What’s On October 2025
Fall has arrived on the French Riviera and with the cooler weather comes an exciting menu of cultural and traditional events.
Nice
Cineroman Festival
Gare du Sud & Rialto September 29-October 4
Tickets are still available for this annual festival that centers on the link between cinema and literature. The theme is the link between cinema and literature but the program has expanded to include cult classics and previews of upcoming films as well as previously released films in competition for the prize. Tickets are priced at the typical entry fee for the Gare du Sud but must be reserved in advance. To check this year’s program and buy tickets see the Cineroman website.
Free Museums!
The museums of Nice will be completely free Sunday October 5! Notice that only city museums are free. The Chagall Museum is not a city museum.
Happy India
Espace Magnan October 10-19
India is a long way to travel but lovers of Indian culture, danse, music and cuisine can get their dose at this fun series of events. The highlight this year is the dynamic Kerala region in the south of India. You can practice yoga, meditate, learn how to apply henna, watch dancers or buy Indian products at the Happy Village. Ticket prices are reasonable. Click here for the full program and to reserve tickets.
Guitar Festival
Espace Magnan October 23-25
Each night presents a different theme: Brazil, Blues and “Transatlantic”. Tickets range from €18 to €20. See the program and buy tickets at festivaldeguitare.fr/
Festival of Saint Reparata
Cathedral of Nice
Vieux Nice/Cathedral October 5
Every year, the City of Nice pays homage to Saint-Réparata, a young woman martyred by the Romans in the 3rd century. According to legend, after she miraculously survived drowning and hot pitch she was decapitated and sent out to sea. Fishermen from Nice allegedly found her and built her a chapel that eventually became the Cathedral. She’s now the patron saint of Nice and she’s honored the first Sunday in October. Even secular folks will enjoy the colorful procession and folk dances performed by the local troupe Ciamada Nissarda. Here’s the schedule of events:
- 10:15 a.m. – Welcome in front of the Nice town hall, 5 rue de l’Hôtel de Ville
- 10:30 a.m. Procession in Old Nice accompanied by La Ciamada Nissarda
- 11 a.m. – Solemn Mass presided over by Archbishop Norbert Turini, Bishop of Montpellier, concelebrated by Monsignor Jean Philippe Nault, Bishop of Nice, and Father Frédéric Sangés, Parish Priest of Saint-Jean XXIII.
- 12:15 p.m. – Laying of wreaths at the War Memorial, Place Rossetti
- 12:30 p.m. – Dances with La Ciamada Nissarda
- 3 p.m. – Concert by the Harmony Orchestra at the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral
Imperial Days
Musée Masséna/Centre Universitaire Mediterranéen October 3-5
History buffs won’t want to miss this schedule of free events in honor of Napoleon’s visit to Nice in 1805. On the program are conferences, slide shows, parades in period costumes and historical reenactments, many in the gardens of the Masséna museum. . The program finishes up with a musical narration and slide show at CUM featuring period music sung by a chorus and soloists in period costumes and a fife and drum parade. See nice.fr for the full program.
Festival Numa
Le 109 October 4-5
The Numa Festival returns to showcase urban cultures and street sports. On the program: artistic performances, parkour and skateboarding initiations, contemporary art exhibitions, and concerts. The free, family-friendly event takes over the 109 site for two days of discovery and sharing around local talent and citizen initiatives. See more at wholestreetasso.fr
Forró Nice
Stockfish October 17-19
Four days of Brazilian celebration with dance classes, forró balls, and after-parties. European and Brazilian instructors share their passion for this popular dance. The events and parties have entrance fees. See the Forro Facebook page for details of the program and links to tickets.
Nice Opera
Opera House from October 3
The Nice Opera kicks off the season this weekend with a highly-anticipated production of Philip Glass’s groundbreaking opera Satyagraha which runs from October 3-7. There are still tickets left and don’t forget that the Opera sells tickets at half-price one hour before the show.
Looking for a tranquil experience? Head to the Foyer of the Opera October 13 at 12:15 for a string quartet playing works by Mendelssohn, Connesson, Arvo Part and Shostakovich. The entire program and reservations are on the Nice Opera website.
Chagall Museum October 20 7pm
The Chagall museum auditorium is a delightful place to experience chamber music. On the program is Shostakovich, Philip Glass and Edward Elgar. The hour-long program only costs €12. Reservations here.
Antibes Juan-les-Pins
Architecture Days October 17-18
From ancient Antibes to Art Deco Juan-les-Pins, these adjoining towns are a delight to wander On the Architecture Days the tourist office offers 10 guided walks (in French) taking in the best sights. It’s free but reservations must be made before October 16. Choose your walk and reserve here.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer
General Berlue Film Festival #1
Beaulieu-sur-Mer Cinema October 17-19
Cinephiles won’t want to miss this festival of independent and experimental films selected and presented by none other than Quentin Tarantino. Heard of him? His alias for the purposes of the festival is “Kino Wombat”. Whatever. The program also includes experimental music and prices range from €5 to €15. Check out the schedule here.
Monaco
Oktoberfest
Condamine October 2-4 from 7pm
It’s all about Bavaria in the relaxed and convivial outdoor festival. Music of the Tyrol accompanies stalls selling typical Bavarian products.
Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo
Auditorium Ranier III, Salle Garnier
The musical season of the prestigious Monte Carlo Philharmonic kicks off October 3 with a series of concerts and recitals featuring international singers and musicians. Check out the program here.
Saint Tropez
Grand Braderie October 24-26
With the tourist season in the rear-view window, Saint Tropez reverts to the bohemian-flavored seaside town so beloved by Brigette Bardot. And there’s no better time to enjoy it than this annual event when the fashionable shops and artisans display their wares at steep discounts. All the locals attend and bargain-hunters from the region descend on the town for the fun, relaxed ambiance. If you can’t make a weekend of it, come for the day. Here’s how to do a day trip from Nice to Saint Tropez.