Valbonne Lights Up in 1980s Style: The Saint Blaise Festival Returns

Valbonne is ready to bring color, music and conviviality back to the heart of the Côte d’Azur winter. From 23 to 25 January 2026, the charming village will host a new edition of the Saint Blaise Festival, one of the most popular winter events in the region, this year offering a joyful and immersive journey into the spirit of the 1980s.

With free admission and free entertainment, Valbonne’s historic center and the Garbejaïre district will be transformed into a vast open-air festive village, filled with parades, music, tastings and activities designed for visitors of all ages.

Local flavors and creative showcases

Throughout the weekend, the Grand Market of Local Products will take center stage, showcasing the finest agricultural specialties from Valbonne and the surrounding area: artisanal cheeses, honey, olive oils, jams, citrus fruits, wines, flowers and local produce, sold directly by producers.

At the Pré de la Vignasse, visitors can enjoy the traditional funfair, while the Salle Saint-Esprit will host the art exhibition “L’art fait son comeback”, curated by the Culotté collective, perfectly echoing the festival’s retro theme.

Gastronomy will play a key role, with live cooking demonstrations, guided tastings led by renowned chefs from the Côte d’Azur, and special initiatives aimed at introducing younger generations to the culinary arts.

A packed and festive program

The official opening will take place on Friday 23 January at 8:00 pm at the Pré des Arts, with “Génération 80”, a lively dance party celebrating the iconic hits that defined an era.

Saturday 24 January will focus on families and cuisine. In the morning, at Ferme Bermond, Valbonne’s young chefs will take part in demonstrations and tastings. At midday, Place des Arcades will host the awards ceremony for the Local Products Competition. The afternoon will continue with the Children’s Carnival and, from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm, gastronomic performances by leading chefs.

The highlight of the festival will come on Sunday 25 January. Following the official address by Mayor Joseph Cesaro at 11:30 am in Place des Arcades, the Grand Floral Carnival Parade will set off at 2:30 pm. This spectacular procession, inspired by the 1980s, will wind its way through the village streets with decorated floats, music, colorful costumes and festive energy.

Practical information

The Saint Blaise Festival takes place in Valbonne Village and Garbejaïre, with free shuttle buses connecting the two areas.

• By car: A8 motorway, exit 44 Antibes, direction Sophia Antipolis

• By train and bus: connections from Antibes SNCF station (www.envibus.fr)

• Information: +33 (0)4 89 87 73 30 – www.ville-valbonne.fr

A weekend designed for the whole family, blending Provençal traditions, conviviality and an irresistible throwback to the vibrant spirit of the 1980s.