Le Couvent Sainte Claire

See more, feel more, converse more….all while experiencing the luxury of less.

The Early Years

“Le Couvent Sainte Claire” was constructed in 1604 by the Sisters of Clarisses, the 18th century brings the 1st and 2nd major extensions to elevate the 2 wings. The Clarisses leave the couvent in 1819 at the dawn of the French Revolution.

Napoleon authorizes the Visitanders to modify convent to overlook the town and The Noviciat is built, gardens extended, and Le Couvent Sainte Claire becomes Le Couvent de La Visitation.

The Visitatines leave the couvent in the early 1980’s and for 35 years the buildings and gardens are left to ruin.

The Present

21st century, The Couvent becomes L’Hôtel du Couvent , and is fully restored by a Perseus project reinventing hospitality, to ensure not only it’s survival but also the same longevity the Sisters envisioned when designing the Couvent.

As a cultural and social center L’Hôtel du Couvent anchors the neighborhood. Locals shop the markets , fill baskets with vegetables from local farmers, stop for coffee or a meal and stroll the gardens bridging the gap between modern travelers and local neighbors.

Rooms and suites are activated and connected by a vibrant ground floor.

Ovens left by the Sisters offers bake fresh madeleine’s daily.

The Gardens

Conventual garden nurtures vegetables, herbs, medicinal plants.

3,000 species of plants, Isabella “raspberry” grapes, medlars, olive trees, and bitter orange trees few gems that make up this botanical medley.

Tribute to remains of the Roman trail’s thermal baths on the hills in Cimez, Nice are enjoyed at the hotel along with swimming lanes and pond.

The Community

Local commitments, community gardening program, school canteen program, weekly farmers market.