What to do in Nice in September 2025? Verified, up-to-date agenda: Ironman World Championship, Cannes Yachting Festival, Régates Royales, Monaco Yacht Show, Beaulieu Classic Festival, Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat Prestige, UTMB trail and more. Dates, tips, and FAQs.
At‑a‑glance: Big dates in September 2025
- 9–14 Sept — Cannes Yachting Festival (Cannes)
- 13–14 Sept — Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat Prestige vintage car weekend (Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat)
- 13–20 Sept — Beaulieu Classic Festival (Beaulieu‑sur‑Mer)
- 14 Sept — IRONMAN World Championship — Men (Nice)
- 19–21 Sept — European Heritage Days (Riviera‑wide, France)
- 21 Sept — OPMC Season Opening (Monaco)
- 22–27 Sept — Régates Royales (Cannes)
- 24–27 Sept — Monaco Yacht Show (Monaco)
- 25–28 Sept — Trail Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB (Nice backcountry)
Nice — culture, sport & exhibitions
- IRONMAN World Championship — Men (14 Sept)
The men’s world final returns to the Promenade des Anglais. Expect road closures and huge crowds: plan city visits for early morning or post‑race. - Trail Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB (25–28 Sept)
Four days of mountain trail races across the spectacular hinterland; expo and finish in the Nice area. - Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur (September highlights)
- Metal Up the Opera — Special symphonic program (6 Sept)
- Chostakovitch — Symphony No. 7 “Leningrad” (13 Sept)
Check the opera’s calendar for late‑September recitals and ballet studio dates.
- Biennale des Arts & de l’Océan (citywide) (May–Oct; ongoing in Sept)
Installations and exhibitions across Nice, including immersive shows and outdoor works along the waterfront.
Where to go between events
Morning swim at La Réserve; lunch in the Old Town; golden‑hour stroll on the Promenade du Paillon; sunset at Colline du Château.
Cannes — boats, classics & late‑summer glamour
- Cannes Yachting Festival (9–14 Sept)
Europe’s biggest in‑water boat show, split between Vieux‑Port (motor) and Port Canto (sailing). Free shuttles connect both harbours. - Régates Royales (22–27 Sept)
A week of racing for classic yachts and Dragons. Best vantage points: Quai Saint‑Pierre and Palm Beach headland.
Make it a day: morning at Marché Forville, afternoon yacht‑spotting, blue‑hour drinks on the Croisette.
Monaco — high culture meets superyachts
- Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte‑Carlo (Season Opening) (21 Sept)
Grand symphonic opener at the Auditorium Rainier III. - Monaco Yacht Show (24–27 Sept)
The world’s flagship superyacht show with designer tenders, innovations and luxury showcases at Port Hercule.
Pro tip: on show days, dinner reservations are essential. Consider trains from Nice to avoid traffic.
Beaulieu‑sur‑Mer — chamber music by the sea
- Beaulieu Classic Festival (13–20 Sept)
Intimate recitals in Belle‑Époque venues like La Rotonde Lenôtre. Great alternative to the big‑ticket yacht events.
Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat — vintage elegance
- Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat Prestige (13–14 Sept)
A free, open‑air museum of vintage and prestige cars with concours d’élégance, parades and family‑friendly activities around the harbour.
Also in mid‑September: nocturnal visits wind down while European Heritage Days open villa gardens and chapels across the peninsula.
Around the Riviera (worth the trip)
- Les Voiles de Saint‑Tropez (28 Sept–5 Oct)
Not in the Alpes‑Maritimes but a short road/boat trip away: hundreds of modern and classic yachts kick off autumn racing.
Practical planning & tips
- Transport: TER trains link Nice–Cannes–Antibes–Monaco in 20–40 minutes. For hill villages, use Lignes d’Azur buses or event shuttles.
- Stay: book early for 9–14 Sept and 24–27 Sept. Cannes & Monaco often impose 2–4 night minimums during shows.
- Dress code: smart‑casual for yacht/concours events; light layers at night. Non‑slip shoes for marina visits.
- Free culture: European Heritage Days (19–21 Sept) unlock museums and monuments across the region—many with free entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is September a good month to visit Nice?
Yes—warm seas, busy but manageable crowds, and the year’s richest cultural calendar.
What are the biggest events near Nice in September 2025?
Cannes Yachting Festival, Ironman World Championship (Men), Régates Royales, Monaco Yacht Show, UTMB trail, Beaulieu Classic Festival, and Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat Prestige.
Do I need tickets?
Big shows (Cannes/Monaco) and concerts need tickets; many Heritage Days sites are free but require timed slots—reserve early.
Family‑friendly picks?
Heritage Days, Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat Prestige, UTMB finish‑area village, and daytime yacht‑spotting in Cannes.
Budget tips?
Base yourself in Nice or Antibes and day‑trip by train; eat at markets (Cours Saleya, Forville); look for combined museum passes.