Events in the Cote d'Azur and Villa Rentals for Cannes Film Festival
February
12-28 Nice Carnival around le Jardin Albert 1er
Dates back to 1294, and takes place over two weeks in February, prior to Lent. Festivities include colorful flower parades, lively carnival processions, prestigious soirées, rock and techno concerts, and firework displays.
May
14-25 Cannes Film Festival
The most prestigious annual film festival in the world runs for ten days each spring in the city of Cannes. It is an invitation-only gathering for industry elite, stargazing spectators and droves of obligatory paparazzi. However, there are also events open to the public including the "Cinéma de la Plage" (Cinema on the beach), an open air cinema event, which screens a different film each night - and, since 2010, even the occasional world première. These open-air screenings are open to everyone
23-26 Grand Prix Formula 1 downtown Monte Carlo
Of all the Grand Prix Formula 1 venues, Monte Carlo is considered the most glamorous. The Monaco Formula Grand Prix in late May has been one of the most popular sports events since its inception in 1929, with its racecourse of hairpin turns and steep hills. Spectators can view the race from hotel and restaurant terraces.
July
16-20 The International Jazz Festival
Jazz á Juan at Juan-les-Pins has been welcoming international artists such as Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie since 1960. Each year, virtuosos around the world descend on Juan-les-Pins for ten days in mid July, for this great European jazz celebration.
December
International Christmas STAR Regatta
The annual International Christmas STAR Regatta takes place in December. Organized by the Water Club of Nice, it is considered the most prestigious sailing regatta in France, with up to 40 European and American teams competing in the city's Baie des Anges.
Popular Markets
Cap Antibes
Marché Provençal (covered market)
Sept-May: Tue-Sun mornings; June-Aug: all mornings
Located at the Cours Massena, in front of the Mairie (town hall)
Fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and flowers, along with other regional products
Arts & Crafts - Marché Provençal (covered market)
Sunday afternoons
Foire (clothing market)
Thursdays
Rue Fontvieille, behind the post office
Brocante (Flea market)
Thursdays, Saturdays; 8h-19h
Place Jacques Audiberti, between the Porte Marine and the Place Massena
Cannes
Flea Market
A Marché Brocante is held every Saturday, "Sur Les Allées", opposite the old port, beneath the trees. This becomes a two-day market with the first Sunday of the month.
Forville
The main daily market is at Forville, two blocks north (inland) from the Hotel de Ville on Rue Félix Faure. This is a big, active covered market A flower market is at the west end of the covered area. On Mondays, Forville becomes a Marché Brocante (flea market).
Place Gambetta
This is a smaller, but still sizable, daily market in the covered area in the center of the square. Place Gambetta is a block north of the Rue d'Antibes and a couple of blocks east of the train station.
Nice
Cours Saleya
The most famous market of Nice is the flower market and main market on the Cours Saleya in the old town (see above). On Mondays, the Cours Saleya has a large flea market, the Marché a la Brocante et Antiquités.
Ave. Malaussena
A very large, authentic market can be found most mornings along the Ave. Malaussena (continuation of Ave. Jean Médecin beyond the train station overpass).
Rue Raiberti
The covered market on Rue Flaminius Raibereti, just off the Place Général de Gaulle at the top of Ave. Malaussena, has produce in the street-side stalls, and mostly butchers and dairy-product stands inside.
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