This edition of What’s On focuses on the massive UN Conference on the Oceans. Running from June 9-13 this prestigious event brings together over 2,000 scientists and heads of state from 112 countries to discuss crucial issues: ratification of the High Seas Treaty, the fight against plastic pollution, illegal fishing, adaptation to climate change and more.

In addition to the UN conference, museums in Nice have mounted special exhibits on maritime themes. Also on the program are films and conferences open to the public. Check out the program here.

Nice

UN Conference on the Oceans

Port Lympia Conference Center June 9-13

In addition to the official conference, 70 heads of state including Macron will enjoy a gala dinner at Negresco’s Chantecler Sunday June 8. As though the Michelin-starred chef Virginie Basselot isn’t enough, she will be joined by several other French chefs, highlighting local cuisine.

Security Measures

Starting Thursday, June 5 and ending on June 13, the security perimeter around the Port of Nice will be locked down. This includes both the “blue zone” (reserved for heads of state starting next Monday) and the red zone, which encompasses all the quays and Castle Hill. Only those who have registered in advance will be allowed inside: residents, shopkeepers, employees, etc., upon presentation of accreditation and proof of identity. Tourists who planned to visit Castle Hill will need to make other plans. Even then, ALL vehicles are subject to search including boats moored at the port.

Residents of the restricted zone have already been instructed to submit proof of residents. Guests either at a hotel or apartment in the restricted zone should receive a receipt for their reservation. It should be carried at all times along with ID.

You will see a pervasive police presence for the duration of the conference: 5,000 police and gendarmes, elite RAID and GIGN units, aerial surveillance with AWACS radar planes, missile batteries, and a Navy frigate for anti-drone defense. At sea, a submarine and an anti-intrusion net protect the Baie des Anges and Port Lympia. On land, surveillance has been stepped up for several weeks to prevent any risk of attacks or militant action.

Can you still take the tram to Port Lympia? Yes, you will still be able to reach the Port Lympia terminal. You will have to return to Place Ile-de-Beauté by taking the stairs or the elevator, but you will not be able to go to the basin or the quays.

All public transport is free June 6, 7 and 8.

What about the beaches? With the exception of the Bains Militaires beach at the entrance to the port, all beaches are open. Swimmers will need to stay within 300m from shore, a limit marked by yellow buoys. Parasailing will not be allowed.

The Promenade des Anglais will remain open to vehicles but two lanes are reserved for official transport. There will probably be additional restrictions June 8 due to the dinner at the Negresco.

Entertainment

It’s not all security and sober conferences. There will also be fun events to celebrate the seas and educate the public about the many challenges to marine health.

La Baleine

“La Baleine,” the Ocean Summit’s event center, is set up now until June 13 at the Palais des Expositions in an immersive 15,000 m² space, accessible free of charge upon registration. More than 300 events are offered: debates, round tables, workshops, and exhibitions in French and English, spread across 15 thematic pavilions. The organizers emphasize the importance of the ocean for our future and the power of emotion to mobilize. Among the notable experiences: the “Psychosphere,” a 16-meter tunnel of LED screens plunging into the ocean depths, and the Cryosphere Pavilion, dedicated to the climate challenges of frozen zones.

Drone Show and Concert

Head to the Quai des Etats Unis Friday June 6 around 8.30pm. Two French DJs, Cassius and Agoria will kick off the festivities with a free concert from their base on top of Les Ponchettes. At the conclusion two hours later the sky will be illuminated by a record 2025 drones, the largest in Europe.

Nautilus Village & WOW Festival 

Need more participation in the UN Oceans Conference? Head to the Theatre de Verdure in the Jardins Albert 1er. For the entire duration of the conference there will be:

• Live streaming of UN conferences
• Round tables and meetings around ocean science and culture
• Evening concerts with international artists
• Films and documentaries

Get the full program here.

Oceans Parade

On June 8  which happens to be World Oceans Day, there will be a nautical parade across the baie des anges.  Departing Port Lympia at  3.30pm 30 exceptional boats from sailboats to exploration ships will liven up Nice’s seafront. Watch for the Energy Observer, an international ambassador for the energy transition. Launched in 2017, this 30-metre-long catamaran has proven that it is possible to sail without polluting emissions: by the force of the wind, solar energy and hydrogen produced on board from seawater. “We’ve sailed the equivalent of three round-the-world trips without spending a drop of oil,” smiles Jean-Baptiste Sanchez, captain of the Energy Oberver.

Fete de Saint Pierre

The traditional Nice fisherman festival of Saint Pierre will be held at the Port this year on June 30. Saint Peter was the patron saint of Nice’s fishermen and the subject of their regular prayers and this festival. The ceremony begins with a mass the Notre Dame du Port church and continues with a procession. The fishermen then proceed to the Quai d’Entrecasteaux on the Port, accompanied by a statue of Saint Peter and representatives of the local churches. They lay a wreath to the missing fishermen and sailors, followed by a boat procession. A boat from one of the fishermen is burned and he is presented with a new one.There are bands, decorated boats and a stall selling local food, especially sardines.