October on the Riviera

Summer leaves, the Riviera stays. Here is what really deserves a place on your radar in October, what is closed, and what fills the hotels.

Past · 12-15 October, MIPCOM, Cannes

The international audiovisual content market took over the Palais des Festivals for four days, with full, expensive hotels and a very busy Croisette around the Palais.

Practical. Official source ↗︎ · Google Maps ↗︎

Until the end of October, the Cannes Palais keeps going

After MIPCOM, the tourist office agenda lists the IGTM golf travel market from 20 to 22 October, the NRJ Music Awards on Friday 23 October and Mare di Moda from 27 to 29 October. Pressure on Cannes hotels lasts the whole second half of the month.

Practical. Official agenda ↗︎ · Google Maps ↗︎

Until 20 October, Matisse Museum closed, Nice

The museum is fully closed from 29 September to 20 October inclusive to install its next exhibition, Henri Matisse - Alex Katz. The Silence of Painting, announced from 28 October 2026 to 18 January 2027. Do not climb to Cimiez for it before then; between 21 and 27 October the museum does not say what is on view: check its website. Mèfi: it stays closed on Tuesdays.

Practical. Matisse Museum ↗︎ · Alex Katz ↗︎ · Google Maps ↗︎

All month, Ellsworth Kelly and Peter Knapp at Fondation Maeght

The region’s big autumn exhibition: Ellsworth Kelly, At the Edge of Water until 15 November, and Peter Knapp: Le temps Courrèges until 8 November. About a month left: now is the time.

Practical. Ellsworth Kelly ↗︎ · Peter Knapp ↗︎ · Google Maps ↗︎

Until 31 October, Bonnard in Le Cannet

Last weeks for Les Toilettes de Marthe at the Musée Bonnard. The museum then closes to rehang and reopens on 21 November with its collections.

Practical. Musée Bonnard ↗︎ · Google Maps ↗︎

All month, Niki de Saint Phalle outside MAMAC, Nice

The MAMAC building is closed for works. Niki de Saint Phalle. Vive l’Amour #6 runs until 11 December at the Cité mixte du Parc Impérial. Do not go to the museum building itself; as the venue is a school, check access conditions before you go.

Practical. MAMAC ↗︎ · Google Maps ↗︎

All month, Victor Brauner at Villa Paloma, Monaco

The Nouveau Musée National de Monaco shows Victor Brauner, L’Aventure magique until 3 January 2027. A safe bet in Monaco while the Grimaldi Forum hosts trade events.

Practical. NMNM ↗︎ · Google Maps ↗︎

17-25 October, chestnut and harvest festivals

The regional tourism board lists Saint-Laurent-du-Var on the 17th, Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Tanneron on the 18th, Saorge on the 24th and Valdeblore on the 25th. Free village festivals, often very busy: in hilltop villages, park early or come by bus. Confirm the date with the town hall before you go.

Practical. 2026 calendar ↗︎

Worth knowing before early November

From Monday 19 to Friday 23 and from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, daytime works on the Nice-Breil-Tende line: no trains between Nice and Breil from about 9.50am to 3.50pm, Monday to Friday. On Sunday 25 October the clocks go back: shorter days. On 10 and 11 November there are no trains between Nice, Monaco, Menton and Ventimiglia (details in Train or bus); and until 11 December there are no trains between Nice and Ventimiglia from 10pm to 6am, Sunday to Thursday nights. On Sunday 8 November the Nice-Cannes marathon closes part of the coast road. All of November →

Practical. Nice-Cannes marathon ↗︎

Our pick

Right now: Fondation Maeght on a weekday, lunch in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, then back towards the sea. Avoid sleeping in Cannes during IGTM (20-22) and Mare di Moda (27-29) unless you are working there, and keep Matisse for the end of the month.