We have a very busy week ahead of us on the Côte d’Azur between Valentine’s Day, the Carnaval in Nice and the Fête du Citron® in Menton. And that’s only the start of it!
Ah, yes, love is truly in the air! And we have an another action-packed programme ahead of us for the coming seven days with plenty of activities to keep you and yours well and truly occupied! Read on for our suggestions for things to do over the next week.
Whatever your tastes, there is something here to keep you occupied .
Here are our top picks for the weekend and week ahead.
– SATURDAY 14th FEBRUARY –
Courtesy Sporty&Dance
How about a nice 5 km run to start off your Saturday? This Morning Run is organised by Sporty&Dance in association with TrainSweatEat along the Promenade des Anglais, statting at 8 am. On the agenda: good vibes and pushing your limits. A group run with TSE athletes and creators! To participate and receive further info, just comment “run” on the TSE Instagram post and get your link! After run activities by Sporty&Dance.
Courtesy Médiathèque Caroline
The Médiathèque Caroline in Monaco hosts a Musique Trad workshop from 3 to 6 pm, open to all adult amateur musicians. All levels welcome. This workshop will be a group practice to work on or discover the repertoire of traditional music, which is music intended for dancing: chapelloises, scottish, gavottes, rigaudons, avant-deux, branles, fandangos, cirques circssiens, mazurkas, rondeaux, and the like. Bring your instrument! Free admission. Further information available on site or by calling +377 93 15 29 40
The Fête du Mimosa continues in Mandelieu-La Napoule, concluding tomorrow. On the programme today, we have Brain Games “Carnival Special”, running form 10 am to midday at the Médiathèque. Festivities begin on Place de France at midday with a craft market featuring mimosa, with music, strolling artists, and entertainment for all ages. Come and enjoy this festive village and treat yourself to delicious food from the food trucks on site until evening. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the public is invited to participate in decorating a giant heart installed on Place de France. You can capture this moment by taking a photo in front of this collaborative artwork. From 6:30 pm, we have the start of the Night Parade featuring 12 illuminated carnival floats and entertainment on Avenue des Anciens Combattants. The evening is rounded off with a concert at 8 pm. Price: €19 – Reduced price: €16 (children aged 3 to 17, people with reduced mobility, groups of 20 or more). Reservations required: please call +33 4 93 93 64 64 or email tourisme@mandelieu.com
Courtesy Ville de Nice / Carnaval de Nice
Nice Carnaval continues with The Carnavalina, which takes place at 1 pm today. An event that spreads joy, smiles, treats, and floral scents, making you want to celebrate. The walk will start at Notre-Dame, follow Jean Médecin Avenue, and end on the Promenade des Anglais, near the Théâtre de Verdure. Free admission, open to all ages. Vive La Reine!
Courtesy Luminescence
The latest immersive experience, L’Odyssée Céleste, continues in the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Nice. This incredible show, designed and executed by Luminiscence, transforms sacred architecture into living narrative through light, sound, and technology. There are two shows per night on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only. Tickets start from €19 and may be reserved online (reduced rates also available).
Courtesy Médiathèque Caroline
Come experience a magical moment at the Médiathèque Caroline in Monaco with a Kamishibai session – Raconte-moi… une histoire en Kamishibaï. This small paper theatre, straight from Japan, invites you to discover stories like you’ve never heard them before. Let yourself be carried away by the images and stories, and immerse yourself in a world where each illustration tells a captivating tale. From 3 – 4 pm. Suiteable for children aged 4+. Free admission. Further information available on site or by calling +377 93 15 29 40
Today is Valentine’s Day and there are plenty of activities out there for you loved-up, amourous couples – though if you haven’t booked something by now, you might be in trouble!
Courtesy EDwin
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is for all of us! Our good friend EDwin presents T’AIME, a concert to celebrate love in all its forms. The concert is organised by The Lions Club and the Ville de Carros, taking place at 8 pm in Salle Juliette Gréco in Carros. Tickets cost from €20 to €50 and may be purchased online. The special guest for the evening is the singer, Elodie Pena.
