Here we are already in the second half of September and things are still buzzing on the Côte d’Azur. Continue reading for our latest suggestions for things to do in the coming week in this beautiful corner of the world.
Another busy seven days stretches out ahead of us, with a multitude of activities to suit one and all. The region is bustling with energy once again this week.
Whether you’re drawn to cultural showcases, or simply soaking up the early-autumn atmosphere by the Mediterranean, there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and enjoy the Côte d’Azur.
So, without further ado, here’s our taster of what’s on offer this week.
SATURDAY 20th SEPTEMBER
This weekend is mainly dedicated to les Journées Éuropéennes du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days) throughout the region. There will be plenty of cultural offerings to experience, free of charge, in each town and city. Check with your local mairie for events of interest, but do get out there and enjoy the best of what is on offer! Please note that some events may require pre-registration. We can recommend getting along to the Victorine Studios in Nice, a great way to spend your Saturday (or Sunday!)
The Grande Braderie Niçoise concludes today, so you need to act quickly! Take advantage of exceptional discounts at hundreds of Nice stores. Register for the event on the Nice Commerces website and … Ready, set, shop!
To mark World Clean Up Day, there are some major community cleanups being organized over the weekend. Today, we have one in Beaulieu-sur-Mer starting at 9:30am at Plage de la Petite Afrique. Please contact contact.beaulieuplaisance@nicecotedazur.org to reserve your place – registration did close last Monday but you may still be in luck.
The Mairie de Cannes presents Food’ La Bocca – Festival de Cuisine Mobile this weekend in Place du Marché de La Bocca. Alongside the food, there will also be live music and games for all to enjoy! Free admission, open from 6pm to 11pm today.
The Fête du Parc, launched in 2012, is an annual festival held in one of the member municipalities of the Préalpes d’Azur National Park to showcase the region. This year is the turn of Parc de la Tourre in Carros, providing an opportunity to enjoy a rich programme of workshops, hikes, conferences, and performances, not to mention the local produce market. A wonderful opportunity to introduce the general public to the creations and activities of artisans, artists, associations, guides, communities, and producers who showcase their local expertise. Open and free to all, this festive and friendly day delights all ages, young and old.
The 6th edition of the Salon International d’Art Contemporain art3f Monaco continues in Chapiteau de Fontvieille in Monaco. The event runs throughout the weekend and is open today from 11am to 8pm. Admission is €10 and free for accompanied minors. You can pay at the door or purchase your tickets online.
The city of Fréjus celebrates Johnny Hallyday! Today, the statue of Johnny Hallyday celebrates its first birthday in Port-Fréjus. A major event will be organized in tribute to the teen idol including a motorcycle parade at 2:30pm, a nod to Johnny’s passion. From 7 to 11 pm, there is music on the menu with exclusive concerts featuring Pierre Benvenutti on vocals, accompanied by backing vocalists, the brass ensemble that accompanied Johnny on stage during the legendary concerts at the Parc des Princes and Bercy in 1992, Norbert Krieff on guitar, and Jacques Verrecchia, lawyer and musician, on piano, who will also be signing his book “Avocat du Patron” (The Boss’s Lawyer). An event to share the magic and energy of Johnny, in the heart of Port-Fréjus.
Staying in Fréjus, we also have the Festival International de l’Air, dedicated to the art of kite-flying and running throughout the weekend. The spectacle is both simple and enchanting: one need only look up to contemplate these aerial ballets, where the art of lightness meets the most subtle technique. Kite fliers from all over the world unfurl their most poetic creations in the azure sky, while the champions of the discipline compete in fascinating aerial battles accompanied by captivating music. Taking place at the Base Nature from 10am to 6pm. Free admission.
Our friends in Masséna Around the World are hosting an evening with T.J. Reilly to launch his latest thriller Time to Fly, which sees Jack Oatmon come out of retirement for the final time to help his colleagues at the CIA and Europol. The event is free of charge and runs from 5-7pm. It is open to all and there is no need to reserve. Come one, come all!
The Beaulieu Classic Festival concludes tonight with a concert featuring Orquestra de Cambra l’Empordà from Catalonia, who blend musical virtuosity, timeless melodies, and comedy. The performance takes place at 7:30pm in the Casino de Beaulieu-sur-Mer and tickets may be reserved online.
Le Cinéma Espace Centre in Cagnes-sur-Mer plays host to the Festival Retour de Cannes 2025, a festival showing key films from the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. For four days, film buffs and the curious will be able to share their passion for the 7th art through unique, vibrant, and daring works. Tickets cost €8 per screening with reduced rates available. 3 and 6 film passes are also available, costing €18 and €36 respectively.
