Free Open-Air Cinema Returns to Nice with Four Unforgettable Summer Film Nights

 

Summer evenings in Nice are once again set to come alive under the stars as the Cinémathèque de Nice brings back its much-loved Cinéma En Plein Air programme. This annual tradition transforms the Port of Nice into an open-air movie theatre, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy classic cinema in one of the city’s most picturesque settings.

Taking place on four Wednesday evenings between 22 July and 26 August 2026, each free screening begins at 9:30 pm, offering audiences the opportunity to experience iconic films in the warm Mediterranean night air. Although this year’s programme features fewer screenings than previous editions, the carefully selected line-up showcases timeless classics and acclaimed international cinema that promise to appeal to a wide range of film lovers.

Nearly Fifty Years of Celebrating Cinema

Established in 1976 by Odile Chapel with the support of legendary film preservation pioneer Henri Langlois, the Cinémathèque de Nice has become one of the city’s most respected cultural institutions. Its inauguration, attended by actor and filmmaker Dennis Hopper, marked the beginning of a lasting commitment to preserving and sharing the art of cinema.

Originally affiliated with the Cinémathèque Française, the organisation became a municipal institution in 1991 and has been under the direction of Maryam Rousta-Giroud since 2021. Today it presents almost 400 films annually, welcomes approximately 50,000 visitors, and regularly hosts directors, actors, critics, and historians for special presentations and discussions celebrating the history of film.

2026 Open-Air Screening Programme

Wednesday, 22 July

To Catch a Thief (La Main au Collet)

The season opens with Alfred Hitchcock’s glamorous Riviera classic starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. Filmed in Nice and at the famous Victorine Studios, the film remains one of the most recognisable cinematic tributes to the French Riviera. This special screening also commemorates the 70th anniversary of the marriage of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

Wednesday, 29 July

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Les Hommes préfèrent les Blondes)

Hollywood icons Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell headline this sparkling musical comedy filled with romance, comedy, unforgettable musical numbers, and luxurious ocean-liner glamour. Their journey to France creates a whirlwind of mistaken identities, wealthy admirers, and light-hearted adventure that has delighted audiences for generations.

Wednesday, 19 August

Persepolis

Based on the internationally acclaimed graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi, this award-winning animated film tells the deeply personal story of a young girl growing up during the Iranian Revolution before being sent to Vienna to begin a new life. Winner of the Jury Prize at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and the César Award for Best First Feature, Persepolis is both moving and thought-provoking.

This screening will be presented in French without subtitles.

Wednesday, 26 August

L’Homme de Rio

The series concludes with an exhilarating French adventure starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Françoise Dorléac. When an archaeological treasure is stolen and his fiancée is kidnapped, an ordinary soldier is drawn into an extraordinary chase that stretches from Paris to the Amazon rainforest. Packed with humour, action, and breathtaking locations, L’Homme de Rio remains one of France’s most entertaining adventure films.

Whether you’re discovering these classics for the first time or revisiting old favourites, the Cinémathèque de Nice’s open-air cinema offers one of the city’s most enjoyable summer experiences. With free admission, a spectacular waterfront setting, and an outstanding selection of films, it is the perfect way to spend a warm evening on the French Riviera.

LOCATION DETAILS

Cinémathèque de Nice – Cinéma en plein air
Esplanade de la Douane
Port Lympia in Nice.

A Few Important Words from the AGLAE - Azur & Diversités Association

 

It’s no longer just about defending who we are today—it’s also about claiming the place we will occupy tomorrow.

 

In a national context where LGBTQIA+ rights continue to be the target of political attacks and misinformation, asserting that the future will be queer is not just a slogan—it’s a political act. Because dancing in the streets means, above all, occupying the space that others would like to see us leave.

We don’t dream of a future where we’re merely tolerated. We’re marching toward a future we fully inhabit.

 

Let’s march together for our lives, for the rights we must win and defend, and for the future we want to build.

We’re here. And the future will be queer.

PINK PARADE 2026 – NICE
Saturday, July 11, 2026
3:30 p.m.
Port of Nice (Quai Papacino)

Coco Bar: The Cozy Vieux Nice Favourite Where Locals Gather

 

Situated in Vieux Nice, Coco Bar has earned a reputation as one of the neighbourhood’s most welcoming and authentic places to unwind. This intimate, colourful, and delightfully quirky bar has become a favourite among locals and visitors alike, offering a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly captures the charm and energy of Nice’s historic Old Town.

