary and accessible Napoleon Route
Linking Golfe-Juan to Grenoble, the Route Napoléon (N85) passes through Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey and offers stunning views in winter. Beyond its historical significance, it's a convenient route for exploring Grasse, the gorges, the plateaus, and family-friendly resorts. Plan your itinerary and identify key stops on the official Route Napoléon website.
The Imperial Relais, your warm base
Cozy rooms and views of the hills
A charming address nestled between the sea and the mountains, Le Relais Impérial offers 28 elegantly decorated rooms, divided into several categories to suit every type of traveler. Some rooms feature a terrace with views of the Grasse hills, while others boast a bathtub, perfect for relaxing after a winter hike. Explore the options and find your perfect haven among the rooms at Le Relais Impérial .
Table pleasures, from bistro to flame
After a day in the great outdoors, it's time to indulge. The bistro-style restaurant showcases local produce in the spirit of French cuisine, while the wood-fired pizzeria delights with pizzas and grilled meats. Depending on the weather, you can dine inside or on the terrace to enjoy a coffee in the winter sunshine. For more information on facilities and amenities, please see the services and facilities page.
Attentive welcome and family history
People come here as much for the setting as for the welcome. Marion and Alice cultivate a warm, attentive, and simple hospitality, true to the spirit of this house located in the heart of the Grasse region. To better understand the identity of the place and its local roots, discover the family's history .
A successful winter break is about time for yourself, a good dinner, a deep sleep, and the joy of waking up to the view of the hills.
What to do in the area during winter?
Easy walks and hikes
The trails around Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey offer routes of 1 to 3 hours, ideal in winter for a breath of fresh air without overexertion. Aim for the plateaus and ridges with their unobstructed views, ideally on clear days. The wide tracks and marked loops of the Regional Natural Park are perfect for a warm-up. Tip: bringing hiking poles and a windproof layer is often all you need to enjoy your outings.
Snow and gentle activities nearby
Looking for snow without the hustle and bustle of the big resorts? The nearby mountains offer snowshoeing, family sledding, and winter walks, depending on snow conditions. For an accessible mountain atmosphere and panoramic views of the Mediterranean on a clear day, head to the family-friendly resorts of the Prealps of the French Riviera, such as Gréolières-les-Neiges. Check the condition of the slopes and access in advance via the official channels of the Gréolières municipality.
Perfumes, museums and crafts in Grasse
The world capital of perfume, Grasse, is just 15 minutes away. A must-see in winter: the International Perfume Museum, an engaging journey through raw materials, history, and techniques. It's the perfect getaway on cooler days, before a hot chocolate back at the hotel. Practical information, temporary exhibitions, and tickets are available on the International Perfume Museum (MIP) website.
Hilltop villages and panoramic views
Cabris, Gourdon, Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne… In winter, these hilltop villages offer quiet alleyways, artisan workshops, and spectacular viewpoints. Take advantage of the soft, low light for your photos, then return to the Relais Impérial to warm up. The website of the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park offers advice and suggested itineraries for exploring the area's heritage and natural beauty.
Ideas for winter activities around the Relais Impérial
Activity | Or | Indicative duration. | For whom | Useful link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Scenic stroll | Around Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey | 1–2 h | Couples, families | PNR Préalpes d'Azur |
Museum Day | Grasse | 2–4 h | Curious, culture enthusiasts | |
Coffee on the sunny terrace | The Imperial Relay | 30–60 min | All | |
Snowshoes depending on snow conditions | Towards Gréolières-les-Neiges | 2–3 h | Nature lovers | |
Route Napoléon photo-stop | N85, viewpoints | half day | Photographers, history enthusiasts | |
A cozy evening by the fire | Pizzeria at the Imperial Relais | 1–2 h | Groups, families |
Practical tips for a peaceful getaway
When to come and what to bring
From December to March, opt for weeks outside of school holidays for an even more peaceful atmosphere and smoother roads. Pack modular layers (technical t-shirt, fleece, windbreaker), hiking boots with good tread, and a headlamp if you'll be hiking in the late afternoon. Check the weather forecasts and trends on Météo-France – PACA and adjust your gear (gloves, hat, microspikes) according to the day's temperature and humidity.
Stress-free access and mobility
By car, the N85 (Route Napoléon) provides direct access to Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey. If you are travelling without a car, plan your journeys from Grasse using the ZOU! Région Sud regional transport network, which offers bus services depending on the season and day. Since winter days are shorter, make the most of your outings by combining visits and walks in the same area.
Book at the right time
Winter is the perfect time for cozy getaways and themed weekends (gastronomy, nature, culture). To take advantage of the best availability, book directly on the Relais Impérial booking platform . You can also browse the services and choose the room that suits you best from the available categories .
Organizing a winter event
Seminars, small weddings, celebrations
The winter season is perfect for intimate events: business meetings, birthdays, small ceremonies. The Relais Impérial offers adaptable spaces and personalized support to create an experience that reflects your vision. Present your project and explore the possible configurations on the dedicated events page. For inspiration, consider the winter light and the golden hourly periods of late afternoon for your photos.
FAQ – Preparing for your winter stay in the Pre-Alps
What is the best time to enjoy peace and quiet in winter?
Outside of school holidays (January, early February, March), you'll find a particularly peaceful pace: less crowded trails, smooth roads, and more accessible museums. Mornings offer ideal light for photography and hiking. Simply check the weather forecast the day before to adjust your clothing accordingly. A good tip: combine a short walk in the morning with a cultural visit in the afternoon, followed by a convivial dinner at the Relais Impérial.
Can you see snow near Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey without skiing?
Yes, depending on conditions, the surrounding mountains may get a dusting of snow. Family-friendly resorts in the Prealps of the French Riviera, such as Gréolières-les-Neiges, offer a gentle introduction to snow: snowshoeing, sledding with the children, and winter walks. Check access conditions and snow cover via official channels, and equip yourself with appropriate footwear, gloves, and a hat to enjoy yourself with peace of mind.
What activities are recommended if the weather really gets colder?
Opt for a morning at the International Perfume Museum in Grasse, exploring artisan workshops in hilltop villages, or enjoying a comforting lunch at the Relais Impérial's bistronomic restaurant. In the afternoon, a short stroll in the sunshine is all it takes to stretch your legs before a delicious break. In the evening, the wood-fired pizzeria extends the warm atmosphere.
How to get here without a car and get around locally?
From Grasse, regional buses serve Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey depending on the time of year and day of the week. Check the schedules and routes on the ZOU! Région Sud network website. Upon arrival, consider hiking loops starting from the village and group visits within the same area to make the most of your time. Ask at the hotel for suggestions of accessible routes.
Where to stay to combine nature, gastronomy and comfort in winter?
A charming hotel-restaurant like Le Relais Impérial perfectly fulfills this desire: cozy rooms, creative French cuisine, a wood-fired pizzeria, and an ideal location between Grasse and the Prealps. To plan your getaway, browse the official Le Relais Impérial website and check availability in just a few clicks via direct booking .
Key points to remember
Strategic location on the Route Napoléon, between sea and mountains.
A bright winter, ideal for walks, museums and hilltop villages.
Cozy rooms, bistronomic restaurant and wood-fired pizzeria.
A warm welcome and an authentic family history.
Also ideal for a small winter event.
Book directly for more flexibility and choice.
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle and experience winter in a different way? Discover the Relais Impérial , explore the rooms and book your peaceful getaway whenever you like.