Courtesy Panda-Events
Panda-Events and the City of Nice present Hakim Jemili who brings his show « Fatigué » (“Tired”) to the Théâtre Lino Ventura this evening at 8 pm. Between his first film roles and his Instagram rants, Hakim Jemili returns more exhausted than ever for his second show, « Fatigué ». Tired of his new status as a father. Tired of helplessly witnessing the polarization of society. Tired of this inner conflict that prevents him from enjoying his new life without forgetting his roots. And in a time when everything moves too fast, Hakim takes a breather during a group therapy session, a show, to draw us into his questions, not his certainties. Because after all, do we really have to have an opinion on everything? Tickets may be reserved online.
Courtesy Palais Nikaïa
The Palais Nikaïa presents The Rock Symphony Orchestra at 8 pm tonight. The greatest masterpieces of world rock as you’ve never heard them before will be performed by a majestic symphony orchestra, an impressive choir, and a high-energy rock band! Two virtuoso coloratura soprano opera singers will infuse classical elegance into the raw power of rock, giving birth to a rock opera unlike any other. Tickets cost from €49 to €69 and may be reserved online.
Courtesy Panda-Events
Panda-Events and Prizme Concept in collaboration with the City of Nice and Le 109 presents Multi Prizme at Le 109 in Nice. Running from 8 pm to 4 am. Two stages. Two vibes. Four collectives. Fifteen artists. 8 hours of non-stop music. A Valentine’s Day that truly breaks the mould! Welcome to the PRIZME multiverse! Tickets may be reserved online.
Carnaval de Nice really gets underway tonight with the Corso Illuminé d’Ouverture, taking place from 9 pm in Place Masséna. This is a ticketed event and tickets costing €7 may be reserved online (while stocks last!) Vive La Reine!
Courtesy Fête du Citron®
Yesterday, they changed the world. Today, the Orchestre Riviera and friends are reinventing them! Come enjoy The Beatles’ greatest hits as you’ve never heard them before with the combination of singers, guitars, drums, and the power of a 40-piece orchestra! Part of the Fête du Citron® celebrations. Concert takes place at 9 pm in Théâtre Francis Palmero in Menton. Tickets from €29 available online.
– SUNDAY 15th FEBRUARY –
Photo © RIVIERA BUZZ
The 15th annual Pink Ribbon Monaco Walk takes place today, starting from Port Hercule in Monaco at 10:15 am, and wending its way through the Principality. Every step taken and every euro raised by Pink Ribbon Monaco will directly fund women’s health studies conducted within Monaco, ensuring local impact from global solidary. If you have not signed up for the walk, why not buy one of the special edition tee shirts to show your support. The walk forms part of the Monaco Run.
The Fête du Mimosa concludes in Mandelieu-La Napoule. On the programme today, we have street performers and a musical ambience from 11 am at Avenue Henry Clews and around La Napoule. The Grand Parade and bataille fleurie take place on Avenue Henry Clews from 2:30 pm, the start signalled by the cannon fired from the Château de La Napoule. The parade will feature the 12 floats that celebrate 12 carnivals from around the world. Price: €19 – Reduced price: €16 (children aged 3 to 17, people with reduced mobility, groups of 20 or more). Reservations required: please call +33 4 93 93 64 64 or email tourisme@mandelieu.com
Courtesy Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur
The Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur presents eight flat races from midday today. Admission is €5 per person with reduced rates available – tickets available online. Persons with reduced mobility and under 18s get in for free. There is also food and drink available on site. Book your restaurant places online.
Photo courtesy and © Ville de Menton, photo by Patrick Varotto
The highlight of the Fête du Citron®, the corsos des fruits d’or transform Menton’s seafront into a dazzling spectacle. Floats adorned with lemons and oranges parade in an explosion of colour and music. Inspired by this year’s theme, these living tableaux, composed of thousands of fruits, captivate with their beauty and creativity. From 2:30 pm on the Promenade du Soleil. Tickets cost €16 (concessions available) and may be reserved online.
