The best ideas for things to do on the Côte d’Azur

European Heritage Days 2026

The 43rd European Heritage Days will take place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026. They offer unique experiences to enjoy on the Côte d’Azur. With a focus on architectural heritage, rare sites will be open to the public; visitors can explore architecture, take part in workshops, go on guided tours and enjoy family time between the sea and the mountains.

The European Heritage Days offer the perfect opportunity to explore places that are rarely open to the public, meet enthusiasts and enjoy intimate experiences set against the backdrop of the sea and the mountains. Whether with family or friends, you can plan your own itinerary, choose your highlights and take your exploration a step further to marvel at the richness of the Côte d’Azur.

Destination: the Côte d’Azur coastline

On the Côte d’Azur, the European Heritage Days offer an opportunity to (re)discover cultural and historical sites and to explore the richness and diversity of the Maritime Alps’ heritage in a different way.

In Antibes Juan-les-Pins, head for Fort Carré for the active tour ‘On a Mission at Fort Carré’.
Using archive photographs, immerse yourself in the daily lives of the soldiers who still occupied the site in the 20th century, as you explore the area whilst taking part in gentle ‘health and fitness’ exercises.
In Cannes, head to Île Sainte-Marguerite to visit the Musée du Masque de fer and Fort Royal, to discover a little-known site of remembrance: the Muslim cemetery linked to the history of Algerian deportees in the 19th century. A guided tour offers a deeper understanding of this fragile site, which is now at the heart of a project to promote and preserve its heritage.
In Mandelieu-la-Napoule, two coral-inspired works by Guillaume Bottazzi are on display at Absolu Mandelieu. Standing 2.80 metres tall and crafted from enamel on glass, they seem to emerge from the seabed and invite visitors to take an artistic and contemplative break as they explore the exhibition.
In Villefranche-sur-Mer, head for the Port de la Darse, the former naval port of the House of Savoy, and the former penal colony hospital; both can be explored on guided tours specially organised for the weekend.

Heading for the Middle-earth

From its bustling village squares to its traditional craftsmanship, the Moyen-Pays reveals itself through a series of experiences.

In Mouans-Sartoux, the gardens of the International Perfume Museum invite you to discover the art of natural beverages. As you stroll through the gardens, learn to identify and gather different plants before making your own herbal tea and sharing a tasting session.
In Grasse, take to the heights with the ‘To the top of the bell tower!’ tour. From the bell tower of Notre-Dame du Puy Cathedral, admire the rooftops of the historic centre and the Grasse countryside, accompanied by a tour guide.
In Coursegoules, the photography exhibition ‘Heritage in Peril: Revive, Reinvent, Resist’ juxtaposes old and recent photographs to tell the story of the village’s evolution and highlight its heritage over time.
In Gattières, step back in time by lantern light: a dramatised tour invites you to rediscover the village’s narrow streets and history through the eyes of a 15th-century resident.
In Sospel, the Fort du Barbonnet is opening its doors exceptionally for a guided tour of Fort Suchet, with the option to continue on to the Maginot Line E06 fortification. A journey into the site’s military history, taking in the tunnels, turret and panoramic views over the Bévéra valley.

Gaining altitude in the hinterland

Nestled between the sea and the mountains, the hinterland of the Côte d’Azur reveals its riches and naturally inspires a sense of wonder.

In Gourdon, set off to explore one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France on a guided tour of its heritage. Perched atop an impressive cliff, this veritable balcony overlooking the Côte d’Azur offers an exceptional panorama of the Mediterranean coastline.
In Tende, it’s time to dance with the ‘Tarantella’ workshop led by choreographer Irene Piccolo at the Musée des Merveilles. Inspired by the traditional dances of southern Italy and reimagined with a contemporary twist, this workshop forms part of a special programme dedicated to the heritage of the Roya Valley.
In Rimplas, the Frassinéa Maginot Fort is opening its doors exceptionally for a guided tour. From the technical areas to the barracks, discover the layout of this fortified structure and its history during a guided tour.

Discover Nice in a different way

The city of Nice also has a wealth of ideas for things to do during these European Heritage Days!

At the Museum of Fine Arts, take part in the ‘Museum Investigation’, an interactive game for adults where you’ll have to unravel the mystery of a strange presence that haunts the building after dark.
At the Grotte du Lazaret, journey back to the origins of humanity during a talk led by archaeologist Emmanuel Desclaux.
At the Jeanne and Paul Augier Hotel School, step inside the kitchens, training restaurants and teaching areas to discover careers in the hotel and catering industries, with demonstrations and tastings to round off the experience.
At the Micro-Folie départementale, let your creativity run wild with a 2D stop-motion workshop, from making the sets at the FabLab to the animation itself.
At the Departmental Museum of Asian Arts, take part in a life-size Murder Mystery Party set in the world of Professor Satō’s Three Formulas, complete with puzzles and an investigation.
At the Palais des Rois Sardes, test your knowledge with the ‘Monuments Lotto’, a fun game designed to help you learn more about the architectural heritage of the Alpes-Maritimes.

Escape to the heart of the French Riviera’s wonders

On the outskirts of the Principality, Cap-d’Ail invites you to discover the Château des Terrasses on a guided tour combining heritage and botany. Set in grounds featuring Mediterranean and exotic plant species, the walk also offers the chance to trace the history of this elegant Belle Époque villa.
In Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, the spotlight is on ‘Antoine & Cléopâtre’, a musical and theatrical tour through the narrow streets of the medieval village to the castle. Combining Shakespeare, Baroque music and colourful characters, this immersive walk offers a fresh and unexpected way to rediscover the area’s heritage.
In Menton, the Jardin Fontana Rosa opens its gates for a self-guided stroll with a Spanish flavour. Listed as a Historic Monument, this garden, designed by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, combines ceramic tiles, pergolas, ponds and a belvedere in an atmosphere inspired by Valencia and Andalusian patios.

EUROPEAN HERITAGE DAYS ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA

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