Every October, the French Riviera turns pink in support of a cause that touches so many lives. Known in France as Octobre Rose (Pink October), Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings communities together through charity walks, sporting challenges, fundraising events, educational workshops and celebrations of solidarity.
From the streets of Nice to the sailing boats of Antibes, towns across the Côte d’Azur are joining forces to raise awareness of breast cancer, encourage early detection and support those affected by the disease.
Whether you would like to take part in a charity run, attend an awareness event or simply show your support, here is Riviera Edition’s guide to what’s happening along the French Riviera throughout October 2026.
Why does Pink October Matter?
Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in France. According to the Alpes-Maritimes Department, 61,214 new cases were diagnosed nationally in 2023.
In the Alpes-Maritimes, participation in organised breast cancer screening remains particularly low, with just 33.6% of eligible women taking part in 2024-2025, compared with 45.7% nationally, according to the department.
Octobre Rose is therefore about more than just wearing pink. It is an opportunity to encourage conversations, promote early detection, support medical research and remind women of the importance of regular screening.
Pink October Events on the Côte d’Azur
Menton: The 10th Défi Rose
Sunday 18 October | Esplanade des Sablettes | From 9:00
Menton’s beautiful seafront will provide the setting for the tenth edition of Défi Rose, a five-kilometre charity walk and run organised by the town and its CCAS. Participants can complete the course at their own pace, with staggered starts between 9:00 and 9:30.
The morning will also feature a Pink Village dedicated to breast cancer awareness and screening, alongside a collective warm-up, flashmob and Zumba party.
Registration costs €10, with all proceeds going to the Alpes-Maritimes branch of the Ligue contre le cancer. Children under 12 can participate free of charge.
More info here
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin: Women’s Health Awareness
Wednesday 7 October | Municipal awareness initiative
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin marked Pink October with a women’s health awareness initiative for municipal employees, including information about prevention and sexual health. The programme formed part of the wider departmental campaign encouraging conversations about women’s health and cancer screening.
Nice: A Month of Pink Walks, Fitness and Awareness
Throughout October | Various locations
Nice is hosting one of the Riviera’s most extensive Pink October programmes, with charity fitness activities, educational workshops and community events taking place throughout the month.
Highlights include:
- 9 October: Marche Rose, a family awareness walk along the Promenade des Anglais, starting from Place Masséna at 13:30. Registration required.
- 11 October: Charity aquagym session at Piscine Jean Médecin at 10:30.
- 13 October: Giant aquagym session at Piscine Saint-Roch at 13:00, followed by aqua-training at Piscine de l’Ariane at 18:30.
- 14 October: Breast cancer screening information workshop at Maison Médicale Cœur de Nice, 9:30-11:30, and Zumba Rose at Complexe Jean Bouin at 18:35.
- 16 October: A second Zumba Rose session at Complexe Jean Bouin at 9:15.
- 18 October: Charity aquabike sessions at Piscine Saint-François at 10:00 and 11:00.
- 21 and 28 October: Fil Rose Aquabike activities at Piscine Saint-Augustin, 11:30-17:30.
The city is also running a fundraising swimming initiative at Piscine Jean Médecin from 5 to 11 October, while Complexe Jean Bouin will collect donations from 12 to 16 October.
More info here
Nice: Institut Mozart Conferences and Wellbeing Events
8-29 October | Nice
The Institut Mozart, which supports people affected by cancer and their loved ones, is participating in a series of awareness and wellbeing events.
On 8 October, a special programme combining beauty and wellbeing workshops was held with a conference exploring advances in artificial intelligence and breast cancer care.
On 13 October, the Institut will join the Centre Antoine Lacassagne and regional cancer screening specialists for a public information event.
A further conference, Cancer du sein : regards croisés sur le parcours de vie, will take place on 29 October at 18:00, exploring different perspectives on life with breast cancer.
Nice: A Traditional Boat Trip for Women Affected by Cancer
Saturday 10 October | Port of Nice
SOS Cancer du Sein and the Club de la Mouette are offering women undergoing treatment or in remission from breast or gynaecological cancer a special outing aboard a traditional Mediterranean pointu fishing boat.
Departing from the Port of Nice, the complimentary experience offers an opportunity to admire Vieux-Nice and the Promenade des Anglais from the water, while enjoying a moment of relaxation and companionship. Advance registration is required.
More info here
Antibes: Régate Rose, Sailing for Solidarity
Saturday 17 October | Antibes | Register before 15 October
One of the most distinctive events of Pink October on the French Riviera returns to the waters off Antibes.
