From the most glamorous film festival in the world to a lemon sculpture competition in Menton, the Côte d'Azur never runs out of reasons to leave the villa. Every year, this stretch of coastline reinvents itself — same sea, entirely different spectacle.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Here's what happens every year, why it matters, and where to find the official dates before someone else gets your seat.
The events that make this region unlike anywhere else on earth
From the most glamorous film festival in the world to a lemon sculpture competition in Menton, the Côte d'Azur never runs out of reasons to leave the villa. Here's what happens every year — and where to find the official dates.
Looking for this week's events? Check the official local agendas:
One of the world's most prestigious circus events. The best acts on the planet compete under the big top in Monaco. Spectacular and totally unexpected.
montecarlofestivals.comThe legendary opening round of the World Rally Championship. Mountain stages through snow and ice, spectacular arrivals on Monaco's harbour. A true classic.
acm.mcOne of the world's great carnivals — two weeks of illuminated floats, flower battles, street performers and complete madness on Place Masséna. Absolutely not to be missed.
nicecarnaval.comGiant sculptures made entirely from lemons and oranges fill the streets of Menton. Absurdly beautiful, completely unique. Runs alongside the Nice carnival period.
fete-du-citron.comThe world's largest board game festival. Hundreds of games to try, tournaments, creators. A surprisingly good weekend even if you're not a gamer.
festivaldesjeux-cannes.comNancy's note: The Carnaval de Nice and the Fête du Citron overlap. If you're here in late February, you can do both in the same weekend. Two hours by car between Nice and Menton.
The world's biggest real estate fair. Every March the Palais des Festivals fills with developers and investors from 100 countries. The Croisette gets very suited.
mipim.comTop-tier ATP tennis tournament set on red clay high above the sea. One of the most beautiful sporting venues in the world. Sells out early.
montecarlorolexmasters.comThe medieval village celebrates its violet harvest — the scent capital of the world for a weekend. Just 15 minutes from the Spéracèdes and Cabris houses.
tourrettes-sur-loup.comInternational TV series festival — the television world's answer to the Film Festival. Red carpets, screenings, industry events. A growing and glamorous affair.
canneseries.comContinues into April. Book tickets well in advance — day passes are available but finals week sells out months ahead.
montecarlorolexmasters.comGrasse celebrates the rose harvest — the flower at the heart of its perfume industry — with exhibitions and events through spring.
paysdegrasse.frThe most famous film festival in the world. Twelve days of Palme d'Or contenders, celebrity sightings on the Croisette, and the most democratic red carpet you'll ever stumble onto. Even if you're not accredited, you can watch the arrivals. In 2026 the jury is headed by South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook, and Peter Jackson receives an Honorary Palme d'Or.
festival-cannes.comFormula 1 through the streets of a principality. The most iconic race in the world. From 2026, it moves to early June — no longer overlapping with the Film Festival. Barriers go up weeks in advance. Book everything months ahead.
acm.mcEvery Sunday in May under the ancient olive trees of Cimiez — folk dancing, traditional music, socca and pissaladière. Free, joyful and genuinely Niçois.
nicetourisme.comClassic sailing regatta in the bay of Antibes. Magnificent old wooden yachts — you can watch from the Croisette or the ramparts for free.
voilesdantibes.comNancy's note: During the Film Festival, Cannes transforms completely. The Croisette is closed to traffic, the beaches are full of film industry people, and the whole thing is simultaneously glamorous and chaotic. Stay for at least one evening on the Croisette — just to watch.
The global advertising and creativity festival. The industry's Oscars — and the most creative week of the year on the Croisette after the film world leaves.
canneslions.comInternational television festival held in Monaco. Attended by major American and European TV stars. Red carpets, screenings and awards.
tvfestival.comJune 21 — free concerts in every square, every street, every bar in Nice. One of the best nights of the year. Completely free, completely spontaneous.
nicetourisme.comOne of the world's oldest and most respected jazz festivals, held in the gardens of Cimiez amid Roman ruins. Four days of world-class music under the stars.
nicejazzfestival.frThe original French Riviera jazz festival since 1960. Legendary outdoor venue under pine trees by the sea. Miles Davis, BB King, Ray Charles have all played here.
jazzajuan.comCompeting fireworks displays over the bay of Cannes and Monaco — some of the most spectacular pyrotechnics in Europe. Check local schedules for exact dates.
festival-pyrotechnique-cannes.comOutdoor reggae concert by the sea at the Pinède de Juan-les-Pins. Roots, rockers and warm Mediterranean nights.
antibesjuanlespins.comThe fireworks competition continues through August. Watch from the Croisette for free — or from a boat if you know someone with one.
festival-pyrotechnique-cannes.comGrasse celebrates its most precious harvest — jasmine. Perfume-scented floats, flower battles, a queen crowned. Quintessentially Grassois.
paysdegrasse.frThe entire coast is at maximum capacity. Everything is open, everything is busy. Beaches are packed, restaurants need reservations, traffic on the A8 requires patience.
cotedazurfrance.frNancy's note: August is magnificent and maddening in equal measure. Go to the beach before 9am. Reserve restaurants a week ahead. Drive the small roads rather than the A8. And enjoy it — this is what people come from all over the world to experience.
The largest in-water boat show in Europe — 700+ boats of all sizes in the old harbour and port Pierre Canto. Even if you're not buying, it's a spectacular thing to walk through.
yachtingfestival.comClassic sailing regatta — beautiful old wooden yachts racing in the bay. The social event of the sailing world on the Riviera.
regates-royales-de-cannes.comNancy's note: September is my favourite month on the Côte d'Azur. The crowds have thinned, the sea is still warm from summer, and the light turns golden. If you can choose your dates, choose September.
Outdoor literary festival in Nice — authors, signings, talks, readings for children. Free and genuinely lovely if you love books.
lefestivaldulivredenice.comThe light softens, the Provençal hills turn amber, and the region becomes the most beautiful version of itself. Markets are less crowded, restaurants are back to their best.
cotedazurfrance.frOne of the most spectacular marathons in the world — 42km from Nice along the coast to Cannes. 22,000 runners, 30% international. Sea, palm trees and the best scenery of any race in France.
marathon06.comThe world's largest TV content market. The Palais des Festivals fills with broadcasters and streaming platforms from every country. Another big week in Cannes.
mipcom.comOne of France's finest Christmas markets on Place Masséna — ice rink, lights on the Promenade des Anglais, and a city that actually does winter well despite itself.
nicetourisme.comA very Monaco Christmas — impeccably lit, extravagantly decorated, and set against a harbour full of superyachts.
visitmonaco.comDecember on the Côte d'Azur is mild, uncrowded and genuinely beautiful. The mimosa is just beginning to bloom. The markets are full of truffles and local olive oil.
cotedazurfrance.frOh, I know you want more.
Nancy — cotedazurrental.com
Twenty years on the Côte d'Azur — and still finding things nobody thought to write down. Real stories, real places, zero filter.
Riviera Reality
You researched. You planned. You packed light. The Côte d'Azur has a different agenda entirely — and it will not be negotiating.
It gets better. →
Life on the Riviera
Vicky is an English Setter of considerable beauty and absolutely zero courage. Lilou has never met a stranger. Every outing is an event.
It gets better. →
Cannes Life
Champagne with George Lucas, Karl Lagerfeld at dawn, Pete Doherty in a state, ten festivals a year — and the restaurant that told Hollywood to wait.
It gets better. →
My Story
I came to France for a summer. I stayed for twenty years. I let destiny decide — destiny picked Cannes. Obviously.
It gets better. →
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