The unmissable festivals of the French Riviera in 2026: a calendar not to be missed
Join a CĂ´te d'Azur festival and create lasting memories with family, friends, or your partner. From Villefranche-sur-Mer to Menton, and including Antibes and Cannes, numerous cultural and musical events take place on the Riviera each summer, promising a friendly atmosphere for all festival-goers. EDEN CABPlan your travel with peace of mind to participate in these cultural programs in the best possible comfort.
La Crème Festival in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Launched for the first time in 2019 by Natacha Batoussova, the Crème Festival takes place in Villefranche-sur-Mer every June. For three days, the event combines DJ sets, live concerts, local cuisine, and wellness activities. It unfolds across two locations: the historic 16th-century Citadel and the Plage de la Darse, which hosts beach parties as well as relaxation activities and water sports such as e-foiling.
The 2026 edition of this CĂ´te d'Azur festival
Firstrd The 2026 edition takes place from June 26th to 28th and offers a rich and eclectic program featuring established artists and rising stars. Among the artists performing are Louve, Blowsom, Danyl, Toy Tonics Krew, Papooz, Destiino, DJ Pone, Odetto, and others. The beach parties are hosted by Yuksek, Anoraak, and Club Sonore.
Practical information to remember
- Dates: The event is traditionally held in June (from June 26 to 28).
- Exact location: Villefranche Citadel and Darse Beach.
- Ticketing : Weekend passes are available from €48 (to book, visit the official website via The Festival Cream).
The Electronic Beaches of Cannes
Festival-goers from all over the world flock to Cannes every August for the biggest beach party in Europe: Les Plages Electroniques de Cannes. Taking place on the beach and the terrace of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, this electronic music event is:
- 3 days of celebration
- 40 m000 of dance floor
- 15 hours of non-stop music
- 10 scenes
- 60,000 festival-goers per edition.
- 90 artists
2026 programming
2026 is a pivotal year for Les Plages Electroniques de Cannes, as it celebrates the event's 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, some of the biggest international stars will take to the dance floor, including Martin Garrix, Amelie Lens, Marshmello, and DJ Snake. Several new features will punctuate this techno festival, such as the stage on the water where the public can enjoy the show from 600 free inflatable rafts.
Practical information
- Location: Beach of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes.
- Prices: Ticket prices start from €66 for a 1-day pass and around €163 for a 3-day pass.
- Ticketing : To book your tickets and view the full program, visit the official website Les Plages Électroniques.
The Jazz Ă Juan Festival
The Antibes Juan-les-Pins Jazz Festival was created in 1960 by Jacques Souplet and Jacques Hebey to pay tribute to the renowned jazz musician Sidney Bechet. It takes place every July at the Pinède Gould in Antibes. This festival distinguishes itself through its blend of modernity and tradition. While historical jazz is celebrated, other musical styles are also featured, such as soul, blues, electro-jazz, and gospel. During the event, several highlights are not to be missed, including the Jammin' Summer Session, which showcases young talents and emerging artists, and Jammin' Juan, which features showcase groups performing in performance showcases.
Jazz Rendezvous of 2026
The 2026 edition of Jazz Ă Juan will take place from July 9th to 19th, 2026. Several prestigious names are expected to perform, including Marcus Miller, Tom Jones, Thomas Dutronc, Seal, and Samara Joy. On July 15th and 18th at 11:00 AM, more intimate gatherings are offered at the Albert Camus Media Library in Antibes, featuring concerts and artistic discussions.
đź”—Jazz a Juan
The CĂ´te d'Azur Festival in Ramatuelle
Every year, the Saint-Tropez peninsula hosts the Côte d'Azur Festival in Ramatuelle. This major cultural event in the Var region was created in 1985 by Jacqueline Franjou and Jean-Claude Brialy. Since its inception, it has presented over 370 productions and more than 2100 artists. The festival takes place in a bucolic setting within the Théâtre de la Verdure, which seats 1200. Under the artistic direction of Michelle Boujenah, it combines theater, comedy, and music. It's also worth noting that since 2014, the festival has included the Nuits Classiques, dedicated to classical music.
The 2026 edition of the Ramatuelle Festival
The cultural event will take place from July 29 to August 12, 2026. Headliners include Lambert Wilson, Manu Payet, Jean-Paul Rouve, Jeanne Cherhal, and BĂ©nabar. For the full program and to book tickets, visit the official Ramatuelle Festival website.
Côte d'Azur Festival: Les Nuits Carrées in Antibes
For nearly two decades, the Nuits Carrées festival has been the unmissable event to kick off summer on the French Riviera. Long housed within the sea walls of Fort Carré, this Antibes festival has built a solid reputation thanks to a powerful concept: combining prestigious headliners with emerging artists, all at a low cost. Now located on the Pré des Pêcheurs esplanade in the heart of the city, the event offers a more urban and accessible experience, without losing any of its authenticity or electrifying atmosphere.
