Aurèle Nicolet was born in Neuchatel, Switzerland. He studied in Zürich with André Jaunet and at the Paris Conservatory with Marcel Moyse. He concluded his studies in 1947 by obtaining a "Premier Prix du Conservatoire". In 1947 he also won the first prize at the international competition in Geneva. For two years, he was solo flute at the Tonhallme Orchestra in Zürich. In 1950, Wilhelm Furwängler called him to Berlin. Aurèle Nicolet played the solo flute with the Berlin Philharmonic until 1959.

From 1953 until 1965, he was professor at the Musikhochschule in Berlin. Until 1981, he directed a master class for flute at the Musikhochschule in Freiburg.

Aurèle Nicolet plays in concert as a soloist as well as a chamber musician in music centers all over the world. There are many records of his performances, including radio and television broadcasts. Several have won distinguished international prizes.