Saint-Paul de Vence

If you are in the area for at least a week, then this is a must-do day-trip. Saint-Paul de Vence is one of the prettiest and best-preserved medieval villages in all of Europe; surrounded by stone ramparts that date back to the 15th Century. There are 50 art galleries here (all of a high quality), along with many shops, some restaurants, and a couple of small hotels. While the art is amazing (and may well play havoc with your credit card), the main attraction here is the town itself. Adorable, im

French Riviera Orientation Guide

Welcome to our orientation guide for the French Riviera.HELP US OUTDo you have a great tip you'd like to share - that we could add to this day-trip entry? If so, please add a comment (below) or use our suggestion form on the ★ Little Pieces of Light ★ homepage. And if you are looking for somewhere to stay in the area, please do check out Haute Vue; our large holiday home with private pool in Montauroux. It has panoramic views, private pool, super-fast WiFi and modern air-conditioning, and is the

International Boules Grand Prix in Fayence

Pétanque, or boules as it is more commonly known abroad, is a Provençal institution and can be played on just about any dusty, gritty surface, at all times of the year. For two days in June, La Bouleheureuse ("the Happy Ball") in Fayence/Tourrettes hosts the annual Regionals for this part of France; which also attracts many of the world's best players.The Fayence ITB Grand Prix Photo © C.Go. Var MatinSponsored by ITB (a specialist wood construction firm in PACA), the event is hosted by the thi

Saint-Tropez & Sainte-Maxime

This is one of our favourite day-trips and the one we would most probably turn to if - say - we had some friends visiting for just a weekend and only had one opportunity to show them the very best of the French Riviera.Saint-Tropez Photo © 2018 Robert BrandsMORNINGMake an early start, as it's gong to be a long and lovely day! Our top tip is to stop at your local boulangerie on the way and collect some ready-made baguette sandwiches that you can throw in a cool box or cool bag, together with so

The Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival

In November each year, the Principality becomes the centre of the jazz world, with some of the biggest names in the business performing in the unique setting of the Opéra Garnier. Founded in 2006 - at the behest of well-known jazz fan Jean-René Palacio - the Festival has become a real highlight of the Riviera winter season, and always promises a blend of tradition and new musical inspirations from every corner of the world, with an emphasis (above all) on creativity.Italian Singer Mario Biondi p

The Saint-Tropez Sailing Regatta

The Voiles de Saint-Tropez is a sailing regatta which takes place once a year in the gulf of Saint-Tropez, in the Var. Organised for the first time in 1999, it will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, so it may surprise you to know this makes it the oldest sailing event on the Mediterranean coast.The Regatta in full flow © Les Voiles de Saint-TropezThe organisers - the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez - are also one of the oldest sailing clubs (founded in 1862). They bring together over

Roots du Lac Reggae Festival in Montauroux

Since 2018, this eco-friendly, festive, and family-oriented Music Festival has been growing in popularity. Held over two days, it's essentially a roots festival; so lots of rocksteady, dub, ska, reggae, and tropical house music. If you like Bob Marley (and who doesn't frankly) then you are going to love this!The Main Stage © Roots du LacThe venue is open land at the Terrain Laroche, alongside the Collège De Léonard de Vinci (a large moddle school serving 700 students from across the valley). In

Cheval Passion equestrian festival in Avignon

So do you fancy a show with a thousand horses, 250 exhibitors, and new equipment for horses, riders, and competitions? Or perhaps a Pony Show Jumping Competition and an international working riding competition? Or demonstrations of reining, cutting, flagging, and roping (in an American-style ranching exhibit, complete with country music and line-dancing)? The Cheval Passion (and associaed Crinières d’Or gala event) are one of the highlights of the Provencal Winter Calendar. Even if you have neve

Southern Nights Festival in Vence

The Nuits du Sud (Southern Nights) Festival has been held annually in Vence since 1998 and is an internationally renowned event in a lovely venue, with a varied and high quality program; perfect for fans with an eclectic taste in music. Its popularity has grown due to a wise combination of diversity, discovery, and discounted pricing (23-39 Euros).Les Plages Electroniques, Cannes © TraversoThe central Place du Grand Jardin is transformed for the occasion into a concert hall under the starry skie

Les Hivernales Festival in Avignon

In the heart of winter, there is nothing like some contemporary dance to get your blood flowing and bring some warmth back to proceedings. Organised by the Centre de Dévelopement Chorégraphique National (CDCN), the Hivernales Festival in Avignon is one of the best events of its type in the world (running since the early 1980s).Over approximately twenty days (including a week dedicated to young audiences), the organisers brings together more than 7,000 people to deliver a varied programme of show

International Jazz Festival in Juan-les-Pins

Jazz à Juan has long been one of the best - and the best loved - annual jazz festivals in the world. All the greats have played the event, including Louis Armstrong, B.B. King, Dave Brubeck, Fats Waller, George Benson, Oscar Peterson, Pat Metheny, Ray Charles, Sonny Rollins, Stéphane Grappelli, Stevie Wonder and Wynton Marsalis.The vast majority have left their handprints in the ceramic tiles dotting the sidewalk of the Boulevard Edouard Baudoin, which runs behind the seaside stage. The stage it