Video via Palais des Festivals et des Congrès Cannes on YouTube
Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo are heading to Cannes this evening with Jean-Christophe Maillot’s « Cendrillon » (“Cinderella”.) In reviving the story of Cinderella, Jean-Christophe Maillot invites Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo to explore a world of contrasts. The young girl’s step-family lives in a world of artifice, but her simplicity sets her apart. But when the Prince covers her bare foot in gold dust, he recognises the one who has changed his heart. Enchanting! The performance takes place at 6 pm at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Tickets may be reserved online.
– MONDAY 16th FEBRUARY-
Courtesy Ville de Villefranche-sur-Mer
The 2026 editiion of the annual Combat Naval Fleuri takes place in Villefranche-sur-Mer today. This festive and colourful event statrts at 11 am with the Carnival parade at the Octroi followed by the parade on the quays at 1:30 pm. The Combat Naval Fleuri gets underway at 2 pm at the Port de la Santé with entertainment in Place Amélie Pollonnais and on the quays. There is a Promenade Fleurie throughout the day around the town and a quiz with prizes to be won! Please note that the quays will be accessible to pedestrians 11:00 am today. (Following the death of Brigitte Bardot, the Mairie wished to pay tribute to her through a special version of the poster for the Naval Flower Battle).
Courtesy Antiquites Brocante Cannes
At the heart of the legendary Marché Forville in Cannes, the Monday flea market is a veritable treasure trove for passionate bargain hunters and those curious about great finds. Here you can find everything from tableware, luxury and vintage secondhand goods, to contemporary art and vintage vinyl. Whether you’re a collector, art lover, vintage fan, or simply strolling through Cannes, don’t miss this authentic event every Monday at the foot of Le Suquet!
Courtesy Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur
This season, the Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur continues to invite you to its foyer to discover original programmes. With the musicians of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice, enjoy an hour of music celebrating Puccini and Tchaikovsky. Taking place at 12:15 pm in the Foyer Montserrat Caballé de l’Opéra . tickets cost €12 and may be reserved online.
– TUESDAY 17th FEBRUARY –
Courtesy Médiathèque Caroline
Fancy a musical lunch break? Come along to the Médiathèque Caroline in Monaco for the Sieste Musicale and relax with a musical interlude. Comfortably settled in a deckchair, embark on a musical journey with custom-curated playlists. From 12:15 pm to 13:45 pm. Free entry. Further information available on site or by calling +377 93 15 29 40
Courtesy Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur
The Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur presents eight trot races from 3:42 pm today. Admission is €5 per person with reduced rates available – tickets available online. Persons with reduced mobility and under 18s get in for free. There is also food and drink available on site. Book your restaurant places online.
Nice’s annual Messe des Artistes takes place at 6 pm this evening at Église St. Pierre d’Arène in Nice. The church once again undergoes its annual metamorphosis from Nice’s largest church to a pop-up gallery, blending sacred ritual, cabaret spirit, and artistic talent to celebrate the centennial edition of Willette’s Prayer. Our friend Father Yves-Marie Lequin officiates. Free admission, open to all.
Photo courtesy and © Ville de Menton
The Fête du Citron® invites you to enjoy an exclusive evening experience and discover the secrets of the festival like never before. Begin with a guided tour of the gardens to admire the majestic citrus structures and learn about their creation through an exclusive documentary on the making of the installations. Then, delve into the municipal workshops and enjoy a private screening of the documentary in a reserved room at the Palais de l’Europe, discovering all the steps that make this festival so unique. Savor a cocktail of Menton specialties including pichade, pissaladière, barbajuans, and many other delicacies, accompanied by local drinks: lemonade and Mentounasc beer (tasting size for adults). Finally, enjoy private access to the 2nd floor of the Palais de l’Europe, offering a spectacular nighttime view of the exhibition and illuminated structures, for a truly magical and unforgettable experience. Sounds like a great evening! Tickets cost €45 and may be reserved online.
