Every summer, the French Riviera transforms into a vast open-air stage. From jazz to techno to pop, festivals take place all season long, carried by the warm Mediterranean evenings, stunning sunsets, and the vibrant energy of seaside towns. With idyllic settings, high-quality lineups, and a sun-soaked atmosphere, these events attract both locals and music lovers from across Europe. If you're planning to spend your summer on the French Riviera, here are the must-see music festivals you won’t want to miss.
Electro & Techno | Plages Électroniques – August 8–10, 2025
Get ready for an all-out party with Les Plages Électroniques, the ultimate electro festival on the French Riviera. Held every year in Cannes on the beach of the Palais des Festivals, it turns the seafront into a massive open-air dancefloor. In 2025, over 60 international artists and DJs are expected to make the sand shake with techno, house, and rap beats. Les Plages is more than just a festival, it’s a full-on immersive experience: beach parties, beachfront sound systems, and stunning visual installations. The crowd is young, international, and ready to dance day and night in a high-energy, XXL atmosphere.
Elegant & Historic Jazz | Jazz à Juan – July 10–20, 2025
It’s hard to talk about summer on the French Riviera without mentioning Jazz à Juan, a true institution. Founded in 1960, it’s the oldest jazz festival in Europe. Over the decades, legends like Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Diana Krall have graced its stage, and the legacy lives on. Each year, the festival takes place in the magical setting of La Pinède Gould, a seaside pine grove with the Mediterranean as a natural backdrop. The atmosphere is intimate, refined, almost enchanting. The lineup is always rich and eclectic, blending classic jazz, contemporary, latin, and fusion styles. A must for lovers of musical excellence and starlit sophistication.
Urban Jazz & Soul | Nice Jazz Festival – July 24–27, 2025
More modern and urban, the Nice Jazz Festival takes over the city center, between Place Masséna and the Théâtre de Verdure. Since its creation in 1948, it has constantly evolved, opening up to new influences, soul, funk, hip-hop, world music, all while keeping jazz at its core. Its strength lies in its ability to attract a diverse crowd: locals, tourists, and music lovers alike come to discover or revisit renowned artists. With its vibrant city setting, food trucks, street performances, and warm Niçoise vibe, the festival delivers a relaxed, lively, and festive atmosphere. This is jazz in all its diversity and modernity.
From electronic beats to smooth jazz, summer on the Côte d’Azur is a true open-air playlist. Whether you’re in the mood to party, craving intimate concerts, or just musically curious, there’s a festival for you, all with the most beautiful sunsets in France and a vibe where culture, the sea, and the joy of living blend perfectly.