The Auditorium de Saint-Paul de Vence presents Les Terribles, a theatre troupe aged between 14 and 20 and directed by Numa Sadoul, who invite you to discover Kaamelott, a humorous and dramatic French television series adapted into a play. It offers an offbeat take on the Arthurian legend by portraying a King Arthur struggling to rise to his task. Surrounded by rather incompetent Knights of the Round Table, faced with the fall of the Roman Empire and constant barbarian incursions, he has yet to find the Holy Grail. Performance at 8pm and tickets may be purchased on the night or online.
One year after his passing, la Ville de Nice continues to mourn Ben’s absence and is preparing to pay tribute to this major artist of the Nice School. On this occasion, the Cinémathèque de Nice is offering a rare film from its collections: Ben: Procès-verbal d’un terrible événement (France | 1984 | 59 mins) by René Prédal, restored in 2025 by the Cinémathèque de Nice. Screening at 8pm as part of the Classiques restaurés series.
SUNDAY 21st SEPTEMBER
The Food’ La Bocca – Festival de Cuisine Mobile continues today in Place du Marché de La Bocca, running from 11am to 9pm. Alongside the burgers, bagels, croque-monsieur, pitas, crêpes, gaufres, bubble waffle, asian and provençale cuisine, there will also be live music and a pétanque competition. Free admission to the festival, €5 for the pétanque (register on-site by 10am or by calling 04 93 48 08 04 (Cannes Aérosport Boules)).
Les Régates Royales de Cannes get underway today, running until Saturday, 27th September and are once again shaping up to be a great success this year. The number of entries is expected to exceed 120 competitors, making it the largest classic yacht regatta in the world. Catch all the action in the Baie de Cannes.
There is another major cleanup in Cagnes-sur-Mer today for World Cleanup Day, organised by Cagnes Plogging, Cagnes Zéro Déchet, and la Ville de Cagnes-sur-Mer. The goal is to take concrete action for a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Open to all, free of charge, materials provided. Bring a water bottle, appropriate clothing, and a desire to make a difference. Register online and let’s all commit to a waste-free planet! Starting at 10:30 am at the mouth of La Cagne.
The Festival International de l’Air dedicated to the art of kite-flying concludes today in Fréjus. All the action can be found at the Base Nature from 10am to 6pm. Free admission.
The 6th edition of the Salon International d’Art Contemporain art3f Monaco concludes today in Chapiteau de Fontvieille in Monaco. Admission is €10 and free for accompanied minors. You can pay at the door or purchase your tickets online. Open from 11am to 7pm.
For tennis fans, the Open de Saint-Tropez concludes today at the Tennis Club de Saint-Tropez. This is an ATP 125 Challenger event. Tickets for the final can be purchased online. Draws are available on the tournament website.
The Festival Retour de Cannes 2025, continues at Le Cinéma Espace Centre in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Today’s screenings include Lucky Lu – Les Lumières de New-York (5pm) and Le mystérieux regard du flamant rose (7pm). Tickets cost €8 per screening with reduced rates available. 3 and 6 film passes are also available, costing €18 and €36 respectively.
The Association des Amis de la Cathédrale de Fréjus, with the support of la Ville de Fréjus, is organizing its first organ concert of the 2025-2026 season. This event will be held on at 4 pm in Saint-Léonce Cathedral of Fréjus and will be performed by Reitze Smits and Bart Jacobs.. Admission is free with voluntary participation. The 2025-2026 season is dedicated to the memory of Colette Innocenzi, organist of the cathedral.
The Festival d’Art Sacré concludes in Antibes tonight with a performance by the Chœur d’hommes Otxote de Bayonne Côte Basque entitled Les chants des Basques, taking place in Chapelle Saint-Bernardin at 6:30pm. Tickets cost €28.20 (concessions available) and may be reserved online.
MONDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER
To mark World Alzheimer’s Day, la Mairie de Cannes, in partnership with Centre Communal d’Action Sociale (C.C.A.S.) and Cannes Seniors Le Club, is offering several information stands and other events to raise public awareness about care and support systems for Alzheimer’s disease. Taking place from 13h30 at the Espace Miramar in Cannes. Register by calling 04 93 06 48 57 or by emailing prevention@csleclub.com. Further details on the Ville de Cannes website.
