Here you will find a list of the most important and interesting events and festivals on the French Riviera which are held throughout the year.
If any interesting event is missing, please contact me.
JANUARY
Prom’Classic
New Year’s run on the Promenade des Anglais.
The Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival
The circus appears every year in Monte Carlo as part of the International Circus Festival. This unique festival of artists from around the world has many years of tradition in Monaco, and every time it fills the festival tent to the maximum. Read more: Monte-Carlo Circus Festival.
Monte Carlo Rally
Iconic car racing in the mountains near Monaco.
FEBRUARY
Carnival in Nice
The Nice Carnival has been held for over 140 years and is one of the largest in the world. This event attracts up to one million tourists to the French Riviera in the winter, costs 7 million euros, and consumes 20 tons of confetti. Read more: The Nice Carnival.
The Lemon Festival in Menton
140 tons of citrus fruit is needed to create the unusual sculptures at the annual Lemon Festival in Menton (France). Over 300 people work on the fruit sculptures, and the effect of their efforts can be admired for three weeks. Read more: The Lemon Festival in Menton.
Mimosa festival
The annual Mimosa Festival is organized by several municipalities in the region. For example, a festival in Mandelieu-la-Napoule is worth a visit.
International Games Festival
The annual meeting of the gaming industry is organized in Cannes.
MARCH
Paris – Nice cycling race (The Race to the Sun)
Annual cycling race.
MIPIM real estate fair in Cannes
One of the largest international meetings of the real estate industry in the world.
Nice International Fair
A multi-industry fair in Nice that is visited by thousands of people.
APRIL
Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters
Prestigious tennis competition in Monte Carlo.
Nice Half Marathon
Sport event in Nice.
MAY
The Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most important film events in the world. It takes place every year on the French Riviera and attracts crowds of tourists, and fans of cinematography and movie stars. Read more: The Cannes Film Festival.
F1 Monaco Grand Prix
The F1 Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most important annual sports events on the French Riviera. The Formula One race in the streets of Monaco and Monte Carlo attracts crowds of spectators and tourists to the principality. Read more: F1 Monaco Grand Prix.
Fête des Mai
A city event organized mainly in the Cimiez district, usually every Sunday.
JUNE
Les Voiles d’Antibes
Sailing regatta off the coast of Antibes.
Fête de la Musique
A great party during which city streets, parks and squares are taken over by amateur music bands, DJs and music fans. It is an event taking place all over France.
IRONMAN Nice
Sport event in Nice.
Cannes Lions
Meeting of the international advertising industry in Cannes.
JULY
Festival of Pyrotechnic Art in Cannes
Huge fireworks show in Cannes, which is an international competition. It’s worth seeing the show lasting up to half an hour. During the summer holidays there are several shows. For more information please visit the festival-pyrotechnique-cannes.com website.
Nuits du Sud in Vence
Music festival in Vence.
Nice Jazz Festival
Jazz festival in Nice.
Jazz a Juan
Jazz festival in Juan-les-Pins.
Les Plages Electroniques in Cannes
Music festival in Cannes.
Annual Classical Music Festival in Menton
Classical music festival in Menton.
AUGUST
Festival of Pyrotechnic Art in Cannes
Huge fireworks show in Cannes, which is an international competition. It’s worth seeing the show lasting up to half an hour. During the summer holidays there are several shows. For more information please visit the festival-pyrotechnique-cannes.com website.
Annual Classical Music Festival in Menton
Classical music festival in Menton.
SEPTEMBER
Cannes Yachting Festival
International Yacht Industry Fair in Cannes.
Monaco Yacht Show
The Monaco Yacht Show is an opportunity to see over one hundred of the world’s most luxurious yachts in one place. This annual event attracts all the largest yacht shipyards and the richest buyers to Monaco. Read more: Monaco Yacht Show.
Le Voiles de Saint-Tropez
Sailing regatta in the bay of Saint-Tropez.
European Heritage Days
During this event you can visit places usually inaccessible to tourists, and standard museums and other attractions are then usually available for free.
NOVEMBER
Nice – Cannes Marathon
93% of the marathon route runs along the seashore.
DECEMBER
Christmas markets
Christmas market in Cannes
The date will be announced
