Your guide to the French Riviera & Monaco
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Here’s your July update:
If you don’t mind the crowds, the warm sunny days and balmy temperatures make July an ideal time to relax on pebble beaches, dip into the Mediterranean Sea, and enjoy a glass of locally-made rosé wine. The markets, concerts, and coastal promenades remain festive throughout July, allowing you to soak up the southern French summer lifestyle at a leisurely pace.
Here are the big events this month:
Annual Shopping Sales (July 5 - August 5): The big soldes d'été sales event is here! These massive France-wide sales happen only twice per year and they are the only two times a year when French shops are legally allowed to sell items for less than cost. It’s a grand French tradition, a bit like a (much) more civilized (and multi-week) version of the ‘Black Friday’ frenzy in the US. Read the Iconic Riviera guide to the yearly sales for tips, scams to watch out for, and more information about how to get the most out of the massive summer sales.
Faites de la Danse (July 8-9): The entire Casino district in Monaco will be transformed into a gigantic open-air stage for nearly 24 hours non-stop. Attend numerous performances, creations, shows, concerts offered by the guest artists. Challenge friends to a dance marathon. Take lessons in all forms of dance by taking part in the workshops. And recharge your batteries while watching Les Guinguettes. The mission: to make you dance! More information and schedule.
Pink Parade (July 9): Be a supportive ally by showing off your Pride flag at one of the most fun events of the year: the Pink Parade (check our events calendar for more details).
Nice Jazz Festival (July 17-21): One of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe, said to have been "the first jazz festival of international significance". Check out Iconic Riviera's complete guide to this year's Nice Jazz Festival.
Jazz à Juan (July 10-21): Held in Antibes, this is another one of the oldest jazz festivals on the continent. See the Iconic Riviera guide to Jazz a Juan for more details.
Les Nuits Guitares (July 6-8): A unique music festival held in beautiful Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Learn more in our complete guide to Les Nuits Guitares.
Menton Music Festival (July 25 - August 5): This summer, expect a line-up that draws on a variety of different orchestras, chamber music, star soloists and recitals in a series of flamboyant musical vignettes. More information on the official website.
Classical & Jazz Festival (July 21-31): In St. Paul de Vence, be amazed by young virtuosos, proven talents, the brilliant mastery of the great composers, and the exalted freedom of instrumental and vocal jazz. Book your tickets.
Monaco Summer Concert Series: For almost half a century, the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival has been a mainstay in the summer social calendar. Big international acts (like Sting, who is performing on July 23) perform. Get tickets (if you can — they sell out quickly!)
Monaco Art Week & artmonte-carlo (July 4-9): Take an artistic journey through Monaco’s galleries and auction houses. For more details, check out Iconic Riviera's guide to Monaco’s art festivals.
Monaco Solar & Energy Boat Challenge (July 3-8): A showcase of sustainable and innovative watercraft technology, including boats powered by solar, hydrogen, and other clean energy sources. Learn more.
Cannes Fireworks Festival (July 14, 21 & 29): Every July and August, the bay of Cannes lights up when participants from different countries show their most artistic and majestic music and pyrotechnic fireworks performances. For more information, see Iconic Riviera's guide to the Cannes Fireworks Festival.
For more events, check out our complete Monaco & the French Riviera events calendar.
The busiest month on the French Riviera, July’s idyllic summer days are perfect for strolling quaint promenades lined with cafés, sampling delicious Niçoise cuisine at outdoor markets, and relaxing into the easygoing rhythms of life on the French Riviera. So get out and enjoy all that this iconic summer season has to offer!