Laurent’s family welcomes guests traveling the French Riviera into their home to learn to cook fresh local Niçois dishes. They then dine together on the terrace with a beautiful view.
Laurent, along with his wife and daughter, have been hosting on Eatwith since 2016. Their experiences, particularly the Mediterranean Cooking Class & Dinner with a View of Nice, are extremely popular, and often sell out.
What do guests enjoy so much? Laurent and his family are extremely passionate about the French Riviera and enjoying making others feel welcome in their home, building connections at the table.
Nostalgic Childhood Food Memories in Nice, French Riviera
When asked what inspired them to start hosting, Laurent reminisced about the days his grandmother and mother would cook for him as a child.
The women would make a feast of local Niçoise dishes for the family Sunday lunch–rabbit stew cooking on the stove and the smell of rosemary, thyme, and warm wine mixed with tomatoes from the garden would fill the kitchen.
While Laurent's other grandmother also instilled in him a deep love for Corsican cuisine, from the village of Pietracorbara, local Niçoise food was a staple in their household. They enjoyed dishes like daube served with homemade ravioli, pissaladière, tripe, and stockfish, among others. Their meals were followed by lively discussions around a game of belote (a card game).
"I remember these times fondly, and my greatest pleasure has always been to recreate these experiences for visitors in Nice, showing them that the gastronomy of the Côte d'Azur goes well beyond four-star restaurants."
Local French Hospitality: Eatwith Dining in Your Host’s French Riviera Home
Like many Eatwith hosts, Laurent and his family have had the opportunity to meet hundreds of guests from all corners of the world, eager to learn local French recipes that they could recreate at home. They love inviting others into their home, interacting with their guests, and sharing valuable information for their stay in Nice and its surroundings.
“Sharing a meal outdoors, to a background of chirping cicadas, and seeing all these people, who did not know each other an hour before, exchanging, laughing, and having a good time is one of the most enriching aspects of hosting.”
We know too well that it can at first feel uncomfortable hosting new people in your home, but Laurent says that “establishing trust” with guests straight away is the most important thing so they, and you, immediately feel at ease. This also helps with the flow of the event. “Hospitality takes on its full meaning when you pay attention to your guests without treating them differently and by being yourself.” You will find it easier to connect with your guests if you are yourself!
Best Things to do in Nice this Summer
Are you planning a summer trip to Nice? These top hosts recommend grabbing the one and only le pan bagnat sandwich at the famous Tintin in the Libération neighborhood. Then head to Coco Beach near the Port of Nice, the meeting place for true Niçois locals, to relax. Laurent and his family love to go here, and alternate between swimming and meditating to the sound of the waves. Le Plongeoir is the perfect place to admire the sunset with a Pastis or a Spritz.
The old town and local beaches can get quite crowded so, if you have time, it’s worth exploring the Gorges du Cians and other beautiful natural sites a bit further inland. There are numerous villages along the way where you can stop for lunch.
At Laurent’s immersive culinary experience Mediterranean Cooking Class & Dinner with a View of Nice you’ll get a taste of local Niçoise cuisine and some of their favorite Mediterranean dishes. Guests dine on his redesigned bohemian-style terrace. In this beautiful setting, you learn how to make Niçoise stuffed vegetables les farcis Niçois with fresh garden produce (from July).
To embrace the summer season, Laurent decorates guests' plates with vine or bay leaves, and the outdoor table with lemons, sprigs of lavender, rosemary, or eucalyptus leaves, all from the garden.
This attention to detail does not go unnoticed and guests often comment on it. Check out some reviews below:
"Cooking with some ingredients right from their yard, the lovely view from their terrace, their hospitality....all were great! The food...DELICIOUS! And Marie was so kind to remember that we were visiting Nice to celebrate our daughter's birthday, and she put candles in her dessert and sang…" - Kerri
"The food was nice with the fresh picked vegetables from the garden. They surprised us with a birthday cake!" - Bo
"They welcome you to their beautiful home overlooking the hills of Nice. The house and the view is amazing. We all had a blast making pasta together and then enjoying wine and food together on their terrace. A truly special experience!" - Olivia
Laurent's Ultimate Guide: 3 Top Tips for Your Trip to Nice
- Wander through the antiques market on Monday at Cours Saleya in Old Nice. "This magical place is like no other; it's gigantic. Old, completely eclectic objects, vintage posters, refined tableware... a feast for the eyes. Enjoy a meal in one of the more shaded alleyways."
- Explore the Libération market (every day except Monday) with a Niçois lunch near the Gare du Sud. This market has retained its authenticity with its must-see shopping arcade.
- Have a drink after a day at the beach on one of the countless rooftop terraces. "It's so pleasant, often with some live music, DJs or other entertainment, making it perfect to enjoy a warm summer evening in cooler air!"
Make sure to book your seat at Laurent's experience in advance to guarantee your spot!
