October in the Alpes-Maritimes is the month when the French Riviera and the villages of the hinterland rediscover their traditional heritage. With the arrival of autumn, the calendar fills with agricultural fairs, food festivals, cultural events and celebrations dedicated to local produce.

From the coast to the Alpine valleys, the month offers numerous opportunities to discover a region where Mediterranean culture and mountain traditions have coexisted for centuries.

After the first events of the month, the calendar continues from 10 October 2026 with a series of events focusing above all on agriculture, autumn produce, maritime heritage and local traditions.

Here are the events scheduled from 10 October onwards.

Guillaumes, the valley agricultural fair

10 October

The rural world takes centre stage once again in Guillaumes, with an agricultural fair dedicated to animals, local produce and traditional crafts.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to watch demonstrations of cow milking and cheese making. Cattle, sheep, goats, horses and donkeys will also be on display.

The programme will also include music, shows, pony rides, donkey walks, wool-spinning demonstrations, fruit pressing and activities involving pedal tractors.

The event will be rounded off with traditional country cooking, including a lunch based on local products.

Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Resquilhada returns

10 and 11 October

The bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer will host the 35th edition of the Resquilhada, an event dedicated to traditional boats and the maritime heritage of the Mediterranean.

Around fifty boats are expected, including motorised fishing boats, sailing boats, rowing boats, historic vessels and traditional Marseille boats.

For two days, crews, enthusiasts and visitors will be able to watch boats sailing and parading around the bay, in an event celebrating the area’s maritime traditions.

Bonson, the Saint-Hospice festival

11 October

The Saint-Hospice festival in Bonson renews a religious devotion linked to the 6th-century hermit venerated in the region.

The day includes a procession and Mass in the chapel dedicated to the saint, with his statue carried by the faithful.

The celebration traditionally ends with a convivial gathering, helping keep the memory of Saint-Hospice alive and strengthening the community’s connection with its religious heritage.

Berre-les-Alpes, the chestnut festival

11 October

In Berre-les-Alpes, autumn brings one of its most iconic products to the table: the chestnut.

The festival recalls an agricultural activity that for centuries was one of the village’s main resources, alongside the cultivation of mimosa.

The event offers an opportunity to rediscover the community’s rural history and the role played by chestnut growing in the local economy.

Saint-Laurent-du-Var, grape harvest and chestnuts

17 October

The old village of Saint-Laurent-du-Var will celebrate autumn with a day dedicated to agricultural products and local traditions.

Visitors will be able to watch the grape treading and taste freshly pressed grape juice. Traditional specialities such as socca and roasted chestnuts will also be served.

The festival aims to showcase the heritage of local communities and keep alive the traditions associated with the agricultural season.

Châteauneuf-Grasse, the pumpkin festival

18 October

On 18 October, Châteauneuf-Grasse will turn orange for its traditional Pumpkin Festival, an event that has been held for more than twenty years on the third Sunday of October.

The star of the show will naturally be the pumpkin, featured in numerous preparations: from soup to pie, fritters, jam and even ice cream.

Stalls, children’s workshops and music will accompany the day, turning the village centre into a large celebration of autumn flavours.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Grape Harvest and Chestnut Festival

18 October – Place De Gaulle

In Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the Fête des Vendanges et des Châtaignes returns, celebrating the local area and bringing together winegrowers from Saint-Paul-de-Vence and the Pays Vençois, as well as local producers and artisans.

Organised by the Don du Sang association and the Municipality of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, in cooperation with winegrowers from the Pays Vençois, the event will feature music and activities dedicated to local produce.

An opportunity to celebrate the grape harvest, chestnuts and the identity of the area together.

Saorge, chestnuts, mulled wine and music

24 October

In Saorge, autumn will be celebrated with the traditional Chestnut Festival.

From the afternoon onwards, chestnuts, fresh cheese and mulled wine will be served in front of the town hall. The day will continue with dinner in the municipal hall and an evening of dancing.

Food and music will thus come together in a particularly convivial celebration.

Saint-Martin-d’Entraunes, the walnut festival

25 October

The produce of the Alpine hinterland will also take centre stage in Saint-Martin-d’Entraunes, where the Walnut Festival will be held.

The programme includes a market, walnut sales, a competition dedicated to walnut wine, artistic and musical activities, and a refreshment area in the town hall square.

The event highlights a traditional product of the Alpine valleys and the work of local producers.

Valdeblore, chestnuts and autumn flavours

25 October

The final major event of the month takes visitors to La Bolline, in Valdeblore, for the Chestnut Festival.

The village streets will host stalls selling regional and handmade products, while folk groups and musicians will accompany the day.

The food programme will include a traditional lunch, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.

The festival brings residents and visitors together in celebration of autumn produce and the mountain traditions of the Alpes-Maritimes.

October, a month to discover the traditions of the Alpes-Maritimes

From 10 to 25 October 2026, the Alpes-Maritimes calendar offers a journey through the region’s many different identities.

From agricultural fairs to chestnut festivals, from the maritime traditions of Villefranche-sur-Mer to grape harvest celebrations, these events reveal a different side of the French Riviera, one that is closer to its villages and inland communities.

For anyone looking for things to do in the Alpes-Maritimes in October 2026, these events offer an opportunity to discover local products, traditions, food and popular culture away from the best-known tourist routes.

An autumn itinerary stretching from the Mediterranean to the mountains, offering a chance to experience the living heritage of one of the most fascinating areas in southern France.