{"id":1200,"date":"2026-11-02T17:27:25","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T17:27:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/frenchrivieratraveller.com\/blog\/?p=1200"},"modified":"2026-11-02T17:27:25","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T17:27:25","slug":"whats-on-november-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/frenchrivieratraveller.com\/blog\/whats-on-november-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s On November 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The center of action in November is moving from the beach inland to town centers, concert halls, arenas and clubs. There’s so much to do! From first-rate jazz and pop to dance, classical music and flamenco shows, culture vultures won’t be bored this month. In addition to the special events listed below, don’t forget that the Nice Opera<\/a> is in full swing with a choice of events from opera to free Afterwork concerts in the Opera or in the Cave Bianchi in the old town.<\/p>\n

With the cooler weather it’s much more comfortable to take long walks along the coast or a short hike up Nice’s Mont Boron for stunning views. How to do it?\u00a0 Check out my detailed guide to the Best Walks on the French Riviera<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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Mont Boron<\/p><\/div>\n

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I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the protests currently rocking France. Is it safe to visit now? Yes. The protests of October 17 in Nice were fairly disorderly, with stores along avenue Jean M\u00e9decin absorbing significant damage. Yet, the violence was nowhere near as extreme as in Paris or Marseille. Since then, each Saturday protest has been calmer, partly due to an increased law enforcement presence. It’s impossible to predict the future but note that protests are only on Saturday and are largely centered on Place Mass\u00e9na with some spillover to the surrounding neighborhood including parts of avenue Jean M\u00e9decin. For visitors it’s wise to avoid wandering around that area at night. Service on tram line 1 may be disrupted on Saturdays.<\/p>\n

Now for this month’s special events<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Nice<\/h2>\n

Nice-Cannes Marathon<\/h3>\n

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November 8, Promenade des Anglais<\/h4>\n

The 42km between Cannes and Nice is long enough to be a challenge for local runners and certainly must be one of the world’s most scenic marathons. The festivities start with a little breakfast run along the Promenade des Anglais on November 7 at 10am in front of the Oceanice Conference Center on Port Lympia. The main event starts at 8am November 8 at the Jardin Albert 1er also on the Promenade des Anglais. The first runners should arrive after two hours at the Festival Palace in Cannes. Organizers are expecting a record-breaking 26,000 participants. The prizes will be awarded late morning . More here<\/a>. Can’t make it to the race? France 3\/ICI Provence-Alpes-C\u00f4te d’Azur will broadcast more than three hours of the marathon live, from 7:45 a.m. until about 11:20 a.m.<\/p>\n

Jazz Concert Two Pianos Two Trios<\/h3>\n

November 13 Espace Grappelli 8.30pm<\/h4>\n

The Cyril Benhamou Trio and the Eym Trio will journey into the heart of contemporary jazz in this joint concert. should be hot! More info and tickets here<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Ensemble Baroque de Nice<\/b><\/h3>\n

November 13 Eglise Saint Fran\u00e7ois-de-Paule 8pm<\/h4>\n

This local\u00a0 ensemble holds regular classical concerts, usually in a church. This program is devoted to two Bach concertos. <\/em>Tickets are \u20ac22.20. More info here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Beaujolais Nouveau<\/h3>\n

\"Bottles<\/p>\n

November 19<\/h4>\n

Bars and cafes will be packed on the third Thursday of November when the new Breaujolais is traditionally released throughout France. Head to your favorite watering hole or check out these two venues which offer very special ways to join the festivities. At Le Napol\u00e9on<\/strong>, on Place Garibaldi, the American Club of the Riviera is hosting an evening from 6\u20139pm<\/strong> featuring three Beaujolais wines accompanied by an assortment of French specialties including cheeses, charcuterie, pissaladi\u00e8re, croque monsieur, an octopus verrine and desserts. The evening costs \u20ac50 for guests (\u20ac40 for members)<\/strong>. Reservations and information here<\/a><\/p>\n

For a more affordable and distinctly local celebration, Le Gaglio<\/strong>, at 2 Place Saint-Fran\u00e7ois, hosts the Lions Club Nice Imp\u00e9rial Beaujolais Nouveau evening<\/strong> from 7pm<\/strong>. The \u20ac30 ticket includes a generous buffet and a tombola, with proceeds supporting research into childhood diseases and adult and childhood cancers. Champagne will also be available. Advance reservation is required and places are limited.<\/strong> Reservations are by phone at 06 25 43 33 53 or 06 63 18 02 19<\/strong>, or by email to jeanmarc.remond@sfr.fr<\/strong><\/a> or josephlebris@hotmail.fr<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Vanessa Paradis<\/h3>\n

