September is one of the best months to discover the lesser-known side of the French Riviera. Beyond the beaches and seaside resorts, the villages of the Alpes-Maritimes come alive with patron saint festivals, religious celebrations, food events, agricultural fairs and community gatherings.

From Nice to Menton, from the coast to the Mercantour mountains, the September 2026 calendar offers numerous opportunities to experience local traditions and discover the cultural and gastronomic heritage of the region.

September 4 – Sainte-Rosalie in Tourrette-Levens

The month begins in Tourrette-Levens, where September 4 is dedicated to Saint Rosalia. The celebrations include a religious service, the traditional offering of the rooster, a procession and official ceremonies.

The programme continues with a communal dinner and dancing, together with entertainment and activities for children.

September 5 – Pilgrimage to Maurion in Saorge

On September 5, Saorge hosts its traditional pilgrimage to Maurion. The day begins with Mass at the chapel, followed by an aperitif and picnic shared among participants.

The programme also includes a friendly game of pétanque, combining religious tradition with a convivial atmosphere.

September 5 – Notre-Dame de la Nativité in Beaulieu-sur-Mer

In Beaulieu-sur-Mer, the feast of Notre-Dame de la Nativité takes place on September 5.

The celebrations include Mass, a jazz-accompanied procession and a ceremony at the war memorial, followed by official speeches. In the evening, residents and visitors can enjoy a communal dinner and dancing in Place Marinoni.

September 5–6 – Le Malonat in Nice

The Vieux Nice district celebrates Le Malonat, one of the city’s historic popular traditions, on September 5 and 6.

The celebration dates back to the cholera epidemic of 1854 and is closely linked to prayer and religious devotion. The programme includes religious moments, a procession and activities involving the neighbourhood community.

September 5 – Pistou Soup in Le Broc

Food lovers can head to Le Broc on September 5 for an evening dedicated to one of Provence’s most iconic dishes: soupe au pistou.

The communal dinner includes cheese and dessert and is accompanied by music, creating a typically Provençal atmosphere centred on sharing and conviviality.

September 6 – Saint Donat in La Colle-sur-Loup

On September 6, La Colle-sur-Loup celebrates Saint Donat with a programme combining religious tradition and outdoor activities.

After Mass at the chapel, the festivities continue with paella, fishing activities, pétanque and music along the Loup River.

September 5 – Pistou Soup in Antibes

In Antibes, the historic Safranier district hosts another traditional soupe au pistou gathering on September 5.

The event offers an opportunity to enjoy a classic Provençal dish while experiencing the warm community spirit of one of the city’s most characteristic neighbourhoods.

September 5–6 – Festin des Baguettes in Peille

One of the most distinctive traditional events of the month takes place in Peille on September 5 and 6.

The Festin des Baguettes is an ancient celebration associated with the harvest season. The programme includes aubades, Mass, the symbolic distribution of baguettes, traditional dances, aperitifs and music.

The event provides an opportunity to discover one of the village’s oldest popular traditions in an authentic mountain setting.

September 6 – Saint-Grat in Villefranche-sur-Mer

On September 6, Villefranche-sur-Mer celebrates Saint Grat, with a programme linked to the historic paths and traditions of the town.

The day includes Mass, a picnic and pétanque, offering residents and visitors a relaxed way to experience the local community atmosphere.

September 6 – Madonna celebration in Thiéry

The village of Thiéry hosts a religious celebration dedicated to the Madonna on September 6.

The programme includes a religious service, followed by a communal picnic and pétanque, weather permitting.

September 6 – Nativity celebration in Mollières

In Mollières, in the municipality of Valdeblore, September 6 is dedicated to the celebration of the Nativity.

Following Mass, participants gather for a shared lunch in the heart of the Mercantour, combining religious tradition with the mountain environment.

September 10–16 – Saint-Ferréol in Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne

From September 10 to 16, Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne celebrates Saint Ferréol with a week of festivities.

The programme includes a funfair, decorated floats, dancing, fireworks and a giant aioli, one of the most characteristic dishes of Provençal cuisine.

September 12 – Croix de Verse in Gréolières

On September 12, Gréolières hosts the traditional celebration at Croix de Verse.

The event begins with a hike followed by Mass, an aperitif and a communal lunch, creating a day dedicated to both spirituality and the surrounding natural landscape.

September 12 – Agricultural and Artisan Fair in Contes

The village of Contes hosts an agricultural and artisan fair on September 12.

Visitors can explore stalls, participate in activities and discover local products, with a focus on the area’s agricultural traditions and craftsmanship.

September 12 – Grape Harvest Festival in Antibes

The Safranier district in Antibes celebrates the Fête des Vendanges on September 12.

The traditional grape pressing is one of the highlights of the event, with visitors able to discover the production of fresh grape juice and the local cuvée.

September 18–19 – Saint Tecla in Peillon

On September 18 and 19, Peillon celebrates its patron saint festival dedicated to Saint Tecla.

The programme brings together religious ceremonies and community festivities, continuing the village’s long-standing traditions.

September 18–20 – Sainte-Innocence in Mougins

From September 18 to 20, Mougins hosts the Sainte-Innocence celebrations.

The event offers a family-oriented programme with activities and workshops for children, music and traditional food, creating a festive atmosphere for residents and visitors of all ages.

September 19–20 – Saint Anthony in Auribeau

The village of Auribeau celebrates its patron saint festival dedicated to Saint Anthony on September 19 and 20.

The programme includes a procession, Mass, activities for children and communal meals, which require advance reservation.

September 20 – Autumn Festival in Lucéram and Peïra-Cava

On September 20, Lucéram and Peïra-Cava welcome autumn with a festival dedicated to local products, crafts and the agricultural traditions of the hinterland.

The event offers an opportunity to discover regional specialities and enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional mountain village.

September 25–27 – Saint Michael in Villefranche-sur-Mer

From September 25 to 27, Villefranche-sur-Mer celebrates Saint Michael.

The programme includes traditional aubades, pétanque and square boules, followed by a festive dinner with dancing. The celebrations culminate in a solemn Mass.

September 26–27 – Saint Michael in Menton

In Menton, September 26 and 27 are dedicated to the celebration of Saint Michael.

The programme includes a solemn Mass at the basilica, a traditional procession, a communal lunch and official ceremonies, bringing together religious devotion and local community traditions.

September 29 – Saint Michael in Saint-Paul de Vence

The September calendar concludes on September 29 in Saint-Paul de Vence, with a neighbourhood celebration dedicated to Saint Michael.

The programme includes the blessing of the local oratory and a communal gathering centred on shared dishes and neighbourhood traditions.

A September dedicated to local traditions

From the French Riviera coastline to the mountains of the Alpes-Maritimes, September 2026 offers a different way to discover the region.

Religious celebrations, patron saint festivals, traditional food, agricultural fairs, processions, music and community gatherings provide an authentic glimpse into the cultural identity of the French Riviera and its hinterland.

For travellers looking beyond the region’s beaches and famous resorts, these events are an opportunity to explore small villages, taste local specialities and experience traditions that continue to bring communities together from generation to generation.