WHAT’S ON: WHAT TO DO IN NICE THIS SUMMER?
It’s the season we’ve all been waiting for on the French Riviera. Beach parties, open-air cinema, exhibitions and shopping… summer in Nice is an art form in itself, so we’ve rounded up the events and experiences you won’t want to miss this season.
Open-air cinema
Every summer, the City of Nice organises a programme of free open-air film screenings beneath the stars. This year’s line-up includes Shrek Forever After on 11th July, the hugely popular French comedy Un p’tit truc en plus on 18th July in Place Saint-Roch, and the legendary Gladiator on 25th July. In August, head to the Port district for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes on 29th July, followed by Persepolis on 19th August, before singing along to Mamma Mia! on 22nd August in the gardens of Villa Arson. Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! The film schedule offers a fantastic variety for everyone.
Nissa la Bella Exhibition: travelling back in time at NICETOILE
Looking for a refreshing break from the summer heat? Make your way to NICETOILE, where shopping, gastronomy and local heritage come together perfectly. Discover the brand-new food court and its exciting dining concepts before immersing yourself in the free Nissa la Bella exhibition. This fascinating exhibition invites visitors to step back in time through an impressive augmented reality experience. Created in partnership with Villa Masséna, it brings the legendary Jetée-Promenade Casino, now long gone, back to life before your very eyes. Don’t miss the free jazz concert “L’air du temps”, performed by the Groupe Schneor, on Saturday 18th July from 4.30 pm.
Beach parties
Summer evenings by the Mediterranean truly capture the spirit of the Côte d’Azur.Plage Beau Rivage keeps the atmosphere alive with Live Band Music every Wednesday, followed by Live DJ nights from Thursday to Saturday. If themed evenings are more your style, get your outfit ready car the celebrations promise to be intense: Cocoon Beach hosts its colourful Pink Party on 13th July, while on 8th August, La Vela transforms into a lush tropical paradise for its spectacular Jungle Party.
Nice Jazz Fest
One of the highlights of July takes place in Jardin Albert Ier and the Théâtre de Verdure. More than a century after its creation, the Nice Jazz Fest remains one of Europe’s most iconic open-air jazz festivals, featuring 18 concerts across two stages in an exceptional setting. From 23rd to 25th July, expect three unforgettable evenings with an outstanding line-up including music legend Sting, hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes, virtuoso gypsy jazz guitarist Biréli Lagrène, and legendary British funk band Cymande. Be sure to book your tickets! From 18th to 26th July, don’t miss the Fest’Off, offering free concerts, brass bands and live performances throughout the city’s squares and markets.
Henri Matisse × Yves Saint Laurent Exhibition
From 17th June to 28th September 2026, the Musée Matisse joins forces with the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris for a major exhibition entitled “Beauty, Fashion and Happiness”. Exploring the profound influence of Henri Matisse’s vibrant palette on Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic creations, the exhibition reveals how the painter’s bold use of colour inspired some of the couturier’s most celebrated collections and silhouettes. Visitors can also enjoy themed guided tours and fashion illustration workshops throughout the exhibition.
A refreshing escape at Nice’s local markets
If you’d like to experience Nice like a true local, there’s nothing better than exploring its vibrant markets. From the colourful stalls of Cours Saleya to the ultra-fresh seafood at Place Saint-François, via the authentic atmosphere of Libération and Saint-Roch, every neighbourhood has its own hidden gem waiting to be discovered. We also love browsing the Book Market for vintage treasures or discovering handmade creations at the artisan markets on Place Garibaldi. Discover our complete guide to the six must-visit markets in Nice.
Nice Classic Live
From 21st July to 9th August, classical music takes centre stage in the enchanting cloister of the Monastère de Cimiez. Don’t miss the elegant French evening dedicated to Fauré, Ravel and Debussy on Tuesday 21st July. The following evening celebrates the great Romantic composers Chopin and Schumann, before an exceptional concert on Friday 24th July, bringing together the timeless music of Schubert and Piazzolla.
“Levitation” Exhibition: the poetry of movement
Photography and contemporary art enthusiasts are in for a treat as French artist Mathieu Forget arrives on the French Riviera. Until 27th September 2026, this outstanding cultural retrospective bringing together 80 spectacular works exploring the beauty of movement, suspension and weightlessness is being hosted at the Musée de la Photographie Charles Nègre. A visually breathtaking exhibition that is both poetic and highly Instagrammable, this is one cultural experience you won’t want to miss.
And because summer on the French Riviera is, above all, about making the most of the Mediterranean, we’ve also put together our complete guide to Nice’s finest private beaches. Enjoy your summer in Nice!
