The weather may be iffy and the sea a little too cold for comfortable swimming but there’s still plenty of fun things to do on the French Riviera in October.

Nice

Cinéroman Festival

Cinephiles shouldn’t miss this festival of movies derived from books. Held in the modern Gare du Sud cinema the first week of October, this festival is like a mini-Cannes. At least it aspires to be. There’s a red carpet, paparazzi and usually a star or two in attendance for at least one of the films. At the end, there’s an award for best picture. Unlike its counterpart in Cannes, it’s actually possible for monsieur-tout-le-monde to get a ticket. See the website or book at the Gare du Sud cinema.

European Short Film Festival

Missed the Cinéroman festival? Catch the European Short Film Festival  (‘Un Festival C’est Trop Court’) where short films from independent filmmakers are showcased in small cinemas throughout Nice. Of course there’s a jury to decide on a prize on October 6, the closing day.

UTMB

Would Nice be nice if there weren’t people racing up and down the Promenade des Anglais? Apparently not. October’s race is the UTMB trail run from October 3 to 6. The event will offer four distances, from 20km to 100km , taking in the Mercantour National Park, the hills behind Nice and finishing on–where else?–the Promenade des Anglais.

Saint Reparata Festival

Saint Reparata was martyred by the Romans and became the patron saint of Nice, honored in Nice’s Cathédrale Sainte Réparate. Her holy day is October 6 and her legacy will be celebrated with distinction. Here’s the program:

• 10:15 a.m.:  Welcome in front of Nice town hall – 5, rue de l’Hôtel de Ville
• 10:30 a.m.: Procession in Old Nice with La Ciamada Nissarda, Nice’s folk dancing troupe
• 11 a.m.: Mass presided over by His Eminence Cardinal François Bustillo, Bishop of Ajaccio, assisted by Monsignor Jean-Philippe Nault, Bishop of Nice, and Father Abbot Fréderic Sangés, Parish Priest of Saint John XXIII.
• 12:15 p.m.: Laying of wreaths at the war memorial, Place Rossetti
• 12:30 p.m.: Dances with La Ciamada Nissarda
• 3:30 p.m.: Concert by the Harmony Orchestra at the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral
• 6 p.m.: Organ Concert by Stéphane Eliot at the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral

 

Beer Festival

We’re very multicultural here in Nice. Haven’t you noticed? This year for the first time the city is honoring the great German Oktoberfest with a special beer festival. Head to Port Lympia on October 25, 6 to 11.30pm to sample a variety of beers, enjoy local snacks and dance to local bands.

Nice Theater Festival

Nice celebrates theater from October 2-19 with more than 50 shows of contemporary or classical theater, comedy, cabaret, musical or immersive shows, dance, readings, kids shows, storytelling, and magic. It’s held in theatres throughout town. It’s a great way to practice your French!

Guitar Festival

Espace Magnan in West Nice is the site of the annual guitar festival from October 24-26. The three concerts showcase several guitar styles and the tickets are a reasonable €18.

October is a great month for checking out live music in Nice whether your tastes run to pop, variety, rock or classical.

Monaco

E-Rally

It all about electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles at this unique rally held from 18-22 October. What are the routes? It’s a secret only to be revealed one hour before the rally. Check the website for clues.

Saint Tropez

Grande Braderie

Saint Tropez is a delight off-season when the glitterati leave. Fortunately they leave behind extra stuff in Saint Tropez boutiques! Everything must go from October 25-27 during the Grande Braderie.The streets and squares will be filled with clothes, accessories and home deco at a steep discount. Don’t drive. See how to get from Nice to Saint Tropez.

Roubion

Transhumance Sheep Festival

Head to the hills on October 6 for the transhumance festival at Roubion. At the foot of the Mercantour pastures, you can discover the work of the lumberjacks, watch a sheepdog demonstration and walk with the sheep to the tunes of traditional mountain folk music. More information at 04 93 02 10 30.

Collobrières

Fete de la Chataigne

It’s time for the chestnut harvest! This Chestnut and Local Produce festival takes place the last three Sundays throughout October. The idea is to  bring together artisans and allow them to showcase their skills. It is a major local festival that brings together the finest artisans, producers and artists.

This event helps to promote the economic and agricultural activity of Collobrières, a rural commune in the Maures massif. Here’s the 2024 program:

Sunday 20, international day:
10 a.m. – Inaugural parade: delegations from the twinned municipalities: Frabosa Sottana, Pujerra and the Japanese city of Yamae, brotherhoods, folk groups, Italian flag throwers.
10:30 a.m.: Solemn mass at the Notre Dame des Victoires Church.

Sunday 27, Var producers’ day:
Carré des producteurs (Place de la Mairie): a day dedicated to the best of the Var region. Show-cooking at the brazier and locavore tastings by chef Pascal Barandoni.
Free access to the producers’ square.
Paid tastings: purchase a “gastronomy pass” for €10 at the reception point.
Small educational farm and introduction to weaving on Place Notre Dame des Victoires.

As part of the Chestnut and Local Produce Festivals, guided tours are organized on Saturdays in October:
– Guided tour “cork and chestnuts… in the past and today” with Mélanie Robeau on Saturdays 5, 19, 26 and Wednesday 30 October at 10 a.m.
– Tour “Insects and trees” with Denis Huin on October 19 at 2 p.m.
– Tour “Geological walks” with Laurence Lassalle on October 26 at 10 a.m.
– Tour “Meeting the trees” with Vincent Blondel on October 26 at 2 p.m.
Free tours / register with the Tourist Office on 04 94 48 08 00 or by email at servicetourisme@collobrieres.com.