We’re halfway through January already but you’d hardly notice as there is so much going on in and around this corner of paradise!
We have an action-packed programme for the coming week 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 seven days.
Whatever your tastes, you’ll definitely find something here to keep you occupied .
Here are our top picks for the weekend and week ahead.
– SATURDAY 17th JANUARY –
Courtesy Isola 2000
Come celebrate World Snow Day at Isola 2000 this weekend. World Snow Day is an international initiative that brings together millions of snow enthusiasts around the world every year.. There is an action-packed programme of events lined up to keep you amused, both on and off-piste!
Courtesy Ville de Cannes
Start off your Saturday with a musical interlude! The students of the Conservatoire de Cannes present two concerts today, the first one being ‘Harpe et croissants’ at 10 am in the Médiathèque Ranguin. Enjoy a convivial morning of relaxing music. Free admission. Further information available by calling +33 (0)4 97 06 49 10 or emailing conservatoire@ville-cannes.fr
Our friends in Read the Room bookstore in Nice are having a Tarot Reading day throughout the day in-store – a day filled with tarot, warmth, and good company. Jessie May returns to the bookstore for a day of intuitive tarot readings and reflection. Sessions are up to 20 minutes each for €15 between 10 am and 3 pm. Book via DM on Instagram. Walk-ins also welcome.
Courtesy Mairie de Monaco
Join in the fun at the opening of the Marché de la Condamine on Place d’Armes in Monaco for the Journée des commerçants. A festive and friendly day, filled with entertainment, to rediscover the market in its new temporary location. From 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, enjoy a musical and artistic atmosphere with a Gypsy band, clowns from the Monte-Carlo Circus, as well as artists and musicians throughout the day.
The Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur presents eight flat races from 10:28 am 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.
Video via Circus Monte Carlo YouTube channel
The 48th edition of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival is underway, featuring 16 shows in the classical tradition of this art form that it champions: acrobatics, comedy, and animals. There are two performances today, at 2 pm and 7 pm. Tickets may be reserved online.
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 Masséna Around the World on Instagram
Our friends in Masséna Around the World have their first author event of the year today between 3pm and 5pm and it’s for the kids! Writer and illustrator Monica Wellington will be reading from her book “Crêpes by Suzette” in which young readers get to travel alongside Suzette for the day, as she sells her pancakes from her street cart all over Paris, making many interesting stops along the way! This is not just a simple story for little ones to enjoy, it also serves as an art history class and travelogue! Monica will also be presenting her other books like “Dear Ballerina” and “Firefighter Frank”. Free admission, all welcome.
Courtesy Médiathèque Caroline
Come meet and chat with Cédric Biscay, author of the only manga made in Monaco, BLITZ, whose story unfolds in the refined world of chess, where intuition and concentration are invaluable assets for victory. Taking place at Médiathèque Caroline in Monaco, from 4 pm to 5:30 pm. the event is sponsored and supervised by former world chess champion Garry Kasparov. BLITZ, which has already sold over 200,000 copies in France, offers ambitious entertainment for all ages. Followed by a book signing of BLITZ Volume 11, published by IWA, available in bookstores. Free admission. Further information available by calling the médiathèque on +377 93 15 29 40
Courtesy Ville de Cannes
The students of the Conservatoire de Cannes are back for their second performance of the day, this time in the Église protestante unie de Cannes. The concert, entitled La Mémoire des Cordes: Dialogue des luths d’Orient et d’Occident, takes place at 6:30 pm and promises a programme navigating between classical and popular traditions, between the Mediterranean, Europe, and the Arab world. Free admission. Further information available by calling +33 (0)4 97 06 49 10 or emailing conservatoire@ville-cannes.fr
Courtesy Théâtre Anthéa d’Antibes
An electric and high-voltage adaptation of Victor Hugo’s L’intervention by celebrated Niçois composer and musician Clément Althaus comes to an end at Théâtre Anthéa in Antibes tonight at 9 pm. With Cie START 361º. Tickets may be reserved online but are selling out fast.
Courtesy Gare Croisette
Our friends in Gare Croisette in Cannes have another busy weekend lined up for us. Today we have Playground Tattoo Club by Grand Playground, which runs from 11 am to 7 pm. Also on the agenda a design workshop by Andréa drw (registration required), a mixology workshop, a hip-hop dance class and Invite Episode, another Soirée Twelty focused on hip-hop culture.
