Les Remp’Arts du Rire Return to Saint-Paul-de-Vence

IARLA BYRNE16 July, 20263 Mins read184

One of the French Riviera’s newest cultural events returns this September as Remp’Arts du Rire brings three evenings of comedy and theatre to the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Taking place from 3 to 5 September 2026 in the picturesque Place de la Courtine, the festival combines stand-up, contemporary comedy and theatre in one of the region’s most atmospheric open-air settings.

Now in its second edition, the festival has quickly established itself as a welcome addition to the Riviera’s late-summer calendar. While the Côte d’Azur is renowned for its music festivals, jazz concerts and glamorous film events, Remp’Arts du Rire offers something refreshingly different: three intimate nights dedicated entirely to laughter beneath the centuries-old ramparts of one of France’s most beautiful villages.

COMEDY BENEATH THE RAMPARTS

Organised by Les Collectionneurs and led by artistic directors Julien Nacache and Louis-Aubry Longeray, with the support of celebrated French comedian Michel Boujenah, the festival aims to showcase both rising stars and established performers in a relaxed cabaret-style atmosphere. The concept proved a success when it debuted last year, and the organisers have retained the same winning formula for this year’s edition.

^{Photo © Gaëlle Simon}

The venue itself is part of the attraction. Set against the ancient stone ramparts of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Place de la Courtine provides an intimate backdrop where audiences are never far from the stage. As daylight fades over the surrounding hills, the village takes on an entirely different character, creating an ideal setting for an evening of live entertainment.

Visitors can arrive from 6:00 pm, with live music, food and drinks available before performances begin at 8:30 pm, making the festival as much a social occasion as a cultural event.

THREE NIGHTS OF ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, 3 September

The festival gets underway this evening with an official opening ceremony followed by a stand-up showcase featuring Eliott Doyle, Youness Hanifi, Cécile Marx and the legendary southern French comic Mado, whose larger-than-life character has delighted audiences for decades.

Friday, 4 September

Another comedy showcase tonights brings together Adel Fugazi, Gabrielle Giraud, Basile and Urbain, reflecting the organisers’ commitment to presenting a mix of emerging performers and familiar names from the French comedy circuit.

Saturday, 5 September

The festival concludes tonight with a theatrical performance of Notre Humble Avis, a contemporary comedy written, directed and performed by Igor Mendjisky and presented by Compagnie Moya Krysa. The production blends theatrical storytelling with radio-inspired comedy, providing a fitting finale to three days celebrating humour in its many forms.

^{Courtesy Les Collectionneurs/Remp’Arts du Rire}

AN INTIMATE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

Unlike many larger comedy festivals, Remp’Arts du Rire deliberately keeps its scale modest. The emphasis is on quality performances, close interaction between artists and audiences, and an atmosphere that feels welcoming rather than overwhelming.

The festival’s cabaret spirit encourages visitors to spend the entire evening on site, enjoying local food, drinks and conversation before taking their seats. Surrounded by the historic walls of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, audiences experience comedy in a setting that is difficult to replicate elsewhere on the Riviera.

With ticket prices starting from €25, along with two-day and three-day passes, the event offers an accessible way to experience live French comedy in one of the region’s most picturesque locations.

A GROWING CULTURAL TRADITION

Saint-Paul-de-Vence has long been associated with art, having inspired generations of painters, sculptors and writers. Today, the village continues to expand its cultural programme beyond visual arts, hosting music festivals, exhibitions and literary events throughout the year. Remp’Arts du Rire adds another dimension to that tradition, proving that the village is equally suited to the performing arts.

For visitors looking beyond the Riviera’s beaches during early September, the festival provides an excellent excuse to explore the cobbled streets, galleries and cafés of Saint-Paul-de-Vence before settling in for an evening of laughter under the stars.

^{Photo © Gaëlle Simon}

Combining outstanding performers, an exceptional historic setting and an intimate atmosphere, Remp’Arts du Rire is rapidly becoming one of the Côte d’Azur’s most charming cultural highlights as summer gives way to autumn.