We’re all happy that spring is here after a cold rainy winter. It’s not beach weather yet (except for a very few hardy souls) but April promises to be a great month for enjoying a walk through the region’s parks, gardens and trails.

See more about the best walks on the Riviera

Easter falls on April 5. It’s a good day to explore the interior of churches that are usually closed. Remember that Easter Monday is a national holiday in France. All transport will be on a Sunday/holiday schedule.

Here is my selection of the best events this month:

NICE

Cine Concert at Nice Opera

Nice Opera April 8, 8pm

The Cinémathèque de Nice kicks off its 50th anniversary celebrations with a special live film concert at the Opéra de Nice, featuring Michel Hazanavicius’s The Artist. A delightful and poetic pastiche of silent cinema, the film was a critical and popular success, winning awards from major film academies worldwide. This live concert, accompanied by the 90-piece Nice Philharmonic Orchestra , offers the chance to enjoy Ludovic Bource’s exquisite original score, which won Best Original Score at the Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Goyas, and Césars. Tickets here: opera-nice.notre-billetterie.org/billets?seance=3398

60 Minute Baroque

Nice Opera April 25 6pm

The Nice Philharmonic Baroque Ensemble is a new addition to the classical music scene. This group, dedicated to the Baroque repertoire, aims to breathe new life into the works and sounds of the past. Their inaugural one-hour concert is a surprise! Buy tickets here: opera-nice.notre-billetterie.org/billets?spec=789

Chamber Music at the Chagall Museum

Marc Chagall National Museum April 13, 7:00 PM

Experience an enchanting evening of chamber music in the mysterious ambiance of the Chagall Museum at night. This concert, featuring clarinets and strings will perform works by Mozart, Elliot Carter, Franz Schubert and more. Tickets for the one-hour concert are €12 Reserve here: opera-nice.notre-billetterie.org/billets?optnav=css&seance=3366

Nice Baroque Ensemble

Palais Lascaris April 4 3.30pm

On this occasion Gilbert Bezzina, violinist specializing in 17th and 18th century repertoire and founder of the Nice Baroque Ensemble will be joined by Sergio Basilico the guitarist and lutenist for this special concert at Nice’s 17th-century Palais Lascaris. Tickets available at Palais Lascaris.

Béjart Ballet Lausanne

Palais Nikaia April 4, 8pm

The celebrated Swiss ballet company founded by Maurice Béjart will present a three-part program that includes Stravinsky’s Firebird and Ravel’s Bolero in addition to excerpts from Béjart’s classic ballets. Details and tickets here: nikaia.fr/programmation/bejart-ballet-lausanne

Swan Lake

Palais Nikaia April 19 4pm

Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet will be performed by the International Festival Ballet, a well-regarded touring company. Tickets here: fnacspectacles.com/artist/lac-cygnes-international-festival-ballet/

BIOT

Biot and the Templars

April 10-12

The 10th edition of Biot and the Templars will transport visitors back to the 13th century with an immersive medieval experience. The event features over 150 hours of performances, 500 participants, and representation from 16 European countries. Highlights include torchlight processions, Europe’s largest mapping projection (27,000 m²) displayed across the village, thrilling horse shows, grand knightly battles with warriors from across Europe, medieval-themed activities for children such as archery and castle assaults, and a recreation of 13th-century artisan life. Don’t drive! Take the train to Biot and then catch the shuttle bus up to the village. More info: biotetlestempliers.fr/

Mouan-Sartoux

Honey Festival

Mouans-Sartoux April 26

The 32nd Honey Festival of Mouans-Sartoux is a must-attend event for beekeepers in Provence. This family-friendly celebration features engaging activities, culinary workshops, honey extraction demonstrations, tastings, and more.

MONACO

Monte Carlo Rolex Masters

Monte Carlo Country Club April 5-13

This Masters 1000 event kicks off the European clay court season. Established stars such as Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Caspar Ruud and Alexander Zverev will play as well as rising stars such as Jacub Mensik. Although officially sold out, resale tickets are available on the website montecarlotennismasters.com/ Check often. Driving is a nightmare but the train from Nice goes as far as the Monte Carlo Country Club for the duration of the tournament.

Jardin Exotique de Monaco

 

Monaco’s Exotic Gardens have opened after a six-year renovation. The Exotic Garden, together with its neighboring Botanical Center, brings together more than 30,000 plants originating from the American and African continents, aloes, crassulas, Echinocactus grusonii (the famous mother-in-law’s cushions), Beaucarnea recurvata or elephant’s feet, and cacti several centuries old, some of which have been part of the site’s history since its acquisition in 1913. In addition to the Exotic Garden and Botanical Center, there’s the Observatory Cave which remains accessible only by guided tour. Discovered in 1916 and open to the public since 1950, this natural cave displays stalactites, stalagmites, draperies and columns along a route of approximately 300 steps, at altitudes between 30 and 100 meters. Admission to the Garden only is €12; the entry is €18 for all three. More information and tickets at www.jardin-exotique.mc.

Printemps des Arts

Monaco’s classical concert series continues until April 19 in venues throughout Monaco. The program concludes with performances by the Monte Carlo Ballet. Information and reservations here: printempsdesarts.mc/

Grand Prix de Monaco Historique

Monaco Monte-Carlo Circuit April 24-26
Two weeks before the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Monaco steps back in time with its biennial Historic Grand Prix. Vintage cars from 1930s classics to 1970s Formula 1 machine race through the iconic Monte-Carlo circuit, recreating the glamour of motorsport’s golden age. Car lovers who can’t afford or can’t get tickets to Formula 1 should try this fun event.  Tickets here: monaco-grandprix.com/en/edition/grand-prix-de-monaco-historique-2026/