Summer arrives with an array of festivities including the French national day of music.
Fête de la Saint-Pierre et de la mer (Festival of St Peter and the sea)
The fishermen of Nice celebrate the sea every year with a grand procession from the Jesuit church of Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur down to the beach at Les Ponchettes. A boat is burned in the harbour to honour Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. Dates and details.
Ironman Nice
If you're in town when this event comes to Nice, you can't miss it. If you're not taking part, definitely head down to the Promenade des Anglais to support the athletes as they race past. Dates and details.
Ironman 70.3
Nice has in recent years hosted the Ironman 70.3 World Championship making it the first time that the event is celebrated in France, and it continues to host an event on the same course. The competitors start by swimming in the waters of the Baie des Anges and then tackle the cycling and running courses along the Promenade des Anglais. Dates and details.
Fête de la Musique
Next up is this ever popular event celebrated across the whole of France on 21st June. Launched in 1982 by the French Ministry for Culture, the Fête is different from a music festival in that all the concerts and performances are free to the public and none of the artists are paid. Authorities waive normal licensing laws, allowing the revelry to continue as long as there are people with the stamina to enjoy it. It is definitely one of the not-to-be-missed events of the summer social calendar. Dates and details
Ultra-Trail Côte d'Azur Mercantour
Begin the trail running season with a 150km race through the beautiful mountains that surround the French Riviera. Dates and details.
Classical music
Classical music takes over with several events in and around town at the Nice Classic Live. Dates and details.