The French Riviera hosts numerous gastronomic events.
Between Mougins and Cannes, via Monaco, there are numerous culinary events throughout the year.
Rich in local products, bountiful nature and restaurants dotting its territory, the French Riviera is undoubtedly a cradle of gastronomy. In fact, gastronomy is celebrated through events whose popularity extends beyond its borders. These events involve both experts in the field and enthusiasts.
Here is a selection of the best gastronomic events not to be missed.
LES ETOILES DE MOUGINS
In Mougins, an ancient village on the French Riviera, the gastronomic event Les Etoiles de Mougins is held. Created in 2006, the International Gastronomy Festival has won over world-renowned chefs by taking part in tastings, demonstrations and competitions.
SALON SAVEURS & TERROIRS IN MANDELIEU
In Mandelieu, the annual event the Salon Saveurs & Terroirs takes place. The Salon Saveurs & Terroirs is the Côte d’Azur’s must-attend gastronomic event that holds many surprises each fall.
In a chic and elegant atmosphere, the event’s rich program includes themed restaurants, a culinary photography exhibition, cooking shows, culinary workshops and conferences on food and health.
MONTE-CARLO GASTRONOMY FAIR IN MONACO
Each fall, the Salon Monte-Carlo Gastronomie offers the opportunity to taste and purchase a variety of products, rigorously selected a few days before the end-of-year festivities. The event hosts more than 100 producers of French, Italian and European gourmet products in a refined and friendly environment.
SALON DU SACRE ET DU CHOCOLAT AD ANTIBES
In November, the Salon du Sacre et du Chocolat (Chocolate and Confectionery Fair) takes place in Antibes.
Held over 2 days, events such as demonstrations, tastings, conferences, a masterpiece competition and entertainment for the little ones (chocolate tattooing and makeup, gourmet games or attractions) are on the program. Not only that! You can also admire exhibitions of artistic pieces made of sugar or chocolate. In short, a paradise for chocolate and cake lovers!
LE FESTIVAL LES GOURMAND’EZE A EZE
In October, before a passionate audience, the village of Eze is transformed into a theater of taste thanks to its Gastronomic Festival. Over three days culinary and artistic performances, workshops, demonstrations, tastings and more.
LA KERMESSE AUX POISSONS AT THEOULE
Every February, the Kermesse aux Poissons takes place in Théoule-sur-Mer. This is a fish fair, during which numerous restaurateurs honor the sea by presenting their specialties through an 8-course “all fish” menu. Hot appetizers, cold starters, various dishes, cheese or dessert, wine, water and coffee are all included in their formulas, which tantalize the taste buds with iodized aromas. Kermesse aux Poissons begins with an opening where fish soups and sardines are offered to the residents.
THE CUISINE OF CANNES IN FEAST
In March, at the Forville market in Cannes, local producers, chefs, pastry chefs, fishmongers, bakers, etc. unite to defend the city’s culinary identity. For 15 days, there are more than fifty restaurateurs and food artisans who offer, in their establishments, specialties bearing the name of Cannes and made with ingredients from the Bay of Cannes and the Pays de Lérins. Cannes tart, Cannes Bay gravlax pelamide or Saint-Honorat are also now part of the culinary heritage of this festive Cannes cuisine.
LES CHEFS AU SOMMET A AURON
Since 2012, in January, chefs from the French Riviera have been climbing the snowy peaks of Auron for the Mountain Gastronomy Festival. For one week, chefs showcase their creativity through menus with mountain flavors. Many culinary activities are offered, such as giant barbecues on the snow front, workshops and tastings of chocolate fondue or galettes des rois on the ice rink.