Museums Open, Culture in Celebration: The French Riviera Welcomes a Free Cultural Weekend

For two days, the French Riviera turns into a vast open-air cultural playground. On 31 January and 1 February 2026, the third edition of “Mon Week-end aux Musées” invites residents and visitors to experience museums in a fresh, creative and entirely free way.

Organised by Côte d’Azur France Tourisme, the event brings together 38 museums and cultural sites spread across around twenty towns, between southern France and the Principality of Monaco, with a rich programme of 57 free experiences designed for families, children, art lovers and the simply curious.

Officially presented on 11 December at the Magnelli Museum – Museum of Ceramics in Vallauris Golfe-Juan, the initiative remains focused on its main goal: showcasing the region’s cultural heritage and encouraging museum visits during the quieter tourist season.

Among the highlights of the 2026 edition are four new participants: the Museum of Wonders in Tende, the Museum of Contemporary Jewellery in Cagnes-sur-Mer, the Nativity Scene Museum in Lucéram, and the Lympia Departmental Cultural Space in Nice.

Part of the wider activities of the Club Musées, created in 2022 to coordinate and promote the area’s museum offer, “Mon Week-end aux Musées” proposes a different way of engaging with art and history. Beyond traditional guided tours, the programme features creative workshops, immersive visits, escape games, artistic performances and sensory experiences.

The line-up stands out for its originality: from a faun treasure hunt at the Picasso Museum in Antibes, to a mystery investigation at the Bonnard Museum in Le Cannet, and a torchlight visit in complete darkness at the Museum of Art and History of Provence in Grasse. There are also plenty of activities for children, including archaeology workshops, artistic studios and sensory experiences designed even for babies.

More immersive experiences include a hands-on workshop inspired by ancient Rome at the Trophy of Augustus in La Turbie, and a virtual reality journey at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, allowing visitors to explore a protected marine area without getting wet.

Gastronomy also takes centre stage, with sensory tours and meetings with chefs at the Escoffier Museum of Culinary Art in Villeneuve-Loubet.

“The French Riviera is more than just a postcard,” said Alexandra Borchio Fontimp. “Culture is the beating heart of our region, expressing Mediterranean identity, creating connections and shared emotions. We are delighted to renew this initiative for the third consecutive year, offering a chance to discover the Riviera in a completely new way.”

An open invitation to step off the beaten path and experience museums beyond the usual framework, transforming them for one weekend into spaces of play, discovery and cultural exchange.