{"id":28039,"date":"2026-01-23T10:53:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T09:53:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/montecarloliving.com\/?p=28039"},"modified":"2026-01-23T11:07:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T10:07:06","slug":"valbonne-lights-up-in-1980s-style-the-saint-blaise-festival-returns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/montecarloliving.com\/en\/actuality\/valbonne-lights-up-in-1980s-style-the-saint-blaise-festival-returns-28039\/","title":{"rendered":"Valbonne Lights Up in 1980s Style: The Saint Blaise Festival Returns"},"content":{"rendered":"

Valbonne is ready to bring color, music and conviviality back to the heart of the C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur winter. From 23 to 25 January 2026<\/strong>, the charming village will host a new edition of the Saint Blaise Festival<\/strong>, one of the most popular winter events in the region, this year offering a joyful and immersive journey into the spirit of the 1980s<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

With free admission and free entertainment<\/strong>, Valbonne\u2019s historic center and the Garbeja\u00efre<\/strong> district will be transformed into a vast open-air festive village, filled with parades, music, tastings and activities designed for visitors of all ages.<\/p>\n

Local flavors and creative showcases<\/h3>\n

Throughout the weekend, the Grand Market of Local Products<\/strong> will take center stage, showcasing the finest agricultural specialties from Valbonne and the surrounding area: artisanal cheeses, honey, olive oils, jams, citrus fruits, wines, flowers and local produce, sold directly by producers.<\/p>\n

At the Pr\u00e9 de la Vignasse<\/strong>, visitors can enjoy the traditional funfair, while the Salle Saint-Esprit<\/strong> will host the art exhibition \u201cL\u2019art fait son comeback\u201d<\/em>, curated by the Culott\u00e9 collective, perfectly echoing the festival\u2019s retro theme.<\/p>\n

Gastronomy<\/strong> will play a key role, with live cooking demonstrations, guided tastings led by renowned chefs from the C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur, and special initiatives aimed at introducing younger generations to the culinary arts.<\/p>\n

A packed and festive program<\/h3>\n

The official opening will take place on Friday 23 January at 8:00 pm<\/strong> at the Pr\u00e9 des Arts<\/strong>, with \u201cG\u00e9n\u00e9ration 80\u201d<\/em>, a lively dance party celebrating the iconic hits that defined an era.<\/p>\n

Saturday 24 January<\/strong> will focus on families and cuisine. In the morning, at Ferme Bermond<\/strong>, Valbonne\u2019s young chefs will take part in demonstrations and tastings. At midday, Place des Arcades<\/strong> will host the awards ceremony for the Local Products Competition<\/strong>. The afternoon will continue with the Children\u2019s Carnival<\/strong> and, from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm, gastronomic performances by leading chefs.<\/p>\n

The highlight of the festival will come on Sunday 25 January<\/strong>. Following the official address by Mayor Joseph Cesaro<\/strong> at 11:30 am in Place des Arcades, the Grand Floral Carnival Parade<\/strong> will set off at 2:30 pm. This spectacular procession, inspired by the 1980s, will wind its way through the village streets with decorated floats, music, colorful costumes and festive energy.<\/p>\n

Practical information<\/h3>\n

The Saint Blaise Festival takes place in Valbonne Village<\/strong> and Garbeja\u00efre<\/strong>, with free shuttle buses<\/strong> connecting the two areas.<\/p>\n