Alpes-Maritimes 2026: a territory in the spotlight between politics, sport and global appeal

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal one for the Alpes-Maritimes, marked by a dense calendar of events set to influence the region’s identity, economy and international visibility. Politics, elite sport, tourism and major cultural gatherings will define a year that will engage the entire territory, from the coastline to the hinterland.

The first major milestone will be political. The municipal elections on 15 and 22 March 2026 will place Nice at the centre of national attention, with a particularly hard-fought contest expected. Nine candidate lists will compete: incumbent mayor Christian Estrosi, representing Horizons, will seek re-election, while the opposition will be led by MP Éric Ciotti for the UDR. The political landscape appears fragmented, especially across the centre and left, pointing to an intense and highly polarised campaign that could shape the city’s future for years to come.

Alongside politics, top-level sport will play a central role. Nice will host the grand finale of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes, welcoming the finish of the eighth stage from Sisteron along the iconic Route Napoléon, followed by the final stage on a demanding urban circuit featuring four climbs of the Col d’Èze. For two days, the world’s elite women cyclists will shine a global spotlight on the city and the wider department, strengthening their sporting and tourist profile.

Innovation and environmental transition will also be in focus with Nice Boating Tomorrow 2026, a four-day event dedicated to sustainable yachting. Exhibitions on land and at sea, test runs, demonstrations, conferences and round tables will explore the ecological challenges facing a sector that is a cornerstone of coastal economies in France, positioning Nice as a Mediterranean hub for forward-looking solutions.

On the international tourism front, the city will host Rendez-Vous en France 2026, Atout France’s flagship trade event. Around 1,000 tour operators and journalists from across the globe will gather on the French Riviera to promote a more sustainable, year-round and territorially balanced tourism model, with significant economic and reputational benefits for the region.

Rounding out an already packed calendar are the iconic cultural and sporting events that define the identity of the Alpes-Maritimes: the Nice Carnival (11 February–1 March), dedicated to female figures; the Fête du Citron in Menton; Paris–Nice; the Cannes Film Festival; major summer concerts; the Nice Jazz Fest; the Ironman 70.3; and the return of esports with EVO France.

With elections, world-class sporting events, strategic trade shows and historic festivals, 2026 is set to leave a lasting mark on the Alpes-Maritimes, reinforcing its position as a key territory on both the French and international stage.