Menton, Journées de la Mer 2026: two days celebrating the sea and biodiversity

Menton is preparing to celebrate the sea and marine biodiversity with a new edition of the Journées de la Mer, taking place on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Esplanade des Sablettes. Now in its seventh edition, the event offers two days dedicated to discovering the marine environment and raising awareness about its protection.

Associations, institutions and organisations involved in Mediterranean conservation will take part in the event, with a programme designed for both adults and families. Marine biodiversity, protected areas and more sustainable everyday behaviour will be at the heart of the initiative.

Discovering Mediterranean marine biodiversity

The Journées de la Mer will offer visitors the opportunity to learn more about the natural wealth of the Cap Martin Marine Protected Area, the marine areas around Cap Mortola and the Pelagos Sanctuary, one of the Mediterranean’s most important areas for the protection of marine mammals.

The event village will be open Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29 from 10 am to 6 pm at the Esplanade des Sablettes. Information stands, games and educational workshops will introduce visitors to the marine ecosystem.

Children aged 6 to 12 will also be able to take part in a biodiversity rally, while kayaks and paddleboards will be available free of charge in partnership with the Centre Nautique.

Boat trips and whale watching

A major part of the Journées de la Mer programme will take place at sea, with several boat trips designed to explore the coastline and observe marine wildlife.

The programme will already begin on Thursday, August 27 at 10 am, with a sailing trip aboard the Santo Sospir dedicated to cetacean observation, accompanied by SOS Grand Bleu guides. Advance booking is required.

On Friday, August 28, further cetacean-watching trips aboard the Santo Sospir are scheduled for 8 am.

At 8:45 am and 2:15 pm, visitors will be able to join excursions aboard the Étoile de Menton, exploring the Cap Martin and Cap Mortola Marine Protected Areas.

Traditional boat trips will also be organised from 9:30 am to noon and from 2 pm to 5 pm. At 2 pm, Palmes Beach will offer a first diving experience.

The same activities will return on Saturday, August 29, with Étoile de Menton excursions at 8:45 am and 2:15 pm and traditional boat trips from 9:30 am to noon and from 2 pm to 5 pm.

An artwork inspired by the marine world

One of the new features of the 2026 edition will be an event combining art and environmental awareness.

On Friday, August 28, artist Anthony Alberti, also known as Mr OneTeas, will create a participatory artwork inspired by the marine world. The project will involve the public and will be officially presented at 6 pm at the Esplanade des Sablettes.

Beach clean-up with NicePlogging and Surfrider

Protecting the sea also means reducing waste. On Saturday, August 29 at 10 am, a major beach clean-up will therefore take place.

The collection and sorting of waste will be carried out with NicePlogging and Surfrider, inviting residents and visitors to take part in a practical initiative to protect the coastline.

Outdoor screening of “Souffles de vie”

Saturday’s programme will end with an event dedicated to cinema and marine science.

At 6:45 pm, the documentary “Souffles de vie”, produced by the Live Together association, will be screened outdoors at the Esplanade des Sablettes.

The film follows a 40-day expedition at sea focused on observing large cetaceans, including dolphins, fin whales and sperm whales. It also presents the results of an original bioacoustic study of the marine environment.

A family-friendly event focused on the Mediterranean

With boat trips, workshops, children’s activities, art, beach clean-ups and scientific outreach, the Journées de la Mer in Menton 2026 combine information, discovery and participation.

The event aims to bring the public closer to Mediterranean biodiversity and highlight the marine protected areas along this stretch of coastline, while showcasing the work of associations and institutions involved in environmental conservation.

The seventh edition is organised by the Communauté de la Riviera française, with financial support from the European Union through the CAP’M project, part of the Interreg Maritime programme. The project brings together the Liguria Region, the Communauté de la Riviera française, SMIAGE, the University of Genoa and the Alpes-Maritimes Department.

Information and bookings

For the full programme, participation details and activities requiring advance booking, visit www.riviera-francaise.fr.