The third weekend of October brings a varied programme of events to the French Riviera, combining culture, nature, sport and local traditions. On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, visitors can explore not only the Riviera’s best-known coastal destinations but also the charming villages of the Alpes-Maritimes hinterland, where autumn is celebrated with fairs, traditional festivals, outdoor activities and events for families.

From the coast to the mountain villages, there is something for every interest, including gospel concerts, theatre performances, seaside sporting competitions, craft exhibitions and activities for children during the French autumn school holidays. It is an excellent opportunity to plan a weekend getaway, discover local traditions and experience a quieter side of the French Riviera beyond the summer season.

Saturday 17 October: Markets, Traditions and Cultural Events

Expo du Week-end in Valdeblore

On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, Valdeblore hosts Expo du Week-end, an exhibition dedicated to arts and crafts.

The event offers an opportunity to discover local craftsmanship and handmade creations while enjoying the authentic atmosphere of a mountain village. Valdeblore is an appealing destination for visitors looking to combine a cultural outing with a walk through the surrounding countryside, particularly beautiful during autumn.

The available information does not specify the opening hours or the exact exhibition venue. Visitors are therefore advised to check the latest details with the organisers before travelling.

Genealogy Research Day at Village Charlot in Beausoleil

Anyone interested in family history should consider the Journée Recherches Généalogiques avec l’AGAM, taking place

at Village Charlot in Beausoleil on Saturday 17 October at 10 am.

This cultural event focuses on genealogy and offers an opportunity to explore family origins, trace ancestors and discover resources for researching personal and family histories. It may appeal both to experienced genealogy enthusiasts and to beginners looking to take their first steps into historical research.

The event is scheduled for 10 am on Saturday 17 October 2026. For participation requirements and further information, visit the official event page.

Fête de la Ciappea in La Brigue

On Saturday 17 October, the village of La Brigue celebrates the fifth edition of the Fête de la Ciappea, an event connected with local life and the traditions of the surrounding area.

The festival is part of the autumn calendar of community events that bring the villages of the Roya Valley to life. It is an appealing choice for visitors who want to explore lesser-known destinations in the Alpes-Maritimes and discover the cultural identity of these historic mountain communities.

The event is organised by the La Ciappea association. Detailed timings and the full programme are not available in the information provided. For updates, consult the official Fête de la Ciappea page.

Traditional Basket-Weaving Workshop in Sospel

Sospel hosts a rustic basket-weaving workshop on Saturday 17 October, offering participants the opportunity to learn traditional techniques for making baskets and other woven items.

Scheduled for 8 am, the workshop introduces visitors to a craft rooted in the use of natural materials. Basket weaving combines manual skills, creativity and knowledge of local resources, making it an appealing alternative to conventional sightseeing.

Before attending, check the workshop duration, availability, fees and whether advance booking is required through the official workshop page.

Monument Jeu d’Enfant: La Note Antique in La Turbie

On Saturday 17 October at 3 pm, La Turbie hosts Monument Jeu d’Enfant: La Note Antique, a cultural event designed to bring younger visitors closer to history and heritage through an engaging approach.

La Turbie is particularly well suited to a cultural outing thanks to its important Roman heritage. Visitors can combine the event with a stroll through the historic centre and explore the town’s remarkable past.

The detailed programme, including the precise nature of the activities and admission arrangements, should be checked on the official event page.

The 22nd Nuit du Mentonnais in Sospel

Sospel also hosts the 22nd Nuit du Mentonnais on Saturday 17 October. The event forms part of the local calendar of cultural and community celebrations, with a name that evokes the wider Menton area and its heritage.

It is another opportunity to explore the traditions of the French Riviera hinterland and discover a different side of the region beyond its coastal resorts.

The event is listed for Saturday, although a precise time and detailed programme have not been provided. Check the official event listing before planning your visit.

Afternoon Tea and Brass Band Concert in Saorge

Music and conviviality come together in Saorge on Saturday 17 October at 3 pm with Goûter et Concert en Fanfare avec le PPC – Pompier Poney Club.