Courtesy Ville de Nice / Carnaval de Nice
The Carnaval de Nice continues with the Corso Carnavalesque Illuminé, taking place in Place Masséna from 8:30 pm to 10 pm. Floats are lit up, the visual displays are multiplied tenfold, and the arts and music troupes that enliven the route offer you a true spectacle of sound and light. Tickets cost €7 and may be reserved online. Special deals are also available. Vive La Reine!
– WEDNESDAY 18th FEBRUARY –
The Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur hosts eight flat races today, starting at 11 am. Admission is €5 per person with reduced rates available – tickets available online. Persons with reduced mobility and under 18s get in for free. There is also food and drink available on site. Book your restaurant places online.
Courtesy Ville de Nice / Carnaval de Nice
The first Batailles de Fleurs of the 2026 Carnaval de Nice takes place at 2:30 pm today, running until 4 pm. Floats adorned with floral arrangements form an elegant procession, where music, scents, and colours blend together for a feast for the eyes and costumed characters shower the audience with blossoms! Tickets cost €14 (concessions available) and may be reserved online. Vive La Reine!
Video via Charles Trenet YouTube channel
Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur presents another of its After Work sessions at Cave Bianchi in Nice (and again tomorrow night). Entitled Merci Monsieur Trenet !, come enjoy an hour of music honouring the great Charles Trenet from 6 pm to 7 pm, and then raise a glass with the artists afterward! His songs will be performed by Thomas Morris, accompanied by panist Sébastien Driant. Online tickets are sold out but maybe contact the box office on +33 (0)4 92 17 40 40 on the off-chance. And maybe book your tickets now for the March afterwork event!
Courtesy La Note Bleue
La Note Bleue in Monaco presents Cordes Latines with François Arnaud at 8 pm tonight, Five musicians from the South of France lead by virtuoso violon player Francois Arnaud. A repertoire spanning many genres from traditional Italian music to Tango, Waltz, Boleros from South America or again Bossa Nova and Brazilian Choro. A combination of styles and genres for the musical pleasure of us all! This is part of Les Mercredis Live series, where La Note Bleue gives pride of place to local musicians and new projects from the French Riviera scene. Reserve your place by calling +377 93 500 502
– THURSDAY 19th FEBRUARY –
Courtesy Mairie de Monaco
If you are in Monaco, 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.
More action at the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur with eight trot races on the cards today, starting at midday. Admission is €5 per person with reduced rates available – tickets available online. Persons with reduced mobility and under 18s get in for free. There is also food and drink available on site. Book your restaurant places online.
Courtesy Ville de Nice
The Nice Carnaval Days Grande Braderie gets underway today, running until Saturday next. Get yourself along to the participating retailers and benefit from some great bargains! Vive La Reine!
Courtesy Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Les Jeudis de la Villa continue at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat tonight. The special guest is Susie MORGENSTERN – Carte Blanche. Tickets cost €120 for each soirée or a package of three for €300 and may be reserved online.
Video via Mathias Lévy on YouTube
Les Jeudis du Jazz concert series continues at the Théâtre Alexandre III in Cannes with Mathias Lévy. Accompanied by outstanding musicians, Lévy delivers a free-spirited and poetic performance that bridges classical music, jazz, and world influences. His violin speaks with rare expressiveness. a seamless fusion of tradition and innovation. Let yourself be carried away by Lévy’s virtuosity and emotion for an evening where jazz is reimagined with brilliance and grace. Performance at 7:30 pm. Tickets cost €5 and may be reserved online.
The Fête du Citron® hosts a Corso Nocturne toight. When night falls on Menton, the nighttime parades bathe the city in a gentle magic. Under the twinkling spotlights, the floats, adorned with lemons and oranges, parade in a symphony of light and colour. The evening concludes in spectacular fashion with a fireworks display at 10:30 pm. Tickets may be reserved online.
Courtesy Panda-Events
Panda-Events and the City of Nice present, in association with JO&CO, BLACK STAR FRANCE, and GILBERT COULLIER PRODUCTIONS present LINH – La Tourneé at Théâtre Lino Ventura at 8 pm. After winning over audiences with her debut single “Je pense à vous” (50 million streams, #1 on Shazam, #1 on radio and TV) and her EP (Signé, Linh), Linh is embarking on her first tour across France. Tickets are available online.
