Summer may have come to an end on the Côte d’Azur and we’re slap-bang in the middle of La Rentrée, but there’s still plenty to do in the region. Read on for our suggestions for the coming week.
As September approaches, the tempo begins to soften, and summer gradually fades into the recesses of the memory. Yet the season still holds its charm, with a wealth of events and experiences waiting to be discovered.
From refined pursuits for discerning locals to sunlit adventures for those seeking a memorable escape, there is something to entice every taste and temperament.
So, without further ado, here’s our taster of what’s on offer on the Côte d’Azur this week.
SATURDAY 30th AUGUST
The Ocean Race Europe is in Nice this weekend, welcoming the seven teams who are covering the 4,500 nautical mile course. Outside of the sailing, there is an action-packed programme of events lined up, including an Ocean Live Park, live music shows, DJ sessions, science shows, and more for all to enjoy. For the sailing enthusiasts, there are chances to get up close and personal with the yachts and the crews with the Pit Lane and VIP Pit Lane experiences. Tickets may be reserved online. All the action takes place in the Port de Nice.
Over this weekend Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël will host a first in the history of triathlon: the short and long distance world championships. For the first time, the two largest international circuits, the T100 World Tour (long distance) and the WTCS (short distance), will take place on the same weekend, at the same venue! A weekend of spectacular professional races with the world’s best triathletes (including Cassandre Beaugrand and Léo Bergère) and also amateur events in three formats (Sprint, Olympic, and 100 km). Come along and experience the thrill of triathlon right on your doorstep! There will also be an Expo Village at the Fréjus Nature Base and giant screens on the Promenade de la Libération in Saint-Raphaël.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the passing of Fernand Léger, the Fernand Léger National Museum is holding an open-air screening of L’Inhumaine by Marcel l’Herbier. The screening takes place in the gardens of the museum from 8:30 to 11pm and is in partnership with the La Bande Passante collective and le cinéma de Beaulieu. There will also be a warm-up musical interlude at 7pm in advance of the screening – come enjoy this musical set and the beautiful garden area with family or friends. Free admission.
Join Le Bal des Fous for its Bal des Mille et Une Nuits, an Arabian Nights themed event. Expect a night full of flying carpets and enchanted palaces, intoxicating scents and captivating rhythms! How could you say no to this? All happening at the Palais des festivals et des congrès in Cannes from 4pm. Tickets available online but are nearly sold out – you need to get on your Magic Carpet and book now!
The 3rd edition of the Soirée Blanche is taking place in Place Jean Aude in Antibes from 7pm – 11:30pm tonight. Organised by the Comité des Fêtes de la Fontanne, the evening is a veritable dance party with one prerequisite – wear white! You can also bring your own picnic, tables and chairs will be provided. Dance the night away to DJ Jean Phi, free admission. Round out the summer in style! Further information available by calling +33 (0)6 50 38 13 62
The Villefranche-sur-Mer summer of open air cinema in the Théâtre de la Citadelle comes to an end tonight with a screening of Luc Besson’s Dracula. The movie starts at 9:30pm and admission is €6 (box office open from 8:45pm). No reservations required. Tickets may only be purchased on site and payment is by cash or cheque only.
La Note Bleue Summer Festival in Monaco concludes tonight with Dr Wu, a French 10 piece ensemble and its Steely Dan tribute. The concert starts at 9pm and reservations may be made by calling +377 93 500 502
The final concert in the Villeneuve Live Music summer festival concludes tonight with La Tirade, bringing their brand of funk to Le Village in Villeneuve-Loubet at 9pm.
SUNDAY 31st AUGUST
Come experience Viva Italia! in Villeneuve-Loubet today with an Italian market featuring more than 30 stalls. Taking place in Allée des Bugadières from 8am to 3pm.
Calling all bargain hunters! The Brocante Mixte returns to Cagnes-sur-Mer today, taking place on Boulevard Kennedy from 8:30am until 5pm. With 250 stalls selling myriad goods, and cafés and restaurants open all day, this is a flea market like no other!
Une Journée à l’opéra comes to an end at Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur today – come experience Nice Opera like you’ve never seen it before!