20 years of music!
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the 2026 edition promises a total sonic immersion with a unique musical identity for each evening. The festivities will kick off on Thursday, June 18th, with performances by Ebony, Keblack, and Trinix. Friday will showcase urban sounds with TH, Timar, La Mano 1.9, and Naza. Saturday will be all about electro and pop with Ofé, Coco Garel, the return of Cassius, and Bon Entendeur. Finally, Sunday, June 21st, will celebrate Fête de la Musique (World Music Day) in an electrifying atmosphere alongside More Amour, Afrasonic y el GPO, Yass Sogo, Killian Alaari, and the Boom Brass band.
Nice Jazz Fest
It is the oldest jazz festival in the world. Nice Jazz Fest was founded in 1948 by Jacques Hebey and under the artistic direction of Hugues Panassié, and helped to introduce legendary jazz musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Django Reinhardt. At the time, the event was organized between the Opera of Nice and the municipal casino on Place Masséna.
Programme
Le Nice Jazz Fest 2026 will take place from July 23 to 25, 2026 on the Scène Masséna and at the Théâtre de Verdure (Jardin Albert 1er, NiceIn total, 3 evenings and 18 concerts are being organized. This year, several international headliners are expected, including Busta Rhymes, Sting, Lola Young, Biréli Lagrène, Noga Erez, Naïka, etc.
đź”—Nice Jazz Fest
Monte-Carlo Summer Festival
Every summer, the Principality of Monaco comes alive with the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival, a prestigious musical event organized by the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM). This exclusive event brings together international icons in the heart of the Rock's most sumptuous venues. Festival-goers can thus alternate between the intimate atmosphere and historic architectural setting of the Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo, and the grand evenings at the Salle des Étoiles, famous for its retractable roof that opens fully to the starry Riviera sky.
Prestige vintage for 2026
The 2026 edition, running from July 3 to August 15, promises a uniquely elegant lineup blending pop, soul, and urban music. The festivities will kick off in style in July with the prodigious Jon Batiste on the 7th, followed by the energetic Jason Derulo on the 8th. International star Aya Nakamura will take the stage on July 22nd, before giving way to the captivating live performance of John Legend on July 26th. Finally, from July 29th to August 9th, the festival will offer a total immersion with exclusive performances of the show "SOUL!".
Menton Music Festival
The oldest classical music festival on the French Riviera, the Menton Music Festival has enchanted the Riviera every summer since its inception in 1950. Under the guidance of its artistic director, the event transforms the town of Menton into an open-air theatre where international orchestras, legendary virtuosos, and rising stars of the new generation come together. The festival's beating heart undoubtedly resides on the majestic forecourt of the Basilica of Saint-Michel, a stage suspended between sky and sea overlooking the old town of Menton. To enrich the experience, other historical and cultural venues such as the Palais de l'Europe, the Jean Cocteau Museum, and the Casino Barrière host chamber music concerts, intimate recitals, and interludes featuring Baroque or jazz music.
What can we expect from the 2026 edition?
For 2026, this Côte d'Azur festival promises to be particularly magnificent, with some fifteen outstanding performances at the beginning of August. Pianist and composer Fazıl Say will open the festivities on August 1st with an exceptional recital, followed the next day by an evening dedicated to the young virtuosos of tomorrow. The following days will feature masterful duos and soloists: the talented Marie-Laure Garnier and Caélia Oneto Bensaid on the 3rd, followed by the duo Leonidas Kavakos and Enrico Pace on the 4th. After an immersion in early music with the ensemble I Gemelli on August 5th, Thomas Enhco and Vassilena Serafimova will challenge conventions on August 6th with a performance fusing marimba, piano, and jazz. Finally, French pianist Alexandre Kantorow will bring this musical journey to a triumphant close on August 7th.
đź”—Music Festival Menton
Nuits du Sud Festival
Every summer, Vence hosts the Nuits du Sud Festival, celebrating all contemporary music in its finest expression. Created in 1977, the event offers an eclectic program that combines emerging artists, world music, and international headliners.
The 2026 festivities
Firstrd This edition takes place from July 9th to 18th, 2026. On opening night, the public can enjoy performances by Luiza and Amadou & Mariam. Other artists invited include Maya Kamaty, Breakbot & Irfane, Soom T, Kolinga, and Magic System. To discover emerging talent, festival-goers can participate in the Intimate Nights. The "Talents Nuits du Sud" competition is also organized to support new creations and is held at the Espace Culturel Leclerc in Vence.
đź”—Southern Nights
Easily access the CĂ´te d'Azur festival with your private driver
During these events, the French Riviera experiences a massive influx of visitors. Getting around quickly becomes problematic, especially when trying to reach Cannes, Menton, Saint-Tropez, or Monaco. With EDEN CABYou gain peace of mind, because we provide you with luxury vehicles with private chauffeurs that guarantee flawless organization for all your journeys and transfers.
