There’s almost too much to do this month on the Riviera. Between music both jazz, classical and pop, racing, vineyard visits, folk festivals and the annual Fete de la Musique June is crowded with events. Let’s plunge in!

Nice

Vineyard Open Days in Bellet

Vineyards of Bellet | June 13–14

One of the Riviera’s most enjoyable wine weekends returns in June with the annual Open Days of the Bellet wine appellation. Eight vineyards in the hills above Nice will welcome visitors for tastings, cellar tours and the opportunity to meet local winemakers. Bellet is one of France’s smallest and oldest wine regions, producing distinctive reds, whites and rosés from vineyards overlooking both the Mediterranean and the Alps.

Each participating estate offers a slightly different experience, with some providing light refreshments alongside wine tastings. It’s an excellent opportunity to discover a side of Nice that many visitors never see, while enjoying spectacular countryside views just minutes from the city centre.

If you don’t have a car, a dedicated vineyard shuttle operates every Saturday in June, making it easy to visit several estates in a single day. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a unique Riviera experience, the Bellet Open Days are one of the highlights of the early summer calendar. And there’s a free shuttle bus on Saturdays throughout June that starts at the Magnan stop and stops at the wineries. Information here

Learn more about the program

 Zucchero World Tour 2026

Palais Nikaïa | June 23 8pm

Italian music legend Zucchero brings his World Tour 2026 to Nice for a single Riviera performance at Palais Nikaïa. With a career spanning more than four decades, Zucchero has become one of Europe’s most recognizable voices, blending pop, rock, blues and soul influences into a style that has won him fans around the world.

The concert promises a journey through many of his best-known songs, combining emotional ballads with energetic rock numbers. Designed for major arenas, the production features a large-scale stage show and impressive visual effects worthy of one of Italy’s biggest musical exports.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or simply enjoy live music, this is one of the biggest international concerts scheduled on the Riviera this summer. Tickets are expected to be in high demand given the artist’s enduring popularity and the fact that this is his only local date. Reserve tickets here

Spanish Guitar and Bach Toccatas

Église du Gesù | Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through July 30

Set inside the beautiful Baroque Église du Gesù in Old Nice, this concert series offers an atmospheric evening of classical music in one of the city’s most historic churches.

Presented by Agence Classique Internationale, the programme combines masterpieces for guitar with some of Bach’s most famous works. Highlights include Bach’s Prelude No. 1 from The Well-Tempered Clavier and the dramatic Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. The guitar repertoire features beloved works such as Recuerdos de la Alhambra by Francisco Tárrega and selections from Agustín Barrios’ La Catedral.

The programme also includes music by Vivaldi, Rossini and Gaspar Sanz, creating a rich journey through Baroque, Classical and Romantic traditions. The alternating solo guitar pieces and orchestral transcriptions provide plenty of variety, making the concert accessible to both seasoned classical music lovers and casual visitors.

The church’s intimate setting and remarkable acoustics add to the experience, making this one of the most memorable cultural evenings available in Nice this June. Reserve tickets here:

Ensemble Musicâme France

Théâtre Francis Gag | June 11

The Ensemble Musicâme France returns to Nice with an eclectic programme that ranges from Rossini and Vivaldi to Piazzolla and Charles Aznavour. Organized as a musical collective, the ensemble brings together acclaimed local and international musicians from leading orchestras and chamber groups.

The evening includes excerpts from Rossini’s William Tell Overture, Telemann’s Viola Concerto, Tchaikovsky’s Valse sentimentale, Bizet’s Farandole and Vivaldi’s Summer from The Four Seasons. Contemporary and crossover works also feature, including Aznavour’s timeless La Bohème.

Performers include flautist Issam Garfi, violinists Sybille Cornaton Duchesne and Matei Ioan, violist François Duchesne and cellist Noé Natorp. Together they showcase the ensemble’s mission of presenting music that transcends borders and connects directly with audiences.

With performances in more than 100 cities worldwide, Ensemble Musicâme France has built a reputation for combining technical excellence with an engaging and accessible approach to classical music. Reserve tickets here

La Traviata

Opéra de Nice | June 1–6

Verdi’s beloved masterpiece returns to the Nice Opera for a short series of performances. *La Traviata* tells the tragic story of Violetta Valéry, a Parisian courtesan who sacrifices her happiness for the man she loves.

Featuring some of opera’s most famous arias, including *Sempre Libera* and *Libiamo*, the work remains one of the most frequently performed operas in the world. The production promises powerful performances, lavish costumes and all the emotional intensity that has captivated audiences for more than 170 years.

With only a handful of performances scheduled, this is one of the cultural highlights of the month in Nice. Reserve tickets here.