The Alleys of Seillans Mountain Bike Race

Organised by Seillans Vélos Nature and Leï Caminaïre, the "Ruelles de Seillans" vélo tout-terrain (VTT) Mountain Bike race in Seillans has courses for all levels & ages and is open to anyone who wants to register. It's not overly competitive and is great fun to watch. Breathtaking descents in the alleys Photo © Var-Matin (archives C. Go.)You can sip on a little morning cocktail (my sort of thing!) whilst enjoying a variety of different formats and circuits: • 4 circuits of different levels in

Art Festival - Tourrettes

"Les Arts au Coeur du Village" (arts in the heart of the village) is an annual cultural event organised in the perched Var village of Tourrettes. Held in the middle of July since 2024, it celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024. A rich "special edition" program will be offered to visitors, with artistic performances, discovery workshops, a major closing concert and much, much more...Arts in the heart of the village (of Tourrettes)The village association brings together an average of 70 artists e

Opera Festival - Aix-en-Provence

The Festival d'Aix-en-Provence is an annual international music festival which takes place each summer in Aix-en-Provence, principally in July. Devoted mainly to opera, it also includes concerts of orchestral, chamber, vocal and solo instrumental music.An audience 'en plein air' for the Aix FestivalThe festival was founded in July 1948 by Countess Lily Pastré, who famously covered the entire costs of the first edition herself! It was made up of three or four concerts in the cour de l'Archevêché,

Les Foulées du Lac - Montauroux

Every year, EPF Athletics and the Naturatrail team organise a nature race along Lake Saint Cassien in Montauroux. Participants can choose between an individual race (13.2 km) or a team relay race of 3 (in order: 3-7-3.2 km).The Race Start © EPF AthlétismeThe beautiful course around the St Cassien lake is sure to inspire you and it's a mixed ability group of runners, trailers, walkers, cross-country runners, track and field runners, parents and children. You will love it!The 20th Edition of Les F

Strawberry Festival in Carpentras

By now, you'll be well aware of the "living by the seasons" way-of-life in Provence. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. And our purpose today, dear friends, is the celebration of the most delicious of fruits; the strawberry. Once a year, in Carpentras, there is a day dedicated to the magnificent red fruit; with direct, fresh sales from the producers for the pleasure of young and old!Strawberry Festival in CarpentrasCarpentras may be a bit of a drive f

Square Boules Championship in Cagnes-sur-Mer

Pétanque, or boules as it is more commonly known abroad, is practically a provençal institution. This iconic French ball game can be played on just about any dusty, gritty surface, and at any time of year. It is played throughout France but it's most commonly associated with the south having been invented in La Ciotat, near Marseilles.All this you know, of course. What you may not be familiar with is the square boules variety; played in Haut-de-Cagnes; the medieval hill village in the centre of

Costume Festival in Arles

On the days leading up to the first Sunday in July every year, the Fête du Costume takes place In Arles. I know what you are thinking. Doesn't every town and village in France have a festival with traditional costume in the mix? Well, this is different in Arles, trust me! Arlesian costumes are famous for their delicacy, elegance, and originality, and back in the day, they were the most fashionable in the region since they followed the fashion trends directly from Paris.The Pégoulado on the Boule

Jasmine Festival in Grasse

Every year on the first weekend of August, the annual Jasmine Festival – Fête du Jasmin – takes place in the beautiful medieval town of Grasse. Enjoy dances, music, concerts, exhibitions, processions and fireworks. All in honour of the city's gold – the perfume.The Corso at Grasse Jasmin Festival © RécréaNiceJasminum grandiflorumJasminum grandiflorum has been cultivated in Grasse since the mid-19th century. It gives off an unforgettable scent; sweet, floral and fruity. The picking season lasts f

Lavender Festival in Valensole

Just outside the Var in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department - and near to the famous Gorges du Verdon - Valensole is right in the heart of Lavender growing country. Valensole takes its name from the Latin words ‘Vallis’ and ‘Solis’, which mean valley of the sun. And as you take in the gorgeous stone houses bathed in the golden rays, you will see why! Held on the third Sunday in July every year, to celebrate the beginning of the harvest, the Valensole Lavender Festival is one of the largest of

Antibes Wine & Gastronomy Fair

Every year in October, the city of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins celebrate the Harvest Festival with a Wine & Gastronomy fair. Over 70 producers from the locality and from all over France offer their wine, cheeses, chocolate, liqueurs, pastries, and various delicatessen to the public.RSAJ Band © Justine AubertThe 16th edition - 2024The yearly gastronomy festival always runs at the end of October (dates still to be announced) and is organised by Kiwanis Club d’Antibes Juan-les-Pins. The festival is s

Oktoberfest Beer Festival in Grasse

The summer season may be coming to an end, but the party and good humour is alive and well in Grasse, where they celebrate an Oktoberfest Beer Festival; celebrating the relationship with their twin town of Ingolstadt in Germany. Perhaps combine it with a trip to the famous parfumeries such as Fragonard and the perfume museums, where you can take free tours.Valbonne en Fete © Pascal LinteAs you might expect, there is a great selection of German beers (served in huge glasses), as well as Bavarian