Open seven days a week from 5:00 p.m. until 12:30 a.m., Coco Bar comes alive as the workday ends. Its popular happy hour draws a lively crowd looking to enjoy a cocktail with friends, making it one of the best places to experience the city’s social scene. Whether you’re a long-time resident or visiting Nice for the first time, it’s the kind of venue where conversations flow easily and new friendships often begin.

 

Located at 3 Rue Droite, the bar enjoys a prime position in one of the busiest and most picturesque streets of Vieux Nice. The surrounding neighbourhood is always buzzing with activity, from street performers and evening strolls to bustling cafés and restaurants, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening out.

Coco Bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits at reasonable prices, making it an accessible choice for both casual drinks and weekend celebrations. A small outdoor seating area also provides the perfect spot to sip a drink while watching the vibrant life of Old Nice unfold around you.

Whether you’re looking to meet locals, enjoy happy hour after work, or kick off a weekend night in one of Nice’s most iconic districts, Coco Bar delivers a warm, friendly atmosphere that keeps people coming back time and again.

Photos courtesy of Coco Bar

Music Meets the Mediterranean: Festival Isabelle Returns to Saint-Tropez

 

Set against one of the most breathtaking backdrops on the French Riviera, Festival Isabelle will return to the historic Citadelle de Saint-Tropez on 17 and 18 July 2026, transforming the centuries-old fortress into an immersive celebration of world-class electronic music, art, and environmental awareness.

Perched high above the Mediterranean, the Citadelle offers sweeping panoramic views of Saint-Tropez’s famous harbour and coastline, providing an unforgettable setting where history meets cutting-edge production. As the sun sets over the French Riviera, festival-goers can expect a spectacular audiovisual experience inspired by the beauty and mystery of the ocean.

Unlike many music festivals, Festival Isabelle was created with a deeply personal purpose. Founded by JC Murray in memory of his mother, Isabelle Murray, the event serves as both a celebration of life and a tribute to her enduring spirit. Organisers describe the festival as an experience built around love, connection, culture, and the unique atmosphere that has long made Saint-Tropez an international destination.

House music lies at the heart of the festival, with an impressive roster of internationally acclaimed DJs performing across two evenings. 

The 2026 edition features artists who have headlined some of the world’s most celebrated electronic music festivals and clubs, including Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, Ibiza, and Miami. Festival organisers promise an eclectic mix of melodic house, Afro-house, techno, and underground electronic music designed to complement the dramatic surroundings of the Citadelle.

Among this year’s headline performers are Marco Carola, Michael Bibi, The Martinez Brothers, Luciano, and Mau P, making Festival Isabelle one of the Riviera’s most anticipated electronic music events of the summer.

Yet music is only one part of the experience.

Festival Isabelle also places a significant emphasis on environmental responsibility through Isabelle Protège, its charitable conservation initiative. A portion of festival proceeds supports organisations dedicated to protecting sharks, preserving fragile marine ecosystems, and combating illegal exploitation of the world’s oceans. 

Conservation partners include the Fundación Malpelo, which works to safeguard biodiversity around Colombia’s internationally significant marine reserve.

This environmental mission has become one of the festival’s defining characteristics, distinguishing it from many large-scale music events by linking entertainment with meaningful conservation efforts.

Visitors can also expect premium hospitality, carefully designed production, and an intimate atmosphere that reflects the elegance traditionally associated with Saint-Tropez. Rather than focusing solely on massive crowds, Festival Isabelle aims to create an experience where music, heritage, wellness, art, and philanthropy come together in one extraordinary location.

Tickets for the two-day event start at approximately €70, with VIP packages and table experiences also available. Attendance is restricted to guests aged 18 and over.

As Saint-Tropez enters another vibrant summer season, Festival Isabelle continues to establish itself as more than simply another electronic music festival.

By combining internationally renowned artists, one of the French Riviera’s most iconic venues, and a genuine commitment to marine conservation, it offers visitors an experience that celebrates not only music but also the beauty and future of the Mediterranean itself.