Courtesy Stockfish
Stockfish in Nice presents comedian Julien Vinh and his show Couronne. It resonates with this new generation that wants to be free, choose its own path, and at the same time, do everything to make their parents proud. Couronne is a pure stand-up comedy show; for over an hour, Vinh recounts his life from childhood to his decision to give it all up to pursue his passion: the stage. Doord open at 7 pm. Tickets may be reserved online.
– SUNDAY 18th JANUARY –
Courtesy Marché de la Truffe
The 30th Marché de la Truffe continues today in Le Rouret. There is a very full programme on offer throughout the day. A must for lovers of these black diamonds!
World Snow Day celebrations continue at Isola 2000 today. This international initiative brings together millions of snow enthusiasts around the world every year, and there is plenty planned to keep you amused, both on and off-piste!
The 94th Rallye Monte-Carlo takes place this week, but the programme begins today with official reconnaissance runs which continue until this coming Tuesday, 20th January.
Courtesy Gare Croisette
Playground Tattoo Club by Grand Playground continues at Gare Croisette in Cannes today, running from 11 am to 6 pm. Time to get inked up?
Video via müjdat dal on YouTube
The Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo presents a concert this evening at 6pm at Auditorium Rainier III in Monaco. Part of the Grande Saison Concert symphonique, the guest is pianist Fazil Say, with Lio Kuokman conducting. On the programme we have Say performing his own composition « Grand bazar » (Kapali carsi), op. 65, Saint-Saëns’ Concerto pour piano n°2 en sol mineur, op. 22, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Shéhérazade, suite symphonique, op. 35. Tickets may be reserved online.
– MONDAY 19th JANUARY-
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
Throughout the season, join the musicians of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice for a series of chamber music concerts in the heart of the Foyer Montserrat Caballé de l’Opéra. In an intimate and inspiring setting, enjoy an hour of music, from 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm, featuring works by Mendelssohn, Berio, and Ibert. Tickets cost €12 and may be reserved online.
More racing action from the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur today sarting at midday with eight flat races on the programme. 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.
– TUESDAY 20th JANUARY –
Courtesy Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur
The Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur presents eight flat races from 10:51 am 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.
Courtesy Médiathèque Caroline
Picnic Music Live is back this lunchtime at the Médiathèque Caroline in Monaco. Why not use your lunch break to unwind in a different way? Relax with a one-hour musical interlude with Naaïs, featuring French and English songs, in the friendly atmosphere of the Media Library. Starting at 12:15 pm. Free admission. Further information available by calling the médiathèque on +377 93 15 29 40
Courtesy Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
The Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo presents a concert this evening at 6:30 pm at Auditorium Rainier III in Monaco. Part of the Happy Hour Musical series, the concert entitled Mozart à Monaco, will feature his Serenade in C minor for 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, and 2 bassoons, K. 388/384A and Serenade No. 11 in E-flat major for winds, K. 375. Tickets cost €14 and a complimentary refreshment will be offered after the concert.
– WEDNESDAY 21st JANUARY –
Courtesy Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur
The Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur hosts eight trot races 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.
The 94th Rallye Monte-Carlo gets underway tomorrow. Today we have the Shakedown at 14:01. This 4.80 km test session, first introduced in 2017 and extended for 2026, will be held on a modified route in Gap.
– THURSDAY 22nd JANUARY –
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 racing action from the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur today with eight flat races on the programme which starts at 10:51 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.
Video via Automobile Club de Monaco on YouTube
The 94th Rallye Monte-Carlo, organised and run by the Automobile Club de Monaco, officially starts today and runs until Sunday, 25th January. The ceremonial start will take place at 14:30 from the Quai Albert 1er podium in Monaco, with three stages on the cards today.
Princess Grace arrives in Ireland in June 1961 for the first time. The occasion is the official State Visit by her husband HSH Prince Rainier III of Monaco – © Princess Grace Irish Library Archives
The Princess Grace Irish Library in Monaco launches its 2026 cultural programme with a talk by Neal Doherty that will bring the West of Ireland vividly to life. A lecturer, guidebook author, and qualified tourist guide, Neal will explore County Mayo and its deep connections to the Kelly family and their ancestral home, now owned by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and his family. The talk will take place at 7 pm and tickets costing €10 may be reserved online or by calling + 377 93 50 12 25 or emailing the Library info@pgil.mc
Video via CHAGAR PRODUCTIONS on YouTube
The Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo is back in action again this evening with a concert at 7:30 pm at Auditorium Rainier III in Monaco. Part of the Grande Saison series, the concert features Daniel Lozakovich on violin and David Fray on piano. They will be performing works by Bach, Beethoven and Mozart. Tickets may be reserved online.
