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Geoff Goldswain

Côte d'Azur: a land of jazz... and festivals!

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Every year, the Côte d’Azur resounds to the sounds of jazz, soul, blues, rock and pop as international stars come to thrill audiences with their heady melodies. Here are the top jazz festivals not to be missed this summer!

The Jazz à Juan festival

At the dawn of the 1950s, the French discovered Duke Ellington and Sidney Bechet thanks to LPs. Two sacred monsters of jazz who came to France to play in just two cities: Paris and Juan-les-Pins. Revolutionary for its time, the Jazz à Juan festival has played host to the jazz pantheon since 1960: Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, George Benson and even Ray Charles, who gave his very first European concert here… It’s easy to see why Jazz à Juan is THE legendary festival on the Côte d’Azur!

In the eyes of stars from all over the world, the Gould pinewood is the image of La Scala in Milan for an opera artist. Gospel, blues, swing, bebop, jazz-rock, modern jazz or electro-jazz, the sacred monsters and rising stars deliver authentic jazz, with the Mediterranean Sea and its sunset in the background of each concert.

From 09 to 19 July 2026, the artists will be rocking the seaside resort to the delight of festival-goers.

The Nice Jazz Fest

The Nice Jazz Festival, renamed Nice Jazz Fest’, is set to be an exceptional event in 2026, celebrating its 78th anniversary with a varied programme that attracts jazz fans from all over the world.

Taking place from 23 to 26 July 2026, this iconic festival transforms the beautiful city of Nice into a vibrant stage for the spellbinding sounds of jazz, both contemporary and classic. This year’s edition will welcome jazz legends and promising new talents alike, offering memorable performances in iconic venues such as the Théâtre de Verdure and Place Masséna.

In addition to the concerts, the festival will feature workshops, meetings with the artists and exhibitions, making Nice Jazz Fest’ 2026 a not-to-be-missed event for music and culture fans.

Jazz in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

From 16 to 18 July 2026, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin will be a must-see summer destination on the Côte d’Azur, thanks to two cultural highlights that combine music, nature and the good life. Throughout August, the “Cap sous les étoiles” festival invites you to enjoy magical evenings in the Cap-Martin park, with a varied programme alternating concerts of contemporary music, French variety and comedy shows. The setting, between the sea and the pines, enhances each performance and offers a unique experience, with your feet in the grass and your head under the stars.

From 4 to 6 September 2026, the atmosphere changes but the wonder remains with theeco-festival “La Note Verte“. Free and open to all, this event offers intimate concerts at sunrise and sunset, with a backdrop of jazz and Latin music. It’s a soothing, friendly atmosphere, showcasing artists committed to an environmentally-friendly approach. Two complementary events that brilliantly illustrate the cultural, festive and sustainable identity of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.

The Jazz à Ramatuelle festival

39 years ago, the village postman brought jazz to Ramatuelle. The meeting of the “swing factor” with Guy Lafitte, the great French saxophonist, was a major turning point in what is now a “real” jazz festival! The natural, soothing atmosphere of the Jardins du Théâtre provides a truly serene setting for artists from the French and international jazz scene, giving rise to the most captivating melodic and vocal performances.

From 23 to 27 June 2026, the soul of jazz will be at play at the Jazz à Ramatuelle festival! An eclectic programme and a musical melting pot are the driving forces behind the jazz prodigies, who present their albums with a blend of ferocious energy and genuine gentleness. A magical atmosphere, five exceptional evenings, and all the soul of jazz to be savoured in an enchanting setting.

Not forgetting the more intimate ones!

The most perched is undoubtedly the Peillon Jazz Festival! Considered one of the most beautiful perched villages, Peillon is hosting its second jazz festival. From 4 to 67 July 2026, no fewer than four evenings of jazz await you. Each evening will feature 3 exceptional concerts by immensely talented artists.

➥ Information & tickets

From 20 to 26 July 2026, the Saint-Paul-de-Vence Classique & Jazz Festival welcomes classical music and jazz enthusiasts to one of the most beautiful villages in the south of France. Baroque, jazz, piano recitals and a quartet of geniuses will enchant the Place de la Courtine and the Fondation Maeght with artists as varied as they are complementary.

➥ Information and tickets

For the third edition of theApéro’jazz, Peymeinade welcomes the group So’ Jazz on Saturday 25 July 2026. Come and enjoy this warm evening in the heart of the old village and listen to jazz at aperitif time Refreshment bar and foodtrucks on site.

➥ Information and tickets

From 6 to 8 August 2026, the enchanting setting of the Jardin de la Paix in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, sheltered by pine trees and cradled by the sea, will play host to the 12th edition of Saint Jazz Cap Ferrat. Yusan, Omar Sosa and the Lehmanns brothers will be bringing the many colours of jazz to this exceptional setting.

➥ Information and tickets

Every Friday evening from 27 June to 12 September 2026, the Jazz au Château festival in Cagnes-sur-Mer attracts a loyal audience and tourists to its jazz concerts. These events boost the economic life of the Vieux-Bourg and enhance the discovery of the medieval site of Haut-de-Cagnes.

➥ Information and tickets

Festi-Jazz is a week of jazz in Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne! Masterclasses, concerts and a festive atmosphere all week long, for the pleasure of Jazz shared by participants and the public! See you from 26 July to 2 August 2026!

➥ Information and tickets

The 2026 edition of the Jazz à Porquerolles Festival will be dedicated to world music and the Resistance. And it’s at Fort Sainte Agathe that the score will be played. The festival opens on 10 July with an exceptional concert, the prelude to a series of spellbinding evenings. This will be followed by a host of artists from the four corners of the globe, to be discovered until 14 July 2026. Pure pleasure and a dream programme to soften the blow.

➥ Information & tickets

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