The event combines an afternoon snack with a live brass band performance, creating a relaxed opportunity to enjoy music and spend time with friends and family. It is an appealing option for visitors looking for something different from a conventional concert or museum visit.

For the exact venue, musical programme and participation details, consult the official event page.

Les Héros de la Télé Festival in Beausoleil

Running until Sunday 18 October, Beausoleil hosts the 14th edition of the Les Héros de la Télé Festival, taking place from 14 to 18 October 2026.

Dedicated to television and its personalities, the festival is a cultural highlight for visitors staying around Menton and Monaco during the weekend. It offers an opportunity to explore the world of television entertainment, although the specific guests, meetings and daily schedules should be confirmed through the official programme.

For further details, visit the official Les Héros de la Télé Festival page.

Loup-garou Game Night in Tende

Saturday evening brings a social and playful event to Tende: Soirée Loup-garou, scheduled for 8 pm on 17 October.

The event takes its name from the popular social deduction game in which players assume secret identities and attempt to identify the werewolves through discussion, observation and strategy. It is a good option for anyone who enjoys group games and wants an alternative to the usual evening entertainment.

For the exact venue, age restrictions and participation requirements, consult the official Soirée Loup-garou listing.

Sunday 18 October: Sport, Music and Traditional Celebrations

The 56th Tourrette-Levens Mushroom Fair

One of the weekend’s most distinctive events is the 56th Tourrette-Levens Mushroom Fair, taking place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026.

The fair celebrates mushrooms and the natural world, with a particular focus on the plants and seasonal resources found in the region. It is an excellent opportunity to discover local traditions and enjoy an autumn outing in a village in the Alpes-Maritimes, especially for those interested in nature and botany.

The available listing describes the event as an exhibition dedicated to mushrooms and plants, but does not provide opening hours or a complete list of exhibitors and activities. Visitors should check with the organisers before setting off.

Fête de la Brebis Brigasque in La Brigue

On Sunday 18 October, starting at 8 am, La Brigue celebrates the 16th Fête de la Brebis Brigasque, a festival dedicated to the Brigasque sheep, a traditional breed associated with the mountains of the Alpes-Maritimes.

The event offers an opportunity to discover pastoral traditions, farming activities and rural customs that have shaped the identity of the Roya Valley. The Brigasque sheep is an important part of the local pastoral heritage, linking livestock farming, mountain landscapes and regional food culture.

Visitors can use the festival as a starting point for exploring La Brigue and the surrounding area. Details of the programme, including any tastings or entertainment, should be confirmed through the official Fête de la Brebis Brigasque page.

Swimrun Côte d’Azur in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Sunday 18 October is also a date for endurance-sport enthusiasts, with Swimrun Côte d’Azur, a sporting competition listed in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Swimrun is a discipline that alternates open-water swimming with running, usually with competitors moving between the two activities without lengthy transitions. The setting around Cap-Ferrat makes the event particularly appealing to those who enjoy sporting challenges against a Mediterranean backdrop.

The date and location are listed, but the start time, race distances and registration details have not been provided. Anyone wishing to take part or watch the competition should check the organisers’ official information before travelling.

The 10th Anniversary of Swimrun Côte d’Azur in Beaulieu-sur-Mer

Also on Sunday 18 October, Beaulieu-sur-Mer is associated with the 10th anniversary of Swimrun Côte d’Azur, a sporting celebration highlighting the discipline and its connection with the French Riviera coastline.

The event offers a different way to experience the Mediterranean landscape, with athletes moving between sea and shore. It is also an opportunity to discover some of the most scenic parts of the Riviera.

As the calendar lists swimrun-related events in both Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, visitors should consult the official programme to clarify how the activities are organised across the two locations.

For race times, routes, registration and spectator information, refer to the organisers’ announcements.

Trail de la Ratapignata in Falicon

Trail runners can look forward to the Trail de la Ratapignata, a sporting competition scheduled for Sunday 18 October in Falicon, in the hinterland of Nice.

Trail running takes place on natural paths and off-road terrain, combining physical endurance with the opportunity to explore the landscape. The event is worth considering both for runners interested in competing and for visitors looking for an outdoor experience in one of the Alpes-Maritimes’ smaller communities.