The Festival Retour de Cannes 2025 concludes tonight in Cagnes-sur-Mer with a screening of Sound of Falling by Mascha Schilinski (Cannes 2025, Official Selection – In Competition / Jury Prize (tied) – Germany, 2025 | 2h29). Four young girls in four different eras. Alma, Erika, Angelika, and Lenka spend their teenage years on the same farm in northern Germany. As the house changes over the centuries, echoes of the past resonate within its walls. Despite the years that separate them, their lives seem to echo one another. The film will be accompanied by Clémence Arrivé, assistant director and production manager. €8 admission, reduced rates available.
TUESDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER
The Médiathèque de Monaco presents the Picnic Music Live mini concert series each Tuesday. The lunchtime concerts take place in the Vidéothèque – Sonothèque José Notari and start at 12:15pm. Admission is free. Further information available by calling +377 93 15 29 40
The Lions Club Nice-Doyen is hosting Conférences sur la mer at 6:00 pm in the Citadel Auditorium in Villefranche-sur-Mer. On the agenda we have “The History of the Villefranche-sur-Mer Oceanographic Station” by Christophe Migon, Lecturer at IMEV (French Institute for the Study of Oceanography) and “Rising Sea and Ocean Waters, a Consequence of Climate Change and Actions to Protect Coasts” by Alexandre Meinez, Professor Emeritus at the Université Côte d’Azur. Admission is €10 for the benefit of the “Vacances en plein air – Lions de France” association.
WEDNESDAY 24th SEPTEMBER
The Monaco Yacht Show starts today in Port Hercule, running until Saturday, 27th September, and is organised under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. The show this year boasts a prestigious fleet of 120 superyachts, nearly half of which will be unveiled as world premieres — an historic record – along with plenty of other great attractions like the Adventure Area and Upper Deck Lounge. You may book your Visitor or Sapphire Experience Pass online. Please note that passes are only available online, there are no sales on-site. You will receive a digital voucher to present at the entrances.
THURSDAY 25th SEPTEMBER
If you are in Monaco for the yacht show (or any other reason!), why not take some time and check out the Petit Marché du Larvotto, which takes place every Thursday from 8 am to 1 pm. Located on the Esplanade Joséphine Baker, near the Lartigue Fountain. A weekly event to complement the municipal markets, delighting foodies and fresh produce lovers.
As part of the Monaco Yacht Show, Tribute to Yachting is an amazing outdoor photographic exhibition by Guillaume Plisson. The exhibition features some stunning photographs of the yachting world and invites visitors to see beyond the yachts themselves – into the passion, craftsmanship, and vision that bring them to life.
FRIDAY 26th SEPTEMBER
The Monaco Yacht Show continues in Port Hercule, running until tomorrow, Saturday 27th September. You may book your Visitor or Sapphire Experience Pass online. Please note that passes are only available online, there are no sales on-site. You will receive a digital voucher to present at the entrances.
The Association Economie Tourisme Commerce presents La Grande Braderie in the streets of Juan-les-Pins, starting today and running thoughtout the weekend. Along with the 100+ shops participating, there will also be plenty of street activities, concerts and, of course, bargains!
More fun and frolics with Masséna Around the World bookshop in Nice as Celia Imrie and Fidelis Morgan will be joining them between 5pm and 6:30pm for an impromptu book-signing and a glass of cheer! Come one, come all, there ain’t no party like a surprise book-signing party!
What better way to start off the weekend than participating in the Saint-Michel Pétanque Competition organized by the Villefranche Pétanque Association? €5 per person entry and registration starts at 6 pm. Food and refreshments available on site. Taking place at 16 allée du Colonel Duval in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
La Compagnie Gorgomar and Le 109 pôle de cultures contemporaines in Nice present the 5th edition of Festival Clown Power, starting tonight and running throughout the weekend. The festival highlights the art of clowning, burlesque, and circus. There is an amazing programme in place with plenty to suit all the family. Admission is free and you can support the event by purchasing badges and posters, by joining the volunteer team or by making a donation.
OTHER EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS
There is plenty going on in the world of theatre around the region. The Anthéa in Antibes has an amazing programme of shows and performances lined up for the 2025/’26 season. The Théâtre National de Nice also has an impressive line-up for its new season.
There are also plenty of exhibitions on throughout the region.
Be sure to check out our roundups of the must-see exhibitions in Nice | Monaco | Cannes
Have a great week, wherever you find yourself!
Lead image © RIVIERA BUZZ; all other images/photos as credited
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