Nice and the French Riviera events 2016

The popularity of the French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, as a tourist destination does not rely solely on the typical summer attractions – sun, beach and the warm waters of the Mediterranean. A wide range of events, festivals and sport competitions will help to keep the visitors to the southern coast of France entertained even when the weather fails.

Nice Carnival
12-28 February 2016

Nice Carnival is undoubtedly the most important winter event on the French Riviera, being, at the same time, one of the most iconic carnivals worldwide.  The two weeks preceding the beginning of lent are filled with exuberant parades, joyful parties, street music and dancing. Expect fireworks, extravagant costumes and unforgettable entertainment during day and night.

Nice Flower Parade 2015:

Find detailed information about the programme of Nice Carnival on the event’s official website.

Bread, Love and Chocolate Festival – Antibes
12-14 February and 18-21 February 2016

One of the growingly popular foodie event on the French Riviera, Pain, Amour et Chocolate attracts both professional chefs, patissiers and chocolatiers and the general public. Great opportunity to try some of the finest French delicacies, apart from pastries and sweets, also locally produced cheese and wines.

Lemon Festival Menton
13 February – 2 March 2016

La Fête du Citron, or Lemon Festival , held every year in the town of Menton,  16 miles north-east of Nice is rightfully gaining the fame of one of the most entertaining events on the French Riviera, au pair with the Carnival of Nice. Over 100 tonnes of lemons and oranges used to prepare fairytale like decorations and citrus-themed food and drinks, participants numbers exceeding 160 000 and a parade of bizarre floats and giant figures makes the Lemon Festival a truly unforgettable event.

Violet Festival – Tourrettes Sur Loup
27-28 February 2016

For two days the charming village of Tourrettes Sur Loup, 12 miles west of Nice gets covered in the violet blossom. The Violet Festival celebrating spring and spring flowers is a joyful occasion and very pleasing to all senses. Flower decorations and scents fill the streets of the village during the main events of the festival: the floral procession and the flower battle in which everyone is invite to participate.

Cannes Film Festival
11-22 May 2016

The iconic event of the cinematography – the Cannes Festival - will see its 69^th edition in 2016. The festival is a glamorous occasion, attracting to Cannes the professionals of the film industry and press from all over the world as well as the spectators and fans looking to get a picture from the red carpet or an autograph of their favourite movie star. Find more information about 2016 Cannes Film Festival.

Ironman Nice 2016
5 June 2016

Considered one of the most challenging sporting events, the Ironman Triathlon has already made itself at home in Nice. Côte d’Azur indeed offers perfect location for the competition which combines a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bicycle ride and a 26 mile run. The breath taking Alpine bike course is especially appreciated and at the same time, feared by the athletes from all over the world.

Nice Ironman 2016 information and registration. 

The Bastille Day Nice
14 July 2016

The celebrations of the Bastille Day held throughout France every year on 14 of July commemorate the beginning of the French Revolution. Apart from the recreation of the historic events, the Bastille Day is celebrated through a wide range of activities: parades, street parties and fireworks. In Nice the Promenade des Anglais is the main stage of the Bastille Day celebrations.

French Riviera Marathon
13 November 2016

Known in French as Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes, the 42 km run between Nice and Cannes is one of the most important sport events on the French Riviera. The course of the race leads along the coast, in unique settings between with beautiful views of the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and the snow-covered Alps.

Find more information or sign-up for the French Riviera Marathon 2016.