The Best Cultural Festivals On The French Riviera
Located along the Mediterranean coast of south-east France, the French Riviera is considered one of the most beautiful and frequently visited tourist destinations in Europe. Although no formal agreement regarding its boundaries exists, it is generally considered to extend from Toulon or Cassis in the west, to France’s border with Italy in the east. The entire stretch is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. A portion of this coastline belongs to the Principality of Monaco, which exists as a semi-enclave within the region.
The French Riviera was one of Europe’s first modern resort areas. Developed as a winter health resort in the 18th century by wealthy Brits, by the mid-19th century it had become a vacation spot for aristocrats from many parts of Europe. In the early 20th century, writers and artists frequented the area, and following the Second World War the French Riviera became a top tourist destination and convention site. A number of cultural festivals are held there today, which attract crowds in great numbers. Some of the most notable cultural festivals are highlighted below.
9. International Circus Festival
The International Circus Festival is an exciting annual festival held in the Chapiteau (circus tent) de Fontvieille in late January or early February. Awards for various circus skills, including the Golden Clown award, are presented during the event. Circus artists from all over the world attend the festival to showcase their talents on a global platform.
8. La Fête du Mimosa
Each year in February, residents of Mandelieu-la-Napoule, a picturesque commune on the French Riviera, celebrate the La Fête du Mimosa. The central feature of the festival is the charming yellow mimosa flower. The flower is integral to the region’s culture and economy, symbolizes the arrival of spring, and is used in perfumery. The festival began in 1931 and now attracts thousands of visitors to Mandelieu-la-Napoule.
7. Lemon Festival
The Lemon Festival, held in the Menton commune, is another significant festival on the French Riviera. The unique event started in 1934 and has since grown in popularity. The festival, which involves more than 145 tonnes of citrus fruits and 300 professionals, includes events such as floral processions based on citrus-themes. During the festival, the Biovès Gardens is clad with hundreds of citrus fruits and temporary sculptures are made from lemons.
6. The Nice Carnival
One of the French Riviera’s landmark events, the Nice Carnival is as popular as the Venetian Carnival and the Brazilian Carnival. Held each February in the city of Nice, the festival began in the 13th century and now attracts more than a million annual visitors. A special theme is selected each year and floats and figurines are designed accordingly. Parades occur throughout the day and are accompanied by feasts, music, and dancing.
5. Violet Festival
The Violet Festival is held each March in the Tourrettes-sur-Loup commune on the French Riviera. Celebrated annually since 1952, the floral festival helps welcome the spring season. The location of the festival is significant, as Tourrettes-sur-Loup has been an important producer of the violet flower since 1880. Today, the Victoria variety of the flower is cultivated in the area. The Violet Festival begins with dawn serenades and dances, and a floral procession is held later in the day. The festival ends with the Flower Battle, in which anyone can participate.
4. Nice Jazz Festival
The French Riviera draws thousands of music lovers from around the globe to attend one of Europe’s most prestigious jazz festivals. The Nice Jazz Festival has been held each year since 1948, usually in July. The events take place in the Jardins de Cimiez neighborhood, and features eight evenings of simultaneous performance on multiple stages.
3. Jasmine Festival
Each August, the commune of Grasse in the French Riviera marks the beginning of the jasmine harvest with the Jasmine Festival. The flower holds local significance, as it is one of the main raw materials that supports the commune’s thriving perfume industry. Parades, dancing, flower works, and flower stalls are included as part of the festival. There are also competitions for the selection of “Miss Jasmine” and the “battle of the flowers.”
2. Cannes Festival
Held in the city of Cannes, the Cannes Festival is one of the most internationally renowned film festivals. The festival offers previews of upcoming films from around the world to its invited guests. The annual festival was started in 1946 and is held in the month of May. The Cannes Festival is considered one of the "Big Three" film festivals, and is especially significant for European films.
1. Rose Festival
The Rose Festival or ExpoRose is held in the commune of Grasse, which also hosts the Jasmine Festival. The annual festival occurs in May and lasts for a period of three days. During the event, roses are used to decorate fountains, shop fronts, public squares, and statues. The entire festival area becomes filled with the sweet fragrance of varieties of roses. Rose-flavored foods and beverages, rose-themed songs and dances, and other rose-themed products are incorporated into the festival.