The two summer exhibitions at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco also come to an end today – your last chance to see the fantatstic Couleurs! and Monaco et les Napoléon(s). Destins croisés – both highly recommended!
Our friends in the Théâtre National de Nice will be in the Jardin de l’Olivaie in Beaulieu-sur-Mer at 8:30pm tonight with its production of Le Legs Marivaux. This is the final performance of the summer tour around the region. Free admission.
MONDAY 1st SEPTEMBER
![Y a-t-il Un Flic Pour Sauver Le Monde ? Bande-annonce VOST [Actuellement au cinéma]](https://i0.wp.com/i.ytimg.com/vi/oB4-5-PQV2Y/hqdefault.jpg?w=750&ssl=1)
Open air cinema in Monaco offers us another chance to see the hit movie of the summer, The Naked Gun (Y a-t-il un flic pour sauver le monde?) (USA | 2025 | 1h25) starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson. Doors open 8:30pm, screening starts at 9:30pm. Tickets €12, €10 for students.
TUESDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER
More open air cinema in Monaco with Karate Kid: Legends, starring Ben Wang, Jackie Chan, and Ralph Macchio (USA | 2025 | 1h34). Doors open 8:30pm, screening starts at 9:30pm. Tickets €12, €10 for students.
WEDNESDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER
![Do the Right Thing | Restored Trailer [HD] | Coolidge Corner Theatre](https://i0.wp.com/i.ytimg.com/vi/yVAD4fYRcvA/hqdefault.jpg?w=750&ssl=1)
Cinémathèque Hors les Murs concludes tonight in the Port of Nice with an outdoor screening of the provocative Do The Right Thing by Spike Lee (1989 | 2h00 | English, French subtitles.) The movie is being shown in association with Festival Crossover, Héliotrope, the cinéma de Beaulieu and La Bande Passante collective. Admission is free and limited places available.
THURSDAY 4th SEPTEMBER
Tonight sees the official Festival Crossover Opening Party taking place in Plage de l’Hotel Amour in Nice. Featuring Maraboutage, this is a ticketed affair and tickets may be reserved online.
Check out the Thursday Live Sessions at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. Tonight we have Pat Kalla & Le Super Mojo taking to the stage with their brand of electro-Afro groove. Admission is free but you must reserve your table in advance by calling +377 99 99 30 00. Aperitif mix from 6:30pm, live show starts at 8:30pm.
FRIDAY 5th SEPTEMBER
Voice of Freedom has reformed to present their hommage to the late, great iconic Etta James. They will be delving into black America of the 50s and 60s, following the chaotic journey of a virtuoso and tormented diva who redefined blues singing and inspired the greatest voices across the Atlantic. Part of the 22nd « Jazz au Château » Festival at Place du Château in Cagnes-sur-Mer, the concert starts at 9pm and admission is free. Château-Musée Grimaldi and the Musée du Bijou Contemporain are both open especially for the occasion until 7pm, and there is also a free navette (the Nr 44) available from the bus station.
Festival Crossover is back this weekend, starting tonight at Le 109 with L2B, Shaz and many others taking to the stage. Tickets may still be reserved online. There is also plenty on offer away from the music, including a foodcourt, pétanque, an urban market, and stand-up comedy. Children are also well catered for with creative workshops, games, Fablab workshops, quizzes, an introduction to electronic music…the list goes on! It’s going to be some weekend!
At the crossroads of circus, theatre and dance, the Franco-Catalan company Baro d’evel brings its Qui Som?, a sensational creation and firm favorite of the 2024 Festival d’Avignon to the Anthéa Antipolis Théâtre d’Antibes. The show starts at 8:30pm and tickets go on sale on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 3pm.
OTHER EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS
Monaco Open Air cinema continues until 7th September with movies on each night of the week.
Les Soirées Estivales organised by Département des Alpes-Maritimes 06 conclude this Sunday, 31st August, having presented an amazing programme of events throughout the summer.
There are also plenty of exhibitions on throughout the region, though many of them are coming to a close very soon. so do keep an eye on the dates!
Be sure to check out our roundups of the must-see exhibitions in Nice | Monaco | Cannes
Have a great week, wherever you are!
Lead image © RIVIERA BUZZ; all other images/photos as credited
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