The date and location are listed, but verified details about start times, distances and elevation gains are not available. Check the race programme before planning your day.

Migration Camp at Fort de la Revère in Èze

On Sunday 18 October, Camp de migration au Fort de la Revère is listed in Èze, with a focus on seasonal migration in the Alpes-Maritimes.

Fort de la Revère occupies a panoramic position between the coast and the mountains, making the surrounding area an interesting destination for nature enthusiasts. Migration observation activities can help visitors learn more about seasonal bird movements and the importance of local natural habitats.

The listing confirms the date but does not specify the time or access arrangements. Check with the organisers to find out whether guided observations, educational sessions or other activities are planned.

Rando Patrimoine: Les bois de la Sine in Vence

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, Rando Patrimoine: Les bois de la Sine is scheduled for Sunday 18 October in Vence.

This heritage walk combines outdoor exploration with an introduction to the local area. It is a good option for visitors who want to enjoy the autumn landscape, learn about the surroundings and discover the French Riviera away from its busiest roads and coastal resorts.

Before setting out, check the meeting time, duration, route length and difficulty level, as these details are not specified in the available listing.

Landsberg Gospel Choir Concert in Saint-Laurent-du-Var

The Concert du chœur gospel de Landsberg is another musical highlight, listed in Saint-Laurent-du-Var for Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October.

Gospel music combines powerful vocals, expressive harmonies and engaging rhythms, making a live performance an enjoyable experience for music lovers and casual listeners alike. The concert offers an alternative to sporting competitions and outdoor activities.

The dates are listed, but the performance times and exact venue have not been provided. Check the updated programme before attending.

À HAUTES VOIX Singing Competition Preliminaries in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

On Sunday 18 October, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat hosts the À HAUTES VOIX singing competition preliminaries, an event dedicated to vocal performance and musical interpretation.

The preliminary rounds offer a chance to discover emerging singers and enjoy live performances in a competitive setting. The event may appeal to music enthusiasts as well as visitors curious about the local music scene.

The audition times, exact venue and spectator arrangements are not specified. Consult the competition organisers for further information.

Organ Concert with Denis Frémin in Breil-sur-Roya

Classical music enthusiasts can attend Concert d’orgue avec Denis Frémin — Des arbres pour la planète, scheduled for Sunday 18 October at 4 pm in Breil-sur-Roya.

The concert features organist Denis Frémin, while the title, Des arbres pour la planète (“Trees for the Planet”), evokes a theme connected with trees and the environment. It is an appealing cultural option for visitors who want to include a musical experience in their itinerary and perhaps combine it with a walk around the village and the Roya Valley.

The listed start time is 4 pm. For the precise venue, admission conditions and possible booking requirements, consult the official event page.

Young Purcell Musical Performance in Saorge

On Sunday 18 October at 3 pm, Saorge hosts Monument Jeu d’Enfant: Young Purcell, a musical performance included in a cultural programme dedicated to heritage discovery.

The title refers to the English composer Henry Purcell and suggests a musical journey inspired by his work. As part of the Monument Jeu d’Enfant programme, the performance is worth considering for families and anyone interested in introducing younger audiences to classical music in a cultural setting.

For details about the repertoire, exact venue and admission arrangements, visit the official performance page.

8 femmes: Theatre in Le Broc

On Sunday 18 October, the village of Le Broc hosts 8 femmes, a theatre event adding another cultural option to the weekend programme.

The title recalls the well-known ensemble mystery built around eight female characters, with a storyline that lends itself to sharp dialogue, tension and unexpected developments. The performance may appeal to theatre lovers and visitors looking for an evening of entertainment in a village in the Nice hinterland.

The available information does not specify the performance time, venue or ticket prices. Check with the local theatre or organisers before planning your visit.

Family Activities During the French Autumn School Holidays

The weekend of 17–18 October coincides with the beginning of numerous activities linked to the French autumn school holidays, which continue into the following weeks. Families travelling with children can therefore take advantage of a wider programme of sports, workshops and recreational activities.

Autumn Holidays in Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée and Auron

From 17 to 31 October 2026, Vacances d’automne à Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée / Auron offers activities for the autumn school holidays.

