It’s back! Nice’s most celebrated jazz festival returns in full form this July 15 to 19. Annulled in 2020 and only partially open in 2021, the Nice Jazz Festival will fill two stages this year with a succession of exciting artists.

Look for the return of festival faves such as Marcus Miller, Michel Portal, Avishai Cohen, Kenny Barron, Gerald Clayton, Youn Sun Nah and ibrahim Maalouf. Sample newcomers such as Parcels, Clara Luciani, H.E.R., Celeste, Lady Blackbird, Emmet Cohen, Samy Thiebault, Yessai Karapetian, Emile Parisien and Samara Joy. Have you heard of Melody Gardot and Iggy Pop? Names ring a bell? They’ll be there too! And many more. A total of 30 groups will sharing their music in the Theatre de Verdure and the Scene Massena.

And then there are the free concerts that make up the Festival Off. This cycle runs from July 6 to 10 and will take place on the Colline du Chateau on the Cathedral and the Nietzsche terrace .

Surrounding towns in the region are not forgotten.  There will be free jazz concerts in Belvédère, Saint Martin de Vésubie, la Bollène Vésubie, Gilette, Drap, Saint Laurent du Var, Saint Etienne de Tinée, la Colmiane Valdeblore, Clans, Saint Martin du Var, Castagniers and Châteauneuf Villevieille.

Those in the know head to the Radisson Blu hotel after the evening concerts end. The bar-lounge rocks with informal jam sessions, often with the featured musicians.

Online ticketing (nicejazzfestival.fr)  opens Monday April 11 or buy tickets at the gate. For details and tips see .frenchrivieratraveller.com/Nice/JazzFestival.html