In May, do what you like! This expression takes on its full meaning here in the Nice region. Spring is in full swing, flowers are blooming, colours are filling the city, the sun is shining, tourists are arriving in droves, the terraces of the Mediterranean restaurants are packed, people are rushing to the deckchairs of the private beaches, and events are starting to flow in more and more. All this, before the great ebullition of the summer season.
Let’s take a closer look at the different events that are coming up in May in Nice and the Côte d’Azur!
1. The May Festival in the Garden of the Cimiez Arena
This is what you might call the country’s custom where Nice’s culture is honoured each year in the Cimiez Arena. The tradition consists of planting a Mai, which is a large pine tree, in a temple, decorating it with garlands and then dancing around it while eating Nissette culinary specialities. A tradition that is passed on from year to year, from grandparents to grandchildren in a very friendly atmosphere.
This event takes place every Sunday in May.
2. Nomadic Nights in Vence
We are going to discover an obscure photo exhibition by Cédric Fioretti accompanied by poetic texts by Anouk Borel. The photographs were taken at night, hence the name “Nuits Nomades”, where the photographer invites you to wander through his various nocturnal works.
Exhibited from 5 to 27 May in the Vieux-Vence at the bookshop “Chine et Bouquine”.
3. Cannes International Film Festival
The 76th edition of the world’s largest film festival will take place from 16 to 27 May at the famous Palais du Festival. The Swedish director Ruben Östlund, who has twice won the Palme d’Or, will preside over the Jury this year. French films out of competition will be presented, such as Maiwenn’s latest with Jeanne de Barry or Omar la Fraise by Elias Belkeddar.
4. The Monaco Grand Prix
As soon as the Cannes festival is over, the jet set flies to Monaco, only 30 minutes from Cannes, to attend the famous Grand Prix. The Grand Prix will take place from 25 to 28 May. After the Masters Series in Monte Carlo, Monaco continues to draw crowds with these important sporting events.
5. Cleaning the sea bed and the beach in Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat
Let’s talk more about ecology and the environment this time. Because yes, it’s all very well the strass and glitter side of the Côte d’Azur but let’s not forget our beautiful mother nature which covers most of the PACA region. That’s why many clean-up events are organised throughout the region, such as the seabed clean-up day in St-Jean Cap Ferrat. An event in which I was able to participate in 2018 where we were able to collect a lot of plastic buried in the Mediterranean Sea.
This year, the day will take place on 27 May from 9am to 12pm.
