The Best Events in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Where to go in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur? Explore our selection of the best events to have fun and experience unforgettable moments across the region!

Festival de Cannes

Get Near the Stars

Who never dreamed about treading the famous red carpet of the Festival de Cannes? Climbing the steps might not happen right now, but every year, in May, you can still spot your favourite stars in front of the Palais des Festivals. With a bit of luck, you can even take an autograph home. More interested in the films than the people? Head to the Cinéma de la Plage. Every evening during the festival, you can attend an outdoor screening of a film that made history at Cannes, with your toes in the sand.

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Une publication partagée par Aurelien Ferriere (@aurelienferriere) le 6 Mars 2018 à 12 :42 PST

Carnaval de Nice

Feast Your Eyes

World renowned, the Carnaval de Nice has been thrilling crowds every February since 1873. For two weeks, extravagant floats, carnavalesque corsos, the battle of flowers and musical groups from around the world fill the streets of Nice. The biggest carnival in France bursts with good humour, colours and smells. And a tribute to the local flora: 80% of the flowers used are grown in the region.

Motor Racing Circuits

Hear the Roar of the Engines

Car racing enthusiasts should speed to Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. First essential date: the Grand Prix du Castellet – at the Circuit Paul Ricard. Every year, drivers push themselves to the limits for a spectacular show, thrills guaranteed. Feel your adrenaline rise as you watch the race cars zoom by on the track. Experience also the renowned Monte-Carlo Rally, a race which crosses the Alps as far as the Côte d’Azur.

Chorégies d’Orange

Have a Magical Moment

The oldest festival in France – its first edition took place in 1869 – the Chorégies d’Orange are a benchmark for opera and classical music lovers. Every summer, this world-famous event attracts 40,000 spectators to the magnificent Théâtre Antique d’Orange, built in 1st century BC. A registered UNESCO World Heritage site, this location, with its exceptional acoustic quality, contributes to making the Chorégies d’Orange an internationally renown moment of grace.

Traditional Corsi

Discover the Pride of the Locals

In Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, the traditional Corsi celebrations have been the pride of the locals for several centuries. At the end of February, head to the Corso of Bormes-les-Mimosas where 15 floats decorated with more than 80,000 fresh flowers are on parade! This colorful affair is sure to warm your heart in the dead of winter. In Digne-les-Bains, lavender is in the spotlight. The leading producer of the “Blue Gold of Provence,” the town organises the Corso of Lavender each year in early August. On the programme: parades, fireworks and lavender distillation.

Rencontres d’Arles

See Photos from Around the World

The Rencontres d’Arles is to photography as the Festival de Cannes is to cinema: a benchmark. The world’s leading photography festival, this event covers a wide range of contemporary works, with around 40 exhibitions spread through the historic and cultural locations of the city. Notice to budding photographers: in Arles they organise courses with the greatest names of photography. A dream opportunity to improve your skills.

Festival d’Avignon

Engage your Artistic Side

To live at the pace of the performing arts, visit Avignon in July. A veritable institution since its launch in 1947, the Festival d’Avignon is an open-air stage. For more than two weeks, tens of thousands of contemporary theatre enthusiasts enjoy performances, exhibitions, film screenings and debates organised throughout the city. The Festival d’Avignon is a moment of exchange, emotion and encounters at the heart of a Provençal city laden with history.

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Une publication partagée par Outdoormix Festival (@outdoormixfest) le 5 Déc. 2018 à 3 :31 PST

Outdoormix Festival

Try Out New Sports

The Outdoormix Festival is two seasons, and two atmospheres! In winter, head to Vars to fill up on the thrills of board sports competitions and freestyle events. In the evening, music takes over: shake it out to the sound of electro and funk. In summer, the event moves to Embrun. Outdoor sports lovers, you’re in the right place! Kayak, slackline, paddle board, longboard…watch more than ten challenges before you let yourself go, like last time, to the beat of live bands and DJ’s.

Music Festivals

Shake It Up

In summer, music takes over in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur! In July, head to the Festival des Suds in Arles to experience seven days and six nights of world music concerts. Want to swing? Make your way to the Festival de Jazz des Cinq Continents in Marseillesor to Jazz à Juan, two much-anticipated events for jazz aficionados!

Voiles de Saint-Tropez

Take to the Seas

Don’t have your sea legs? Don’t panic: at the Voiles de Saint-Tropez you can watch the majestic nautical ballet from dry land and in the sumptuous setting of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez Gathering 300 ships and 4,000 sailors, the Voiles de Saint-Tropez are coastal races for modern and traditional sailing ships, Optimist regattas as well as events on land (live concerts, crew parades, and more), all in a festive and relaxed spirit.