In the summer months, the South of France flourishes with a seasonal demographic. Locals, part-time residents and tourists alike, revel in the Mediterranean climate, stunning scenery and chic atmosphere. Yet the region is not only revered for its temperate climate and scenic setting; the French Riviera also plays host to a calendar of highly acclaimed festivals and sporting events that capture the region’s attention.
The luxury villa rental experts, St Tropez House, have selected their favourite 8 cultural events to come in 2016:
Top 8 French Riveria Events
Monte-Carlo Rolex Cup, Monte-Carlo Country Club, 9th to 17th April
A favourite event on the international tennis circuit is the Monte-Carlo Rolex Open, which happens annually at the Monte-Carlo Country Club. The iconic setting offers spectacular views that extend over the Mediterranean Sea. The ATP tournament attracts some of the game’s finest players, such as Novac Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray.
Top Marques Monaco, 14th to 17th April
Top Marques lures all petrol-heads to Monaco in mid-April, coinciding with the Rolex Masters. While the four-day exhibition primarily displays a range of supercars and related products, each of which is for sale, the assortment of exhibitions has increased in recent years to include other luxury items, such as watches, jewellery and yachts. The Grimaldi Forum on Monaco’s promenade hosts the event, while a privatised area of the Grand Prix circuit is reserved for test-driving the vehicles.
Cannes Film Festival, 11th to 22nd May
Renowned the world over, the Cannes Film Festival is arguably the biggest movie spectacular in the world, which takes place at the Palais des Festivals in the glamorous city of Cannes. The next edition will be the festival’s 69th, and is sure to attract the largest names in television and film.
Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, 26th to 29th May
Another popular event on the French Riviera is the Monaco F1 Grand Prix, which meanders throughout the streets of the Principality. It is seen by thousands of fans from constructed stands or balconies of the Principality’s prime real estate. Monaco brims with superyachts, supercars and super times.
Bastille Day, across France, 14th July
This French public holiday characterises the cultural calendar and is celebrated across the country, regardless of the day of the week. La Fete Nationale, or Bastille Day, commemorates the storming of the Bastille, a French prison, on July 14th 1789 and marks the start of the French Revolution. It is celebrated in almost every French town and village – no matter how small – with parades, red, white and blue flags and fireworks. Some of he best spots to admire the fireworks are from sea view villas, such as those offered by St Tropez House.
Luxury, waterfront, holiday villas in St Tropez
Cannes Yachting Festival, 6th to 11th September
Cannes Yachting Festival is widely reputed to be Europe’s leading in-water exhibition with more than 500 boats on display. It annually draws crowds of more than 40,000 people and is an exciting event for seasoned yachtsmen and amateurs alike. It is also the first yacht show after the Mediterranean charter season and takes place in the Vieux Port and the more modern Port Pierre Canto, in Cannes.
Monaco Yacht Show, 28th September to 1st October
Less than an hour down the road, and just over two weeks later, the world’s leading superyacht event brings Monaco to a standstill. The Monaco Yacht Show hosts more than 100 superyachts, a superb selection of yachting accessories and an array of tenders, which are all showcased in and around the waterfront in Monaco.
Les Voiles de St Tropez, 24th September to 2nd October
The final feature on our calendar of events is, Les Voiles de St Tropez, one of the sailing world’s most eagerly awaited regattas held in the beautiful waters of the Bay of St Tropez. Organised by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, this spectacular event attracts top racers and sailing enthusiast from around the globe for the weeklong competition.