Jazz at Valrose

 Château de Valrose | June 4–6 6pm

For the first time, Jazz à Valrose becomes a fully structured festival, offering three evenings dedicated to contemporary jazz and emerging artists. The event takes place in the stunning grounds of Château de Valrose, home to the University of Côte d’Azur and normally inaccessible to the general public.

The festival begins with an open-air cinema screening focused on jazz culture before moving into two evenings of live music and DJ sets. The 2026 program includes acclaimed British jazz innovator Kamaal Williams, Victoires du Jazz winner Célia Kameni and singer-songwriter Sophye Soliveau, alongside several other emerging performers.

The focus is firmly on modern jazz and the genre’s evolving sounds, making this an excellent introduction for newcomers while still offering plenty for dedicated jazz fans.

Beyond the music, the chance to explore the magnificent parkland of the chateau is reason enough to attend. Tickets and information here

Fête de la Saint-Pierre

Port Lympia | June 27 from 6:30pm

One of Nice’s most cherished traditions honours Saint Peter, patron saint of fishermen. The celebration dates back centuries and reflects the city’s deep connection to the sea.

During the day, fishermen and local residents gather for religious ceremonies and processions through Old Nice. The festivities commemorate generations of fishing families who depended on Saint Peter’s protection before heading out onto the Mediterranean.

The highlight comes in the evening at the Port, where a symbolic ceremony recalls an ancient tradition. Historically, the fishing community would burn the boat of the poorest fisherman and provide him with a new one, ensuring that every family could continue earning a living from the sea.

Today, the event remains an important expression of Niçois identity and heritage. Visitors will find a festive atmosphere, traditional costumes and a glimpse into customs that have shaped life in Nice for hundreds of years.

Cannes

Haydn Recital with Alexandre Tharaud

Palais des Festivals | June 6

One of France’s most celebrated pianists, Alexandre Tharaud, brings a programme dedicated to Joseph Haydn to Cannes. Renowned for his sensitivity and technical precision, Tharaud is widely regarded as one of the leading interpreters of the classical repertoire.

This recital explores Haydn’s elegant and inventive piano writing, highlighting both its emotional depth and playful character. Through subtle contrasts, delicate phrasing and carefully crafted silences, Tharaud reveals the timeless beauty of works that continue to influence composers today.

An excellent choice for lovers of classical piano music. Reserve Tickets here

Antibes

Les Nuits Carrées

Esplanade du Pré des Pêcheurs | June 18–20

Since its creation in 2007, Les Nuits Carrées has become one of the Riviera’s most popular music festivals. Celebrating its twentieth anniversary in 2026, the festival promises an especially ambitious edition with major headliners, emerging talent and a lively waterfront atmosphere.

The Esplanade du Pré des Pêcheurs, beside the historic ramparts of Antibes, is transformed into a giant open-air concert venue for three unforgettable nights. Festival-goers can expect large-scale productions, food and drink stands, and a festive crowd drawn from across the region.

This year’s line-up includes Cassius, Bon Entendeur, Keblack, Naza, Trinix, La Mano 1.9, Ebony and Timar, offering a mix of electronic music, French pop, rap and dance sounds.

The setting is one of the festival’s greatest attractions. Watching live performances against the backdrop of Antibes’ ancient walls and the Mediterranean Sea creates a uniquely Riviera experience. Reserve Tickets here

Monaco

Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix

Monte Carlo | Practice June 5 • Qualifying June 6 • Race June 7

The Monaco Grand Prix remains one of the most famous races in world motorsport. Drivers navigate the narrow streets of Monte Carlo at breathtaking speeds, passing landmarks such as Casino Square, the Fairmont Hairpin and the harbour lined with luxury yachts.

Practice sessions take place on June 5, qualifying on June 6 and the race itself on June 7. Even for those without tickets, the atmosphere throughout Monaco is electric, with fans, teams and celebrities descending on the Principality for one of the highlights of the Formula 1 calendar.

Visitors should note that access to Monaco becomes considerably more complicated during race weekend, with road closures and crowded trains. Advance planning is essential. Official Formula 1 website

Throughout the Region

Fête de la Musique

Cities and towns across the French Riviera | June 20–21

Every June, France celebrates the summer solstice with the Fête de la Musique, a nationwide festival that turns streets, squares and parks into open-air stages. Professional musicians, amateur performers, choirs, bands and DJs all take part, creating one of the year’s most enjoyable cultural events.

The French Riviera embraces the celebration with enthusiasm. From Nice and Cannes to Antibes, Menton and countless smaller towns, free concerts pop up throughout the evening. Musical styles range from classical and jazz to rock, pop, electronic music and traditional regional performances.

One of the joys of the event is its spontaneity. You can wander through town and discover performances around almost every corner. Restaurants and cafés often extend their terraces, while public squares become gathering places for locals and visitors alike.

No matter where you are on the Riviera that weekend, make sure to spend at least part of the evening outdoors and join the celebration. Programme information here