Throughout the year, the French Riviera hosts various events and activities. Here you will find the guide we have created, aiming to be as comprehensive as possible. Check our news here for more events and activities not to be missed.
SPRING
Nice International Half Marathon
April
Allianz Riviera Stadium, Nice
An annual half marathon that takes place around the new stadium in Nice.
Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters
April/May
Monte-Carlo Country Club, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
This tennis tournament kicks off the season and takes place on clay courts against a Mediterranean backdrop. A key event in the European tennis calendar.
Cannes International Film Festival
May
Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes
Every year, Cannes hosts one of the most prestigious film festivals. The festival began in 1946 and brings together stars and new talents from around the world. For two weeks, the city is in the spotlight, offering numerous opportunities for encounters.
Monaco Grand Prix
May
Monaco
Since its inception in 1929, the Grand Prix has been the event of the year in Monaco. The race, held on city streets, is unique and attracts visitors to witness one of the most spectacular races in the automotive world.
The Night of Museums
May
Throughout France
For one night a year, museums open their doors for free, allowing you to discover their most famous works.
La Fête des Mais
May
Cimiez Arena Gardens, Nice
This traditional event of Nice culture spans every Sunday of the month in the beautiful Cimiez Arena Gardens. You will have the opportunity to discover all the riches of Nice traditions in a magnificent setting, with music, traditional dances, local cuisine, and games for children, making it a family day out.
SUMMER
Fête de la Musique
June 21
Throughout France
This music festival, created by former Minister of Culture Jack Lang, takes place across France. Music, dance, and a great atmosphere in the streets, bars, and restaurants!
Iron Man Nice
June/July
Promenade des Anglais, Nice
The competition takes place annually on the famous Promenade des Anglais. Participants must swim 3.8 km, cycle 180 km, and run a marathon of 42 km. Only for the most enduring...
Nice Jazz Festival
July
Théâtre de Verdure, Place Masséna, Nice
In 1949, Nice organized its first jazz festival. For years, the city has hosted the most famous jazz musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis, among many others!
Jazz à Juan
July
Juan-les-Pins
Another famous jazz festival, Jazz à Juan, takes place by the sea. Boulevard Edouard Baudoin is marked with the handprints of the stars who have performed there.
Monaco International Pyromelodic Fireworks Competition
July and August
Port Hercule, Monaco
Since 1966, this colorful, form, and music-filled show has been held in Monaco. You can watch it from many viewpoints, and it's free!
Lavender and Sunflower Fields
June to August
You can enjoy the lavender and sunflower fields from June to August in several places in Provence, but our favorite spots are around Grasse, the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park, and the Valensole Plateau in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The best way to see them is by car or motorcycle, stopping to take photos and perhaps a picnic.
La Prom’ Party
July and August
From Hotel Negresco to Avenue des Phocéens, Nice
A free concert blending pop, rock, jazz, blues, and world music. On this occasion, the Promenade transforms into a large-scale dance floor, ensuring a festive atmosphere.
Fête du Port
Early September
Port Lympia, Nice
Annual Nice festivities held at the Port of Nice. On this occasion, you can enjoy traditional music, exquisite cuisine by the city's best chefs, and a closing fireworks display.
AUTUMN
Monte Carlo Yacht Show
End of September
Port Hercule, Monaco
This world-renowned event takes place over four days and welcomes 30,000 visitors per year. Here, you can meet all the professionals in the field and admire over a hundred superyachts showcased for the occasion. An informative and extraordinary day.
Cannes Royal Regatta
End of September
Bay of Cannes
A week of classic yacht races held in the Bay of Cannes. If you love yachts, you can register to participate; otherwise, as a spectator, the show is guaranteed.
Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes
November
Nice - Cannes
An annual marathon by the sea, starting on the Promenade des Anglais and finishing on the Croisette in Cannes. Is there a better setting for a foot race!
C’est pas Classique
November
Palais Acropolis, Nice
A weekend of classical music for everyone.
WINTER
Christmas Village
December to January
Place Masséna, Nice
A village is set up for the Christmas period, bringing Place Masséna to life. You will find shops, food, drinks, a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, and Santa's grotto.
Prom Classic
January
Promenade des Anglais, Nice
A 10km race on the Promenade.
New Year
Along the coast
Fireworks take place in every major city, and festivities are held all along the coast.
Nice Carnival
February
Nice
One of the largest carnivals in the world is celebrated every year in the heart of the city. For two weeks in February, the streets fill with floats of large paper-mâché characters created each year for the carnival. Flower and costume parades take place day and night, an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Lemon Festival
February/March
Menton
Since 1934, the Lemon Festival has been held in Menton. The city transforms into an exhibition of decorations, floats, and parades centered around citrus fruits. 145 tons of oranges and lemons are used each year!
Skiing
December to April
Various locations
It's not just beaches and cocktails on the French Riviera! During the winter months, you can head to ski resorts just an hour and a half from the coast. Auron, Isola 2000, and Valberg are the closest and most popular resorts.
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