September is La Rentrée, the Re-Entry, when kids return to school and everyone goes back to work. The restaurants that had closed for part of August have re-opened and hotels have eased their prices.  Summer and its exceptionally prolonged period of debilitating canicules (heat waves) is almost done. Yet, the sea remains warm and pleasant for swimming. Now we return to our regularly scheduled programming of concerts, festivals and September fun.

Heritage Days

The highlight of the month are the  Heritage Days, Journées du Patrimoine, which will take place September 19, 20. It’s a great time to explore the cultural heritage of the region. All municipal museums are free of charge with many hosting special events and guided tours. Check out the full program in Nice with details  here.

Here’s a selection of my favorites:

• The Municipal Archives is housed in the Villa les Palmiers (above) This extraordinary 19th-century villa houses the Municipal Archives but the splendid interior is usually closed to visitors (Sat, Sun 10am-6pm)
• The Chapelle de la Miséricorde on Cours Saleya is a baroque jewel will be exceptionally open for guided visits all day Saturday and Sunday mornings
• The Hotel de Ville (town hall) dates from the 18th century and will be open for guided visits mornings and afternoons Saturday and Sunday
• The Pointus of Nice are the traditional fishermen’s boats lined up on Port Lympia. Discover how they were built and maintained in a series of demonstrations all day Sunday. Take a ride in one Sunday afternoon
• Maison Francine Gag is a cultural association that highlights traditional culture. In addition to other activities, there will be a presentation of Nice traditional dances Sunday at 11am
• Campus de Trotabas is a part of Nice’s university system. All day Saturday it’s possible to see Marc Chagall’s Message of Ulysses mosaic that he created specially for the university.
• Campus de Valrose is also part of Nice University and usually closed to visitors. This sprawling 19th-century Gothic chateau and park displayed the wealth of the Russian financier that built it. Reservations are essential for the guided tours Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

See the program of events in Cannes here and the program in Antibes here.

Also highly recommended is the tour of the Villa Cap Moderne in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. This emblematic villa combining the genius of Eileen Gray and Le Corbusier can make any traditionalist love modernism. Reservations are essential. See here.

Another good idea would be to take advantage of the free admission to Villa Kerylos in Beaulieu-sur-Mer or the reduced admission to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in St Jean Cap Ferrat.

Check out the programs for all the towns here. Note that reservations are sometimes necessary.

Nice

Ironman

Promenade des Anglais – September 12–13

Following Nice’s successful hosting of major IRONMAN events, the city is set to welcome the world’s best triathletes once again in 2026. This time, Nice will host the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, with the women’s race taking place on Saturday, September 12, followed by the men’s race on Sunday, September 13.

The iconic Promenade des Anglais will provide a spectacular backdrop as competitors take on the 70.3-mile challenge: a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike ride and a 21.1 km half-marathon. The swim starts from Plage des Ponchettes, before the cyclists head into the mountainous back country of the Alpes-Maritimes. The final stage brings the athletes back to the coast for a fast, flat run along the Promenade des Anglais.

The race is a fantastic spectacle for spectators, so feel free to join the enthusiastic crowds along the Prom to cheer on the athletes as they battle for the world title.

The IRONMAN Village and Expo will be centered around Place Masséna, with exhibitors, memorabilia, race merchandise and plenty of activity throughout the event week. The official expo is scheduled from Wednesday, September 9 through Sunday, September 13.

It’s great free fun for all — although locals know that some disruption is inevitable! Expect road closures, changes to public transport and restricted access, particularly around the Promenade des Anglais and along the bike route into the hills. The City of Nice has announced significant traffic and parking restrictions from September 9 through September 14.

Au Soleil des Deux Rives

Arénes de Cimiez September 6

It will be a beautiful and free musical day in Cimiez. Nice’s own Garde Municipal orchestra will open the festivities at 10:15am followed by a mass at the church and then more music, primarily gospel and rock all afternoon culminating in an early evening concert by French pop singer Liane Foly. More here.

Henri Matisse-Yves Saint Laurent

Matisse Museum until September 28

Last chance to catch this wonderful exhibition that traces the connection between a master painter and a master fashion designer. Bringing together 160 works—haute couture garments, traditional costumes, paintings, drawings, textiles, accessories and archival documents–the exhibition creates a dialogue between the two artists working in different mediums. .

Cineroman Festival

Gare du Sud September 28-October 3

Cinephiles who always wanted to walk the red carpet but didn’t have the clout to get into Cannes should head to this annual festival. 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.

Nice Classic Festival

Cloister of the Franciscan Monastery, Cimiez September 5

The cloister of the Franciscan Monastery is a beautiful setting for this tranquil concert that features works by Debussy, Stravinsky, Schubert, Schumann and Elgar. Reservations are essential. See here for tickets and details. Get there early for a stroll around the beautiful monastery gardens!

Apéro Geant Rue de Lille

Rue de Lille September 25

This fun local street festival will have a live rock band and a food truck. The admission price of €15 includes a buffet prepared by local restaurants and drinks are only €4. Buy tickets at the participating restaurants: Hacienda, Kind & Co, La Table de Brice, Le Comptoir des Freres, L’Eau de Vie. The festivities start at 6.30pm and last until midnight. More info here

Brahms Shostakovich Concert

Nice Opera September 11-12 8pm

Port Hercule September 23-26

The world’s most prestigious superyacht event takes over Monaco’s port. Over 100 luxury yachts, often exceeding 50m, and 500 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge designs, innovations, and high-end services. A glamorous meeting point for owners, designers, brokers, and enthusiasts. More info here

Cannes

Cannes Royal Regatta

Vieux Port September 19-26

Here’s a legendary regatta where the world’s most beautiful classic yachts compete daily. Expect elegant wooden boats, historic racing yachts, and beautiful classic sailing boats around the Vieux Port. Around the Vieux Port, the atmosphere is festive with entertainment, maritime stands and a nautical fanfare celebrating the living heritage of sailing. More info here

Juan-les-Pins

Summer Sale

City Center September 25-27

Local shoppers know that Juan-les-Pins is the place for great deals on great fashion. For an entire weekend, the shopping streets are pedestrianized and more than a hundred local boutiques set up stalls and racks to offer end-of-line items, bargains, and unbeatable promotions. Fashion, accessories, jewelry, decor, local products: there’s something for every taste and budget. Take a shopping break and enjoy the festive atmosphere that reigns in the city, with music in the streets, lively terraces, and a relaxed end-of-season atmosphere.

Would you like to see Nice and the Riviera through the eyes of a local? Why not let me take you on a private tour? See what I offer here