The Riviera’s Most Celebrated Events
From global sporting spectacles to cultural festivals, galas and seasonal highlights across the Riviera
French Riviera Events Calendar
The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) is one of the most vibrant regions in Europe when it comes to events, festivals, sports competitions, and cultural celebrations. Throughout the year, cities such as Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Antibes, Menton, and Saint-Tropez host world-famous festivals, international exhibitions, sporting events, and traditional local celebrations.
From glamorous red-carpet premieres and Formula 1 races to colourful carnivals and music festivals, the French Riviera offers unforgettable experiences in every season.
On this page you can explore major annual events on the French Riviera by month, and below you will also find current and upcoming events happening across the Côte d’Azur.
If you know about an event that should be included on this page, feel free to contact us.
Major Events on the French Riviera by Month
January
Prom’Classic – Nice
The year traditionally begins with Prom’Classic, a popular New Year’s running race held along the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Thousands of runners take part in this energetic sporting event every January.
Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival
One of the most prestigious circus festivals in the world takes place every winter in Monaco. The Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival brings together top performers from around the globe and attracts large audiences every year.
Monte-Carlo Rally
The legendary Monte-Carlo Rally is one of the most iconic motorsport events in Europe. The race takes drivers through spectacular mountain roads in the French Alps around Monaco.
February
Nice Carnival
The Nice Carnival is one of the largest and most famous carnivals in the world. With colourful parades, giant floats, music, and the famous Battle of Flowers, the event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every winter.
Lemon Festival – Menton
The Fête du Citron in Menton is one of the most unique festivals in France. Massive sculptures made from lemons and oranges decorate the town, using more than 140 tons of citrus fruit each year.
Mimosa Festival – Mandelieu-la-Napoule
The Mimosa Festival celebrates the blooming of the region’s famous mimosa trees. Visitors can enjoy parades, concerts, markets, and local festivities.
International Games Festival – Cannes
The Festival International des Jeux in Cannes is one of the largest board-game and gaming events in Europe, attracting both industry professionals and fans.
March
Paris–Nice Cycling Race
Often called the “Race to the Sun”, Paris–Nice is one of the most famous cycling races in the world, finishing on the sunny Mediterranean coast.
MIPIM – Cannes
MIPIM is one of the world’s largest real estate exhibitions. Thousands of property professionals from around the globe meet in Cannes every year.
Nice International Fair
The Foire Internationale de Nice is a large trade fair featuring products, services, gastronomy, and exhibitions from many industries.
April
Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters
The Monte-Carlo Masters is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments on the ATP Tour. It takes place at the Monte-Carlo Country Club overlooking the Mediterranean.
Nice Half Marathon
The Nice International Half Marathon attracts runners from around the world who compete along one of the most scenic running routes on the French Riviera.
May
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most important film festivals in the world. Every May the city of Cannes welcomes filmmakers, actors, celebrities, and cinema fans from around the globe.
Monaco Grand Prix
The Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most famous motor races in the world. The race takes place on the streets of Monaco and Monte Carlo and attracts motorsport fans from across the globe.
Fête des Mai – Nice
A traditional local celebration held in Cimiez in Nice, usually every Sunday in May, featuring music, dancing, food, and regional culture.
June
Les Voiles d’Antibes
One of the most beautiful sailing events in the Mediterranean, Les Voiles d’Antibes gathers historic sailing yachts for a spectacular regatta along the coast.
Fête de la Musique
Celebrated across France on 21 June, the Fête de la Musique transforms cities into open-air music stages with concerts, DJs, and performances in streets, squares, and parks.
IRONMAN Nice
The IRONMAN Nice triathlon is one of the most famous endurance races in Europe, combining swimming in the Mediterranean, cycling through the mountains, and running along the coastline.
Cannes Lions Festival
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is the world’s largest event for the advertising and creative industries.
Upcoming Events on the French Riviera
Below you can browse upcoming events across the French Riviera, including festivals, concerts, exhibitions, sports events, and local celebrations in Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Antibes, Menton, and other towns along the Côte d’Azur.
New events are added regularly, so check back often to discover what’s happening on the French Riviera.
French Riviera Events FAQ
What are the most famous events on the French Riviera?
The most famous events include the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix, Nice Carnival, and the Menton Lemon Festival
When is the best time to visit the French Riviera for events?
Many major events take place between February and September, especially during spring and summer when the region hosts festivals, concerts, and international sporting events.
Are there events on the French Riviera all year round?
Yes. The French Riviera hosts thousands of events every year, including cultural festivals, concerts, sporting competitions, and seasonal celebrations