The Year of the Sea in Nice: April 2025’s Program of Events, Music, Science, and Poetry

As the city prepares to host the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025—expected to welcome over 120 heads of state and 20,000 delegates—Nice and the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur are launching a full calendar of events dedicated to the sea and its many worlds.

The initiative, titled “Year of the Sea”, is a year-long cultural and scientific exploration engaging citizens, institutions, schools, and associations, with the ocean as a shared treasure and source of life.

At the heart of the project is the Université de l’Océan, offering in April a series of public events, talks, expert discussions, and workshops focused on environmental, social, and scientific themes related to marine ecosystems.

🌊 April Highlights

Tuesday, April 8 – 2:30 PM | L’Artistique
Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean: Protection and Sustainability
A roundtable discussion with representatives from the French Office for Biodiversity, ECOSEAS lab (UNICA), the Monaco Nature Protection Association, and the Métropole’s marine department.

Wednesday, April 9 – 2:30 PM | CUM
Ocean of Knowledge: Innovation and One Health
A look at the ocean as a vast source of innovation in human health, bridging marine science and medicine.

Friday, April 11 – 4:00 PM | Romain Gary Library
Virginie Hériot: A Woman Across the Seas
Historian Yvan Gastaut pays tribute to the Olympic gold medalist, sailing pioneer, and poet in a special biographical talk.

Tuesday, April 15 – 2:30 PM | L’Artistique
The Relics of Foam
An artist talk with Jean-Philippe Racca Vammerisse about his current exhibition at the Fine Arts Museum, part of the Arts and Ocean Biennale.

Wednesday, April 16 – 2:30 PM | CUM
Economy vs. Ecology: Mediterranean at a Crossroads?
A debate hosted by the “Science and Society” Chair on reconciling development and sustainability in coastal zones.

Tuesday, April 22 – 2:30 PM | L’Artistique
Meeting with Anne-Laure Wuillai
The artist discusses her exhibition The Squaring of the Circle, on display at Palais Lascaris for the Biennale.

Tuesday, April 29 – 2:30 PM | L’Artistique
Pelagos Sanctuary: A Refuge for Giants of the Sea
A discussion on the international marine sanctuary for Mediterranean cetaceans, featuring the Pelagos Secretariat, Port-Cros National Park, and the Métropole.

Tuesday, April 29 – 6:00 PM | L’Artistique
The Arctic: Eldorado or Sanctuary?
Glaciologist Heidi Sevestre reveals the mysteries of one of Earth’s most fragile ecosystems, in collaboration with Tara Ocean Foundation and MAMAC.

Wednesday, April 30 – 4:00 PM | CUM
Homer and the Poetry of the Sea
Photographer and traveler Ferrante Ferranti explores the mythic waters of the Aegean, from The Iliad to The Odyssey.

✨ Special Events for All Ages

Saturday, April 26 – 3:00 PM | Port Library
Haiku Workshop – Eco-poetic Action
A creative activity led by Ars Legendi, transforming sea-inspired emotions and reflections into Japanese-style poetic forms.

The Year of the Sea in Nice continues with exhibitions, shows, hands-on activities, and events for all generations—raising awareness of the ocean as a vital common good to protect and cherish.