Courtesy Stockfish
Stockfish in Nice presents Ben l’Oncle Soul this evening. A voice, a vibe, an intoxicating freshness. On the radio, on screen, on stage just about everywhere, Ben the soulman spread the good word and forged his path through a fruitful decade: a live performance at the Zénith in Paris, an album with the Californian band Monophonics, a personal reinterpretation of Sinatra, culminating in “Addicted To You,” which in 2020 revealed a new Ben, now a father and determined to take control of every aspect of his artistic production. Support act Elise Allasia on stage at 8 pm. Tickets may be reserved online.
– FRIDAY 20th FEBRUARY –
Courtesy Ville de Nice
The Nice Carnaval Days Grande Braderie continues today, running until tomorrow in and around Nice. Get yourself along to the participating retailers and benefit from some great bargains! Vive La Reine!
Courtesy Panda-Events
Panda-Events present Carnaval Bouyon at Frigo 16. Originating in Dominica in the late 1980s, Bouyon is a Caribbean musical genre that has established itself as a distinct culture, encompassing both music and dance. The first bouyon single to be certified gold in France was “Kongolese” under the BBL label, released in 2024 by Théodora. Bouyon blends traditional rhythms (cadence-lypso, zouk) with modern sounds like dancehall and hip-hop. Tickets available online.
Courtesy Stockfish
Stockfish in Nice presents Tchami at 8 pm tonight. Spearheading the Future House movement alongside his partner DJ Snake, French producer and DJ Tchami, a true “priest” of the night, first made a name for himself with various remixes and tracks based on effective samples before achieving mainstream success with guest vocalists like Kaleem Taylor and Stacy Barthe. Tickets may be reserved online.
– OTHER EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS –
Courtesy Nice Jazz Festival / Ville de Nice
The 2026 Nice Jazz Festival may be five months away (23 – 26 July 2026), but initial ticket sales are now open. Early bird passes costing €120 are available online now, but not for much longer!
Courtesy Ville de Cannes
Calling all budding writers! The Écrire Cannes writing competition is underway – closing date for entries is 27 April 2026. Organized by the Mairie de Cannes and local libraries, this competition invites participants to write a short story on a theme related to the city. This year’s theme is « Cannes durable : imaginons la ville de demain » (Sustainable Cannes: Let’s imagine the city of tomorrow). Further details on the Ville de Cannes website.
Courtesy Casa di Goethe
The Casa di Goethe is opening its art repository and presenting new works, including pieces added to the collection in recent years. Artists from Goethe’s circle, including Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein and Jakob Philipp Hackert, continue to form a focal point of the collection. They are represented in the exhibition with some excellent and particular drawings. Running until 12th April, 2026.
Courtesy Les Plages Électroniques
Tickets sales are also open for the 20th anniversary edition of Les Plages Électroniques, taking place in Cannes this August. You can purchase your festival passes now. Please note that early-bird tickets are sold out.
Courtesy Grimaldi Forum Monaco
The anual summer exhibitions at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco are always something to look forward to. This summer, we will be treated to a major exhibition retracing over a century of passion for motoring in the Principality. Running from July 1st to September 6th, 2026, advance ticket sales are now open.
There is plenty going on in the world of theatre around the region. Check out the programmes at anthéa, Antipolis Théâtre d’Antibes | Théâtre National de Nice | Théâtre de la Cité (Nice) | Théâtre Francis Gag (Nice) | Théâtre de La Semeuse (Nice) | Théâtre de l’Impasse (Nice) | Espace Magnan (Nice) | Théâtre de la Licorne (Cannes) | Théâtre Les Funambules (Cap d’Ail) |
Courtesy Pink Ribbon Monaco
There are also plenty of excellent exhibitions going on throughout the region, with a number finishing up in the coming days and weeks.
Have a great week, wherever you find yourself!
PHOTO CREDITS
- Lead image RIVIERA BUZZ
- All other images/photos as credited
Leave a comment