Summer is in full swing on the French Riviera! From music festivals and spectacular fireworks to world-class sporting events, here is our selection of the must-see highlights to make the most of your stay between Nice, Cannes and Monaco, from early July through the end of August.
Early July: The Start of the Riviera Summer Season
Kermesse Festival – July 3–5
📍 Théâtre de Verdure (Albert 1st Garden), Nice
Three evenings dedicated to the biggest pop, R&B, hip-hop and Eurodance hits from the 1990s and 2000s, running from 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm. A perfect way to kick off Nice’s festival season in a nostalgic and festive atmosphere.
Saint Peter and the Sea Festival – July 4–5
📍 Cagnes-sur-Mer
A traditional fishermen’s celebration honoring the city’s maritime heritage, featuring entertainment, local gastronomy and a lively seaside atmosphere.
Independence Day Celebration – July 4
📍 Villefranche-sur-Mer
For one evening, Villefranche-sur-Mer embraces the American spirit to celebrate U.S. Independence Day with entertainment and special surprises. A unique event particularly appreciated by international visitors.
Jazz à Juan – July 9–19
📍 Gould Pine Grove, Juan-les-Pins (Antibes)
One of Europe’s most prestigious jazz festivals, set in the idyllic pine grove overlooking the Mediterranean. Expect an eclectic programme combining jazz legends with today’s leading artists over several evenings.
Nice Jazz Fest – July 23–25
📍 Place Masséna & Théâtre de Verdure (Albert 1st Garden), Nice
Europe’s oldest jazz festival returns for another unforgettable edition across its two iconic city-centre stages.
Highlights include:
- Thursday, July 23: Sting
- Friday, July 24: Busta Rhymes
- Saturday, July 25: Lola Young
alongside artists such as Cymande, Biréli Lagrène, Naïka and Noga Erez.
Concerts begin each evening at 7:15 pm, with gates opening at 5:30 pm on Thursday.
The lively “La Merenda” Festival Village, hosted by JoeyStarr, opens from 5:30 pm, offering food stalls, bars and entertainment before the concerts, followed by late-night jam sessions.
Our tip: The festival takes place right in the city centre and is easily accessible via Tram Lines 1 and 2 (Masséna or Jean Médecin stops).
Cannes International Fireworks Festival – July 4 to August 24
📍 Cannes Bay, visible from La Croisette
Six evenings of international pyrotechnic competition light up Cannes Bay throughout the summer:
- July 4, 14 and 22
- August 4, 15 and 24
Each show lasts around twenty minutes and is perfectly synchronised to music. Competing teams come from Serbia, Poland, China, France, Finland and the Czech Republic.
Fireworks begin at 10:00 pm in July and 9:30 pm in August (with a special 11:00 pm display on July 14 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Nice attack).
Good to know: Admission is completely free and the displays can be enjoyed from both the beach and La Croisette. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Les Plages Électroniques – August 7–9
📍 Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Beach & Terrace, Cannes
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this iconic electronic music festival features multiple stages (Beach Stage, Terrace Stage, La Centrale and Solarium) with 15 hours of non-stop music every day, from 2:00 pm until after midnight.
2026 Headliners :
- Friday, August 7: Martin Garrix & Mosimann
- Saturday, August 8: Amelie Lens & Marshmello
- Sunday, August 9: DJ Snake
Our tip: One-day passes start at approximately €66, while three-day passes start from around €163. Booking in advance is highly recommended, as the festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year.
Tour de France Femmes – Final Stage in Nice – August 9
📍 Finish Line: Promenade des Anglais, Nice
New for 2026, Nice will host the grand finale of the 5th edition of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, which starts on August 1 in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The final stage features a spectacular 99 km route starting in Nice, including four climbs of the famous Col d’Èze before finishing on the Promenade des Anglais.
A fantastic free sporting event to experience by the sea.
Promenade en Fête – July 25 & August 8
📍 Seafront, Cagnes-sur-Mer
When the seafront becomes pedestrian-only until midnight…
Enjoy live music, free children’s entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display during Promenade en Fête 2026.
One of the most anticipated evenings of the local summer season, bringing together residents and visitors for a vibrant celebration along the waterfront. A wonderful opportunity to experience a more authentic Riviera atmosphere, just 15 minutes from Nice.
Open-Air Cinema – July 4-24
📍 Open-Air Theatre, Citadel of Villefranche-sur-Mer
Nestled inside the Citadel’s beautiful open-air theatre overlooking the stunning Bay of Villefranche, this is one of the most picturesque outdoor cinemas on the French Riviera.
Films are screened almost every evening in July at 9:30 pm (ticket office opens at 8:45 pm)
Most films are shown in French without subtitles, alongside a selection of films in their original language with French subtitles.
Our tip: This venue is just a short walk from many of our Villefranche-sur-Mer properties, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing evening combining history, cinema and breathtaking sunset views.
Make the Most of Your Summer on the French Riviera
The French Riviera offers an incredible concentration of events throughout the summer, most of them located within 45 minutes of each other by train or car thanks to the TER railway connecting Nice, Cannes and Monaco.
Whether you’re staying in Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer or the surrounding area, you’ll find that most of these events are easily accessible by public transport.
Feel free to contact us for the best transport options from your accommodation or for personalised recommendations to help you make the most of your stay.
Riviera Holiday Homes is here to help you enjoy an unforgettable holiday on the French Riviera, between Nice and Monaco. Discover our carefully selected properties and let our local team guide you throughout your stay.