
A winter weekend on the French Riviera is the perfect opportunity to discover the region’s most authentic and cultural side. Far from the summer crowds, the South of France comes alive with exhibitions, festivals, performances, and local traditions that animate coastal cities, historic villages, mountain towns, and even the snowy slopes of the Southern Alps.
From contemporary art to international music, from dance and theatre to events rooted in local heritage, the French Riviera offers a rich mosaic of experiences capable of appealing to every kind of traveler.
The weekend can begin in Antibes, a town with a strong artistic identity where tradition and contemporary creativity are in constant dialogue. The exhibitions Paradoxes and Puppy Exhibition showcase original and thought-provoking approaches to contemporary art. In the evening, the atmosphere warms up with the Tango Event at Le Bandonéon, a lively encounter of music, dance, and conviviality that turns tango into a shared and immersive experience.
Continuing along the coast, the journey leads to Cannes, which retains its glamorous and creative spirit even in winter. The city hosts MIDEM LIVE, one of the most anticipated music industry events, bringing together artists, professionals, and an international audience. Contemporary dance takes center stage with Alonzo King Lines Ballet – The Collective Agreement / Ode to Alice Coltrane, a performance rich in poetic intensity. The musical offering is completed by the concerts of Jay Park & LNGSHOT, delivering modern urban sounds to the Riviera.
In Nice, the cultural capital of the Riviera, the weekend unfolds between museums, music, and striking locations. The Musée de Préhistoire – Terra Amata invites visitors on a journey through time to discover the region’s earliest inhabitants, while the night comes alive with Claptone’s DJ set at Stockfish, a must for lovers of refined electronic music. The experience is further enhanced by Casa Blù @ Rooftop Palais des Congrès OCEANICE, combining music, sea views, and an exclusive atmosphere.
Just a few kilometers from the Italian border, Menton offers a harmonious blend of tradition and culture. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, a concert of Indian music invites audiences to explore distant soundscapes and spiritual rhythms. On Sunday, February 8, 2026, the recital by Christina Collier (soprano) and Hervé Feraud (trumpet) delivers a moment of musical elegance. Throughout the weekend, the city is animated by the Fête Foraine, filling evenings with lights, colors, and joyful energy for visitors of all ages.
In the Principality of Monaco, the winter weekend takes on a refined and thoughtful tone. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the Munegu Repair Café promotes sustainability and reuse in a spirit of community, while the Ice Party at the skating rink transforms the ice into a festive and playful space. On Sunday, February 8, 2026, the World Day of Prayer for the Sick offers a moment of reflection and spirituality, revealing a more intimate side of the Principality.
The weekend is further enriched by events spread throughout the territory. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Cagnes-sur-Mer hosts the Giornata dei Cagnois at the Côte d’Azur Racecourse, celebrating local traditions in an elegant and convivial setting. The same day, in the mountain village of Saint-Martin-Vésubie, the Soirée espagnole brings Iberian music and flavors to a warm and festive atmosphere, while the exhibition La passion du cirque can be visited there until March 5, 2026. On Sunday, February 8, 2026, Beaulieu-sur-Mer welcomes the radio-controlled sailing boat regatta, a curious and captivating spectacle for both children and adults.
This winter weekend paints a vivid portrait of a multifaceted and lively French Riviera, where sea and mountains, art and tradition, entertainment and reflection coexist in perfect harmony. Each destination offers a different yet complementary experience, inviting visitors to explore the region with curiosity and a slower pace.
The French Riviera thus confirms itself as a year-round destination, capable of welcoming and surprising even in winter, thanks to its extraordinary cultural, human, and natural richness.