There’s nothing quite so magical as watching the fireworks burst above the Mediterranean Sea on the French Riviera, in sync to glorious music from pop to rock to opera. In summer, the pyrotechnic displays on at least 10 evenings are taken to another level. Whether you’re stretched out on a private sunbed, sipping cocktails on a super yacht or picnic-ing on a public beach, the experience is sublime as the sparkling extravaganza lights up the sky and its colourful reflection dances across the water while the music fills the air. It’s intoxicating. Here are some of the dates and venues for fireworks in the South of France this August. (Be the first to know about events happening on the French Riviera by subscribing to our newsletter.)
Where and when to see fireworks on the Côte d’Azur, August 2025
ANTIBES Festival Pyromélodique (Pyromelodic Festival meaning ‘Fireworks & Music Festival’)
All shows, combining light and sound effect, begin at 10pm. Antibes’ fireworks usually attracts more than 10,000 people.
- Thursday 07 August – Bay of Juan-les-Pins
- Thursday 14 August – Bay of Juan-les-Pins
- Thursday 21 August – Bay of Juan-les-Pins
- Sunday 24 August – Plages de la Brague (on the coastal road between the Siesta and the Fort Carré in Antibes). This breathtaking show closes the summer season “in style”.
CAGNES-SUR-MER Fireworks at the Côte d’Azur racecourse
There will be fireworks after two horse-racing days in August at the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur. The price is €5 (and free for kids under 18). Activities include inflatables and pony rides.
– Thurs, August 14 (circus evening)
– Sat, August 23 (closing evening)
CANNES Pyrotechnic Art Festival (Cannes Fireworks Festival)
The world’s best pyrotechnicians meet on the Croisette in Cannes each summer to compete in this world renowned festival. Six countries are usually chosen for the competition, which attracts around 150,000 people! If you can only attend one fireworks evening, Cannes is probably the best. (The competition has been going for over 50 years!) All shows begin at 10pm and last half an hour. (Sweden, Spain and Italy already competed in July.) One of the best, most central views is from the Plage du Festival, next to the Carlton, but all along the promenade the view is spectacular. Many bathers on the public beaches also wade into the water for a unique experience watching the fireworks.
- Tuesday 5 August (Germany)
- Friday 15 August (Japan)
- Sunday 24 August (France)
More Info: https://www.festival-pyrotechnique-cannes.com/
WATCH Cannes Fireworks, July 2025 (Spain)
FRÉJUS: Les Nuits de PORT-FRÉJUS (The nights of Port-Frejus)
There’s a fireworks rendezvous at the quays of the port every Monday evening! Show starts at 10.30pm. Take a stroll along the harbour and then settle down to watch the enchanting mirror effect of the fireworks over the harbour water.
- Monday 4 August
- Monday 11 August
- Monday 18 August
- Monday 25 August
More Info: https://frejus.fr/evenement/feux-dartifice/
GOLFE-JUAN VALLAURIS: Feu d’Artifice Éclatant sur les Plages du Midi (Fireworks at Midi beach)
Relax on the sandy beach and enjoy the light shows and pyrotechnic effects.
- Saturday 16 August at 10.15pm
MANDELIEU-LA NAPOULE
Both shows start at 10pm and last 15 minutes. The family-friendly evenings include night markets, musical terraces and more. Head to Berges de Siagne and the Golfe de La Napoule. “This bay, overlooked by the red rocks of the Esterel, will be the setting for a melodic fireworks display by UNIC under the artistic direction of Alexandre Gonnin,” says the organiser.
- 09 August – Robinson beach followed by a DJ night
- 23 August – Château beach followed by a DJ night
MENTON Nuits du Soleil (Nights of the Sun)
You can expect an exciting evening with an electro set by Sound of Legend over the Baie des Sablettes (from 9pm). This is followed by fireworks at 10.30pm with the theme ‘remix’. The music will be a combination of classical and electro music. The Quai Bonaparte will be for pedestrians only, between the Bastion roundabout and the Molinari tunnel roundabout.
- Friday 15 August
More Info: https://www.menton.fr/nuits-du-soleil.html
MONACO Art en Ciel (Art in the Sky)
The evening at the Port of Monaco includes bouncy castles for children, a DJ and a pop-rock band. According to the organisers, “a high-powered sound system is set up throughout Port Hercule, so you can enjoy the show to the full from Quai Albert I.” The best observation spots include: the Avenue d’Ostende, Fort Antoine and its amphitheatre, or the route du Mont des Mules for an elevated view.
- Saturday 9 August
ROQUEBRUNE-CAP-MARTIN Promenade en Fête
The seafront will be pedestrian-only with fireworks and parades, including music, dance and entertainment. Great for the whole family. The fireworks’ theme is ‘dreamlike’.
- Thursday 14 August
VILLENEUVE-LOUBET Marina en Fête
Villeneuve-Loubet closes its summer season by transforming the Port Marina into a celebration venue with food stalls etc. The Croisette in Port Marina will be for pedestrians only, and will include the final night market of the season. A free concert starts at 7pm (Tribute to Rolling Stones), followed by the breathtaking fireworks.
- Saturday 23 August
More Info: https://cotedazurfrance.com/offers/marina-en-fete-villeneuve-loubet-en-3776103/
Best Places to Watch Fireworks on the French Riviera
- Hire a boat
- Private beach
- Public beach
- Balconies
- Promenades
- From the sea
Good to know
- Most displays last half an hour (with some exceptions)
- The fireworks displays usually only start at 10pm or later (because of the gorgeously late Riviera sunset in summer)
- Almost all of these events are free (except for the Hippodrome at Cagnes-sur-Mer)
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