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 Michel Lethiec – Les confidences d’un joueur de clarinette (Confessions of a clarinet player). Tickets cost €120 for each soirée or a package of three for €300 and may be reserved online.
Courtesy Gare Croisette
There’s a busy night in store at Gare Croisette tonight. Starting at 6:30 pm, we have a round table discussion – « Les métiers du spectacle vivant et des industries culturelles » (Careers in live performance and cultural industries – in French). This is followed by Live by Jeune Morty x Unica Culture from 8 pm to 10 pm. The evening is rounded out with Croisette Live, a DJ set by NSC Corporation until 2 am.
– FRIDAY 23rd JANUARY –
The Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur hosts eight trot races today, starting at 2:25 pm. 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 Médiathèque Charles Nègre Grasse
The 10th Nuits de la Lecture, organized by the Centre national du livre (National Book Centre) at the suggestion of the Ministry of Culture, will take place from January 21 to 25, 2026, around the national theme “Cities and Countryside.” Sources of inspiration for literature, cities and the countryside have nourished our imaginations and moral and social reflections since the dawn of time. On this occasion, the Bibliothèque & Médiathèques de Grasse network invites you to two unique evenings (tonight and tomorrow) exploring the relationship between urban and rural areas in a festive and convivial atmosphere. For further Information or to register, please call either +33 (0)4 97 05 59 30 or +33 (0)4 97 05 58 53 or email bibliotheque@ville-grasse.fr
Courtesy Stockfish
Stockfish in Nice hosts its regular Les Pieds dans le plat event tonight from 7 pm, the first of the New Year. In a friendly, intergenerational atmosphere, come share an iconic dish of Spanish culture: the royal paella. Around the large communal table, immersive experiences plunge guests into Spanish culture. Gradually, the pop-up restaurant transforms into a club, giving way to a musical stage. Live Music and DJ Set with performances, pétanque, photobooth, and more! Tickets available online.
Video via Trondheim Symfoniorkester & Opera on YouTube
Opéra de Monte-Carlo stages a new production of Richard Wagner’s Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), the second opera of his greatest work, Der Ring des Nibelungen, also known as his Ring Cycle. The Valkyrie runs at the Monte-Carlo Opera for four performances, starting tonight with a gala performance at 7 pm. Contact the box office on +377 92 00 13 70 for further information regarding tickets
Courtesy Théâtre de la Semeuse; photo by David Mus
The Théâtre de la Semeuse in Nice presents L’élégant de 10h, a play that reminds us that there’s no age limit for falling in love, no age limit for reinventing oneself, no age limit for breaking free from the roles of widow, mother, grandmother… no age limit for daring… so, let’s dare… let’s dare… let’s dare! Performance tonight at 8 pm. Tickets cost €18 (reduced rates available) and may be reserved online.
The Chœur de l’Opéra de Nice (Nice Opera Choir) invites you to an intimate musical interlude at the Musée Marc Chagall. For one hour, thirteen singers from the chamber choir explore three major worlds of the vocal repertoire: Monteverdi, Schubert and Hersant. From 8 pm. Tickets cost €12 and may be reserved online.
Courtesy Gare Croisette
Every Friday, it’s Melpote night at Gare Croisette in Cannes. Tonight we have Soirée Funktown, a night of funk, disco and soul. With DJ sets by Must, K-Lead x Yann Sax. From 10 pm to 2 am. There’s only one rule – PARTY!
– OTHER EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS –
Courtesy Nice Jazz Festival / Ville de Nice
The 2026 Nice Jazz Festival may be six months away (23 – 26 July, 2026) but intial ticket sales are now open. Early bird passes costing €120 are available online now but not for much longer!
Courtesy Ville de Nice
The Carnaval de Nice takes place from 11th February to 1st March, 2026. Ticket sales are now open so be sure to reserve your places asap! Et, vive la Reine!
Courtesy Les Plages Électroniques
Tickets sales are also open for the 20th anniversary edition of Les Plages Électroniques, taking place in Cannes in August next year. 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. Next summerm 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. 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 the season as does the Théâtre de la Cité in Nice who have a very busy programme.
Courtesy Département des Alpes-Maritimes
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
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