Festivals: Democracy in Celebration

Carnival Season

Nice Carnival (February) - Two weeks of festivities - Free events throughout city - Paid parades €10-30 - Street atmosphere incredible - Book accommodation early

Menton Lemon Festival (February) - Citrus sculptures - Garden displays - Day passes €12-15 - Free street entertainment - Unique to region

Village Carnivals - More intimate celebrations - Often completely free - Local traditions preserved - Less crowded - Authentic experiences

Music Festivals

Fête de la Musique (June 21) - Completely free everywhere - Every town participates - All genres represented - Streets become stages - Democracy of music

Nice Jazz Festival (July) - Major international acts - Day passes from €35 - Free afternoon concerts - Multiple venues - Book early for deals

Juan-les-Pins Jazz (July) - Historic festival - Pine grove setting - Some free events - €25-60 for main shows - Magical atmosphere

Classical Music - Menton Chamber Music Festival: World-class, some free - Les Nuits du Château: Various locations - Church concerts: Often free - Opera houses: Student rush tickets

Film Festivals

Cannes Film Festival (May) - Public screenings exist - Beach cinema free - Atmosphere everywhere - Parallel festivals accessible - City transforms

Other Film Events - Nice Short Film Festival - Villefranche-sur-Mer Film Festival - Various genre festivals - Many free screenings

Cultural Celebrations

Heritage Days (September) - Buildings open free - Special tours - Hidden places revealed - All towns participate - Plan carefully

Christmas Markets - Traditional crafts - Local products - Free entertainment - Every town different - Family atmosphere