What’s On May 2026
May is an exciting month to be on the French Riviera. The weather is mild, the sea is getting warm enough to swim (18°C as of today) and tourists have yet to flood the region. And there’s so much to do! From traditional festivals to international events plus concerts and garden visits you’re spoiled for choice. Let’s go!
Nice
May Festival
Jardins de Cimiez May 1-31
The month of May in Nice is synonymous with tradition, music, dance and conviviality thanks to the Fête de Mai, an emblematic event which takes place in the gardens of the Arènes de Cimiez every weekend of the month. It’s one of Nice’s most delightful local festivals.
May 1
The festivities begin at 11am with a folk dancing performance followed by bands and more dancing. The May Queen will be elected at 1pm followed by more dancing. There will also be games, stalls of traditional Nice products and plenty of food stalls.
Note that May I is a national holiday in France which means that there’s no public transportation whatsoever.
Every Sunday throughout May , entertainment takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on two stages: the main stage of the Olive Grove and a small stage dedicated to children’s shows. In the gardens, workshops, traditional wooden games, face painting and culinary stands will punctuate the days.
Evening events
Evening musical events will also take place at various venues in and around Nice
See the full program here.
Regional Folklore Day
The folklore troupe La Ciamada Nissarda will strut their stuff May 31 also at the Arènes.
Author Readings
Massèna Around the World Bookshop
Nice’s largest international bookshop hosts regular author readings and book signings from 5-7pm. This month you can catch mystery writer Jim McGhee; German author Bettina de Cosnac May 9th; journalist and author John Jay May 18; memoirist Magdalena Diab May 30.
I’ve presented my book, Nice Uncovered: Walks Through the Secret Heart of a Historic City at this bookshop several times. Why not pick up a copy?
European Museum Nights
National Museums throughout the region May 23
On this day and into the evening, admission to many national museums is free. (The Matisse Museum is a national museum but the Chagall Museum is not.) There’s also a program of special events in the museums. See more about Museums in Nice and check out the Museum Nights program here.
Fete de Voeu
Place de Saint François/Eglise de Voeu May 31
The Fete de Voeu is a procession and ceremony to honor the “vow of Nice”. In 1832 as a cholera epidemic threatened to engulf the city (again), the administration vowed that if the city was spared, they would build a church to honor the Madonna and hold a procession each year. The church they built was the Notre Dame des Graces (or Eglise Saint Jean Baptiste-Le Voeu), commonly known as the Eglise de Voeu. In a bow to tradition this annual festival is regularly hosted by Nice’s mayor. The tentative schedule is as follows:
- 9 a.m.: Public reception at Place Saint-François
- 9:10 a.m.: Music of the Municipal Guard
- 9:45 a.m.: Renewal of the Vow by Eric Ciotti, Mayor of Nice, on Place Saint-François
- 10:15 a.m.: Procession to the Voeu church
- 10:30 a.m.: Mass in the Voeu church, presided over by Monsignor Jean-Philippe Nault, Bishop of Nice
- 11:45 a.m.: Friendship drink and folk entertainment by La Ciamada Nissarda
See more on the fete de voeu and other Nice festivals.
VE Day
Monuments aux Morts May 8 8:45am
The Allied victory over the Axis powers is a national holiday which is commemorated with ceremonies throughout the region. In Nice the military ceremony is held at the Monument aux Morts on the quai des Etats-Unis. This solemn event will be attended by Mayor Eric Ciotti and other luminaries.
Crossover Festival
Teâtre de Verdure, Stockfish, Le 109 May 29- June 6
A mix of musical styles from rap and hip hop to electro and pop is featured in this popular annual festival that takes place in several venues. Full program and tickets here.
La Traviata
Nice Opera May 27- June 6
Verdi’s mega-popular classic will be presented with Katherine Lewek as the doomed courtesan. Should be a hit. Reservations here. Remember that at the Nice Opera, half-price tickets (if there are any) go on sale at the box office an hour before the show.
Chamber Music
Nice Opera Foyer Montserrat Caballé May 4 12:15pm
Experience an enchanting chamber music break in the Belle Epoque splendor of the Nice Opera house. This concert features works by Smetana, Camille Saint-Saëns and Brahms Tickets for the one-hour concert are €12 Reserve here.
Chamber Music
Chagall Museum May 11 7pm
Not enough chamber music? Try this concert in the Chagall Museum which will feature Handel, Franck and Auerback. Tickets for the one-hour concert are €12. Reserve here
Moments Musicaux
Holy Trinity Church May 5 12.30pm
This concert, entitled “The Dawn of the Violin”, focusing on the 17th century, will showcase the violin as a solo instrument in its own right, as opposed to mere accompaniment for dancing of the previous century. Margaret MacDuffie, baroque violin and Dmitri Goldobine, chitarrone will play works by Marini, Castello, Matteis, Biber and others. The concert is free but donations are appreciated and will go to the upkeep of the church.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Fete des Roses et des Plantes
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild May 2-3
The Villa Ephrussi and its magnificent gardens are an unmissable stop on the French Riviera. This weekend highlights Beatrice de Rothschild’s passion for horticulture and roses with concerts, exhibits and themed tours by the villa’s horticulturalist. See more about the Villa Ephrussi and Cap Ferrat. Tickets are €20 and can be booked here.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
La Rade Classique
La Citadel May 1-3
Attention auto-lovers! For its 5th edition, La Rade Classique returns to Villefranche-sur-Mer with a program dedicated to enthusiasts of classic cars and exceptional vehicles. For three days, the event will combine demonstrations, exhibitions, and activities in and around the town. Among the announced highlights: demonstration runs on the former La Turbie Hill Climb course, a road trip along the French Riviera, and an exhibition of iconic models. Located in the heart of the Citadel, the Village de La Rade will be the central hub of the event, featuring partner stands, artists, entertainment, a food area, an official boutique, and car exhibitions.
Monaco
Monaco E-Prix
Monte Carlo May 16-17
The world’s best racecar drivers compete in this event highlighting the power and beauty of e-vehicles. Program and tickets here
Cannes
Cannes Film Festival
Festival Palace May 12-23
The legendary festival totally dominates the streets of Cannes for 10 days. Remember that it’s an industry festival with extremely tight security. For almost all screenings a badge is necessary. It’s even necessary to access the main hotels! But there are ancillary events that are open to the public and with some luck and fashion sense it may be possible to get in to see a screening. The atmosphere throughout the town is electric and stars do mount the red carpet in full view of spectators. More info on the Cannes Film Festival including tips for getting in on the fun.