As we begin 2022, we are starting to see a slight improvement as vaccination rates increase and restrictions are lowered. In this post, you have all the information you need about this year’s most popular events and festivals in the South of France :

Nice’s carnival originated in 1873 and was known as the first carnival in France. The event is one that both tourists and locals look forward to every year. Every year the city decides on its carnival theme and this year it is ”Le Roi des Animaux” or the King of Animals. The floats begin at Place Massena and go around a part of the Promenade des Anglais. Where you are sitting depends on your zone and there are three; Zone A, Zone B and Zone C.

Prices vary from the number of days you want to attend and your age, and you can buy your tickets online or in the city ticket booths. For the sanitary protocol, you have to wear a mask, have a valid health pass OR Covid-19 recovery certificate from at least 11 days if you are over 16 years old. Negative PCR or Antigen test for 12-15 year old who have received their first dose of the vaccine and are waiting on their second. You can also show a certificate of contraindication to vaccination in the form of a QR-code issued by the Assurance Maladie.

La Fête du Citron – February 12th – 27th

La Fête du Citron or the Lemon Festival is a yearly festival in the small town of Menton, located right next to the Italian boarder. It attracts approximately 200,000 people per year. It is organized by the Office of Tourism and was created to celebrate what the town is known for: the production of citrus fruit, specifically lemons.

Locals create huge floats out of citrus fruit that revolve around the theme and parade them around town. The festival’s theme this year is ”Operas and Dances”. Masks are obligatory, and you have to have a valid health pass. You can find tickets to the Lemon Festival online, usually prices range from 13€ to 26€.

Monaco Grand Prix – May 26th – 29th 

The Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco is a weekend event racing fans look forward to each year. Being one of the oldest racing events in Europe, the history of it all is quite interesting. The idea originated from Antony Noghès in 1929, who was a family friend of the Grimaldi’s and a cigarette manufacturer. Originally called Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo, it started as a local event and in 1933 started to be recognized in Europe.  Ticket pricing depend on the day and tribune and can range from 35-870€.

Held at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, this year marks the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.  This international competition is when 20 selected films compete for the Palme d’Or and each film is projected at the Théâtre Lumière. There are separate competitions for short films, student films and feature films. Cannes is very busy during this time of the year so expect large crowds.

It is also best to reserve your accommodation months in advance. During these 2 weeks, there are many film festival events and brand experiences held in Cannes that are open to the public. The Cinema de la Plage is one of these events which lasts for a week each night a movie a different movie is played at the Mace Beach. You can read about last year’s events online to get an idea of what to expect for this year’s film festival.

The first jazz festival in the world was the Nice Jazz Festival, which started in 1948. The famous Louis Armstrong performed at the festivals’ inauguration that took place at the Nice Opera! Many amazing artists perform each year, however, this years line up has not been released yet. The festival is starts on the 15th to the 19th of July. In regard to the Covid-19 safety measures, either a valid health pass, a negative PCR test or a recovery certificate’s required to enter the Nice Jazz Festival and you are required to wear a mask. Ticket prices have yet to be released, however prices vary from 40-150€ depending on the type of pass you want.

The Jazz a Juan is another popular jazz event in the summer in the small beach town of Juan-les-Pins. This year it is happening from the 6th-19th of July. You are required to have a health pass to enter the event and to also wear a mask. This year’s line up has already been released, and it includes George Benson, John Legend and Herbie Hancock among others! You can purchase your tickets through the online portal.

Definitely the most pricey event on this list but, if you are a yacht connoisseur, you have definitely heard of the Monaco Yachting Festival. Founded in 1991 by entrepreneur Maurice Cohen, the Monaco Yacht Show is held at Port Hercules and displays some world’s top luxury super-yachts. There is a yacht exposition categorized by different themes and there are also experiences available.  The Monaco Yachting Festival is known as a networking event as well. Tickets for this year’s festival are not available yet, however prices range from €500-€1350, depending on the number of days you want to attend. There is also another yacht festival that happens on the Riviera, in the city of Cannes. This year it is happening from the 6th until the 11th of September!

 

 

 

 

 

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