Palais Nika\u00efa November 13 8pm<\/h4>\n

Vanessa Paradis<\/strong> returns to the stage with a new album drawing on the pop and soul influences that have long been part of her musical identity. Adrien Gallo<\/strong> is the opening act. Tickets range from \u20ac35 to \u20ac110<\/strong>. Buy tickets<\/a><\/p>\n

La Castagnada– Chestnut Festivals<\/h3>\n

Saturdays–Various Venues<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The French word castagnade<\/em> refers to the traditional roasting and eating of chestnuts, a particularly popular autumn custom in southern France and the Mediterranean. The arrival of autumn is celebrated in Nice with La Castagnada<\/strong>, a series of free neighborhood chestnut festivals featuring roasted chestnuts, music, entertainment and refreshments. On Saturday, November 7<\/strong>, the festivities take place at Jardin Alsace Lorraine<\/strong> on boulevard Gambetta from 1\u20135pm, with a performance by the Chorale Branche d\u2019Or Nice C\u00f4te-d\u2019Azur from 1:45\u20132:30pm. On Saturday, November 14<\/strong>, head to Jardin Saint-Jean d\u2019Ang\u00e9ly<\/strong> on rue Sorgentino, where the celebration runs from 1\u20135pm with chestnut tasting, music and activities. The final event takes place on Wednesday, November 25<\/strong>, at Place Alexandre M\u00e9decin<\/strong> in the Hauts de Nice, again from 1\u20135pm. These local f\u00eates offer a chance to enjoy one of the region’s favorite autumn traditions while discovering some of Nice’s less-touristy neighborhoods. All events are free<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Flamenco Performance<\/h3>\n

Theatre de la Cit\u00e9 November 14 at 8:30pm; November 15 at 3pm<\/strong>.<\/h4>\n

\u00cdntimo by Kaena Color\u00e1<\/strong> brings the passion and intensity of flamenco to Nice. This 90-minute show combines powerful flamenco dance with singing and live music, offering an intimate journey into the emotions, rhythms and traditions of Andalusia. Tickets are \u20ac20, with reduced prices of \u20ac15 and \u20ac12<\/strong>. Book tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Cagnes-sur-Mer<\/h2>\n

Fete de la Chataigne<\/h3>\n

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November 15 Place de Gaulle 10am<\/h4>\n

There will be free grilled chestnuts of course but so much more. This chestnut festival celebrates rural life in the hills of the back country. In addition to sampling local cheese, honey, jams and olive oil don’t miss the farmers parading their livestock through the streets. Kids will love the pony rides. Click here<\/a> for the program.<\/p>\n

Villefranche-sur-Mer<\/h2>\n

Beaujolais Nouveau Evening<\/strong><\/h3>\n

November 21 from 7:30pm Chapiteau de la Citadelle <\/strong><\/p>\n

Celebrate the arrival of the new Beaujolais in a 16th-century fortress. Organized by the Comit\u00e9 des F\u00eates, the evening combines Beaujolais Nouveau with dinner, music and dancing, making it a lively alternative to the more formal wine-tasting events in Nice. Tickets are \u20ac25<\/strong> and should be reserved in advance. Reservations:<\/strong> 06 22 61 03 30, before November 14. More info here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Antibes<\/h2>\n

Fete des Ch\u00e2taignes<\/h3>\n

\"Fete<\/p>\n

November 7, 5:30-7.30pm<\/h4>\n

The Commune Libre de Safranier<\/em> (Free Commune of Safranier) is a part of Antibes’s Old Town dedicated to preserving its traditions. One of those events is the annual Chestnut Festival. Eat your grilled chestnuts, wash them down with vin chaud<\/em> and dance along with the crowd to traditional Provencale tunes. There\u2019s also polenta with porcini-mushroom sauce and a glass of wine for \u20ac5. <\/strong>The festivities center around the Place du Safranier.<\/p>\n

(See my guide to visiting Antibes<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n

CANNES<\/h2>\n

Cannes Dance Festival<\/h3>\n

November 21-December 6 Festival Palace<\/h4>\n

This prestigious festival highlights the joy and diversity of international dance featuring 25 companies from 11 countries. This 26th edition is focused on Australia. The highlight is the festival opener, Stephanie Lake Company’s Manifesto<\/em><\/strong>.<\/strong>\u00a0More here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

(See my guide to visiting Cannes<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n

Monaco<\/h2>\n

Monte Carlo Jazz Festival<\/h3>\n

November 18-29 Opera Garnier<\/h4>\n

This prestigious jazz festival presents international stars and is priced accordingly. This year’s headliners include Gregory Porter, Youn Sun Nah, Melody Gardot, Thomas Dutronc and the Soweto Gospel Choir. Tickets start at \u20ac100. For more info click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Monaco National Day<\/h3>\n

November 19<\/h4>\n

Monaco’s National Day marks the date in 1949 when Prince Ranier ascended the throne.<\/p>\n

The biggest highlights for visitors<\/strong> are:<\/p>\n