What’s On October 2026

Autumn on the French Riviera is the best! There’s so much to see and do from cinema to music to traditional festivals and more. Let’s dive in!

Nice

Cineroman Festival

Gare du Sud & Rialto September 28-October 3

Tickets are still available for the last few days of 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. The head of the jury this year is Daniel Auteuil. 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.

Happy India

Espace Magnan and other venues October 3-10

India is a long way to travel but lovers of Indian culture can get their dose at this fun series of events. The highlight this year is the dynamic Rajasthan region in the north of India. You can practice learn to dance, watch a fashion show or even attend a cricket match. Ticket prices are reasonable. Click here for the full program and to reserve tickets.

Guitar Festival

Espace Magnan October 22-24

This year features Fanou Torracinta & Hugo Guezbar, Jessie Lee & the Alchemists and Andy McGee

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

Festival Saint Reparata

Vieux Nice/Cathedral October 11

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 on 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 2-4

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, fencing, 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.

Forró Nice

Stockfish October 15-19

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.

Moments Musicaux

Holy Trinity Church October 6 12.30pm

Take a Celtic break here with 45 minutes of Celtic music and dance. Rosewood Music will play ballades and instrumentals and Danielle Sullivan, prize-winning Irish dancer, will dance to jigs and reels. Entrance is free but donations are welcome for the organ restoration fund.

Author Readings

Massèna Around the World Bookshop 58 rue Gioffredo

Nice’s largest international bookshop hosts regular author readings and book signings from 5-7pm.

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?

Nice Opera

Opera House to October 6

Opera lovers can catch Handel’s Orlando at the Opéra de Nice from September 30 to October 6. This opera explores love, jealousy and madness, with musical direction by Jean-Christophe Spinosi and staging by Mariame Clément. Tickets range from €12 to €94. If you’re feeling spontaneous, the Opera also offers its Happy Hour deal: 50% off remaining available seats at the box office one hour before the performance, subject to availability. Check dates and book tickets.

For a more intimate musical experience, look out for the Opera’s Musique de chambre series, featuring musicians from the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra in the Montserrat Caballé Foyer and at the Musée Marc Chagall. The first lunchtime concert of the season is on Monday, October 5, at 12:15. The programme features vocal works by Robert and Clara Schumann, Johannes Brahms and Richard Strauss, performed by soprano Mélissa Lalix, mezzo-soprano Claudia Cesarano-Ferrini and pianist Michel Capolongo. Further concerts are scheduled throughout the season. See the chamber music programme.

The entire program and reservations are on the Nice Opera website.

Concert Avishai Cohen

Theatre Lino Ventura October 16 8:30pm

The bassist and composer Avishai Cohen is a major figure on the international jazz scene. Mixing Middle Eastern melodies, improvisational jazz and folk melodies, his music is pulsating and original. Jazz lovers won’t want to miss this one. Tickets here.

Oktoberfest

Port Lympia October 30 6:30pm

Fancy a taste of Bavaria on the French Riviera? Nice celebrates Oktoberfest with a local twist on Friday, October 30. Head to the Esplanade de la Douane at the Port of Nice from 6:30 p.m. for an evening inspired by Munich’s famous beer festival, with Bavarian traditions, music and a festive atmosphere celebrating Franco-German friendship. The event is free and open to everyone. The detailed programme will be announced closer to the date. Click here

Beaulieu-sur-Mer

General Berlue Film Festival #2

Beaulieu-sur-Mer Cinema October 22-25

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

Heritage Days

Various Venues October 3–4

Discover another side of Monaco during the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine, when historic buildings and cultural institutions open their doors for special visits and activities. This year’s programme explores the theme of heritage in danger, with opportunities to visit places not normally open to the public, discover exhibitions and learn about the Principality’s history and traditions. Some activities require advance reservations and are already full but some are free access. Full programme and reservations

Particularly interesting, the Oceanographic Museum offers reduced admission on Sunday, October 4, with tickets at €9 for adults and €6 for children and students. Free guided tours exploring ocean protection are also planned at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3 pm and 4:30 pm, lasting around 75 minutes. Places are limited to 10 people per tour, with registration at the museum ticket counters, subject to availability.

Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo

Auditorium Ranier III, Salle Garnier

The musical season of the prestigious Monte Carlo Philharmonic kicks off October 4 with a series of concerts and recitals featuring international singers and musicians. Check out the program here.

Saint Tropez

Grand Braderie October 23-25

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.

French Riviera Travel News

From Frenchrivieratraveller.com