What's On in Nice During 2017

Part of the beauty, and attraction, of Nice is that it lies very close to several other resorts on the Cotes d'Azur and a sneak peak at the glitzy world of the Cannes Film Festival in May is certainly worth doing. Check out our Cannes, Antibes and Monaco events calendars to make sure that you don't miss out in 2017.

February

Kicking off the year in style, the Nice Carnival is one of the world's major carnival events, following on behind the Brazilian Carnival and Venetian carnival. Drawing huge crowds this is a very special event and even more special as it spans a two week period where the entire city comes alive with colour, music and a touch of magic. The actual Carnival parades take place on the Tuesday and Saturday nights over the three-week long festival, with an additional Sunday afternoon parade taking place on the 19th February 2017.

For more information and how to book, see our Carnival on the Cote article.

Another popular Festival in February is the Grande Fete du Citron in Menton. Although strictly speaking this event does not take place in Nice, it is well worth the short journey along the coast to Menton to experience this citrus extravaganza! The Lemon Festival was born in 1935. One year later, the first exhibition of citrus fruit and flowers was launched in the Biovès gardens. This is truly a sight to behold...entire statues and amazing structures completely made out of lemons. People flock to Menton from across the globe to enjoy this carnival style event.

April / May

Keeping with the horticultural theme April brings in the spring and the wonderful Fete des Roses in Cap Ferrat. This elegant event celebrates the eternal beauty of the rose and is hosted in the grounds of the stunning Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. If you like a touch of glamour and sophistication then this is the event for you, sip a chilled glass of wine as you enjoy walking amongst some of the most beautiful gardens in the Riviera.

July

If you like a bit of lycra then you are in for a treat in July when the Ironman France competition rolls into Nice. Some of the toughest athletes in the world will be competing in this gruelling event. The 2017 edition will actually be the first event to take place on the Promenade des Anglais since the terror attack of July 14th 2016.

The summer months in Nice are all about the wonderful beach clubs, sunning yourself on the deck of a private yacht and of course, music! From jazz to dance music and hip hop to funk there is something to suit every taste.

Amongst the music festivals is the Nice Jazz Festival. Hosted annually this festival offers a rich programme of traditional and modern jazz with names likes Ray Charles, Morcheeba, Macy Gray, Stevie Wonder and Carlos Santana taking to the stage. In 2016 the event was sadly cancelled after the terror attack that took place on 14th July. We are expecting 2017 to be even bigger and better!

November

As we enter the autumnal and winter months and the wind begins to pick up the stage is set for more sporting activities. The Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes is a hugely popular event, attracting some 14,000 participants along with thousands more supporters and spectators. A big date in the running calendar this is in fact the second most popular marathon in France, second only to the Paris marathon. With stunning views the entire length of the race as it makes it's way along the coast of the French Riviera from Nice to Cannes, this is one race not to miss if you are a keen runner.

For a full list of events in Nice throughout 2017 then check out our Events Calendar.