The programme is listed under recreational and cinema-related activities, providing another reason to visit this mountain area during autumn. Visitors can combine organised activities with exploring the surrounding Alpine scenery.

The information available does not specify the films, screening times or other activities. Check the local events calendar for the latest programme.

Mini Golf During the Autumn Holidays

Also in Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, Mini-Golf Vacances d’automne runs from 17 to 31 October.

Mini golf is a family-friendly activity suitable for younger visitors and provides an easy way to spend time together outdoors between sightseeing stops.

Opening hours, prices and booking arrangements are not included in the available information, so visitors should confirm these details before arriving.

Holiday Sports Activities in Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée

The autumn programme in Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée also includes sports activities during the school holidays, listed from 19 October 2026.

The activities are associated with sport and physical recreation, but the available information does not identify all the sessions, times or age groups. For families staying in the mountains, they may offer a useful alternative to hiking and sightseeing.

Activities at Alpha Park in Saint-Martin-Vésubie

From 17 October to 1 November 2026, Alpha Park in Saint-Martin-Vésubie offers special activities for the autumn school holidays.

Located in the mountainous Vésubie area, the park focuses on wildlife and the natural environment. Autumn activities may be particularly appealing to families looking to introduce children to nature and animal conservation while exploring the hinterland.

The specific programme, opening times and admission conditions have not been provided. Check the park’s official communications before visiting.

Ninja Box at Vésubia Mountain Park

Also in Saint-Martin-Vésubie, Ninja Box at Vésubia Mountain Park is listed from 17 October to 1 November.

The activity focuses on movement, agility and physical challenges, offering a dynamic option for children and teenagers during the school holidays.

Age limits, opening hours, prices and availability should be confirmed directly with Vésubia Mountain Park.

Museum Holidays in Cagnes-sur-Mer

From 17 October to 1 November 2026, Cagnes-sur-Mer hosts Vacances dans les musées, a programme of guided visits and workshops for children.

The initiative offers families a way to explore museums during the school holidays through activities designed to encourage curiosity and make cultural heritage more accessible to younger visitors.

The available information does not identify the participating museums or provide workshop times and booking arrangements. Check the updated municipal programme before attending.

Events Continuing After the Weekend

Visitors staying on the French Riviera beyond 18 October can also enjoy further autumn and Halloween-related activities.

In Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Les Jaquons Leisure Space – Wellbeing and Fun is scheduled from 19 to 30 October 2026. The programme is designed for the autumn school holidays, although the individual activities, times and registration arrangements have not been specified.

In Cagnes-sur-Mer, the Ciné Chouette Festival runs from 19 October to 8 November 2026. This autumn cinema event offers another option for visitors staying in the area after the weekend. Film schedules, screening venues and times should be checked in the official festival programme.

Although these events do not take place exclusively on 17 and 18 October, they are worth considering when planning a longer stay on the French Riviera.

How to Plan Your French Riviera Weekend on 17–18 October 2026

The variety of events makes it easy to plan a weekend around different interests. Visitors who enjoy local traditions can choose the Tourrette-Levens Mushroom Fair or the Fête de la Brebis Brigasque in La Brigue. Sports enthusiasts may prefer Swimrun Côte d’Azur or the Trail de la Ratapignata, after checking start times and route information.

For a cultural weekend, the Les Héros de la Télé Festival in Beausoleil, the organ concert in Breil-sur-Roya and the Young Purcell performance in Saorge offer interesting alternatives. Families travelling with children can consider Alpha Park, the museum workshops in Cagnes-sur-Mer and the recreational activities in the mountains.

Not every event listing includes a precise time or a complete programme. Before travelling, check the official event pages for updates, weather conditions, booking requirements and availability. For sporting events in particular, it is worth confirming registration details and start locations.

The weekend of 17–18 October 2026 is an excellent opportunity to discover a different side of the French Riviera: a region of traditional villages, woodland trails, rural celebrations, music and cultural events, where autumn brings a distinctive atmosphere from the Mediterranean coast to the mountains of the Alpes-Maritimes.