Organised by the Société des Régates d’Antibes in collaboration with SOS Cancer du Sein, the Régate Rose invites women affected by breast or gynaecological cancer to spend a memorable day at sea.
Open to women undergoing treatment, reconstruction or remission, as well as healthcare professionals involved in their care, the event offers a welcome escape from everyday concerns.
No sailing experience is necessary, with local boat owners welcoming participants aboard their vessels for a day of friendship, fresh air and solidarity.
More info here
Antibes: Breast Cancer Awareness at the Hospital
Tuesday 6 October | Hôpital d’Antibes
The hospital in Antibes hosted an Octobre Rose information day, bringing together the Institut Mozart, regional cancer screening specialists and health insurance organisations.
The initiative focused on helping members of the public understand screening, prevention and the support available to people affected by cancer.
Grasse: Courir et Marcher en Rose
Sunday 4 October | Grasse
Grasse brought residents together for the second edition of Courir et Marcher en Rose, a community walking and running event organised as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The initiative encouraged participants to get active while showing solidarity with people affected by breast cancer.
Mandelieu-la-Napoule: Défi Rose
Saturday 17 October | Mandelieu-la-Napoule
Mandelieu-la-Napoule is preparing for its second Défi Rose, supported by the Ligue contre le cancer des Alpes-Maritimes.
The event is part of the town’s Octobre Rose mobilisation, encouraging community participation and raising awareness of breast cancer. Further practical details should be checked with the organisers.
More info here
Saint-Raphaël: Marche Rose sous les Étoiles
Saturday 3 October | Esplanade Delayen
Saint-Raphaël launched its Octobre Rose celebrations with the second edition of Marche Rose sous les Étoiles, organised by Les Raphaëloises.
A Pink Village opened at 15:00, followed by a charity walk at 19:30, departing from the foot of the Grande Roue. Prizes recognised the largest participating group and the most original costume.
The event supported women affected by breast cancer in the local area.
Saint-Raphaël: Handball in Support of October Pink
Friday 9 October | 19:30
Saint-Raphaël Var Handball is joining the Octobre Rose campaign by inviting women to attend its championship match free of charge. The initiative combines an evening of professional sport with an opportunity to raise awareness of breast cancer.
More info here
Fréjus: Les Roses de Forum Julii
Saturday 17 October | Place Clemenceau | 10:00-18:00
Fréjus is planning a full day of activities in collaboration with the Ligue contre le cancer, combining health awareness, sport and entertainment in the heart of town.
Visitors will be able to meet healthcare professionals, including gynaecologists and midwives, and learn more about breast cancer screening and prevention.
The afternoon’s sporting programme includes six- and nine-kilometre races beginning at 15:00 and a five-kilometre charity walk at 15:15.
Elsewhere, there will be creative workshops, beauty and hairstyling demonstrations, music, dancing, a flashmob and an Apé’Rose gathering to close the celebrations.
More info here
Les Adrets-de-l’Estérel: Three Days of Pink Celebrations
Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October | Throughout the village
This is a little inland, but looks set to be a worthwhile weekend. Les Adrets-de-l’Estérel is dedicating an entire weekend to Pink October, with a lively programme bringing together residents, healthcare professionals, artists and local associations.
The festivities begin on Friday evening with an Apé’Rose, a flashmob, musical performances and a concert.
Saturday combines prevention and wellbeing workshops with tennis, padel, yoga, cycling and dancing. The highlight will be a Marche Rose at 18:00, followed by evening entertainment.
Sunday continues with more sport, dance demonstrations, martial arts and salsa.
The village’s involvement extends beyond the weekend, with a photography exhibition by Marie Tavares at the médiathèque and a free theatrical performance, Ça n’arrive qu’aux autres, on Friday 30 October at 18:00.
More info here
Other Riviera Towns
Please bookmark this page to return next week when we will update with 2026 event details for Monaco, Beausoleil, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Biot, Valbonne, Mougins, Cannes, Théoule-sur-Mer, Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Tropez.
How to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
You do not need to participate in a race or organised event to make a difference. Donating to a local cancer charity, supporting someone undergoing treatment or encouraging a friend to attend an appropriate screening appointment are all meaningful ways to contribute.
In France, the organised breast cancer screening programme offers eligible women aged 50 to 74 a mammogram every two years. Women with particular risk factors may require different screening arrangements and should seek individual medical advice.
