Summer’s Hottest Fireworks on the Riviera and in Monaco

 

If fireworks are part of your summer tradition, there’s no better place to experience a dazzling display than the French Riviera and Monaco. From national celebrations to world-class pyrotechnic festivals, the summer nights along the Côte d’Azur are set to light up in the most spectacular ways.

Monaco Magic Over the Port

Monaco delivers two major firework nights this summer, both free and family-friendly, taking place over the scenic Port Hercule:

Saturday, 26 July 2025 Festivities kick off at 18:00 with inflatable games and attractions for kids, followed by a grand fireworks display at 22:30. The evening continues with live DJs and pop-rock music into the night.

Saturday, 9 August 2025 The same format returns with upgraded family entertainment, themed performances, and another sky-brightening fireworks show at 22:30.

Bastille Day Celebrations – 14 July

The French National Day is a centerpiece of the summer, and several Riviera towns pull out all the stops:

• Nice A grand firework show illuminates the Promenade des Anglais between 22:00–23:00, bringing locals and tourists together along the seafront.

• Cagnes‑sur‑Mer (Hippodrome) The fireworks are woven into the “Nuits d’Été” series, adding extra sparkle to horse racing nights at the local racetrack.

• Antibes – Juan‑les‑Pins Pyro-musical displays take place on 13 July (22:15) and 14 July (22:30), lighting up the bay with synchronized music and color.

Summer Fireworks Festivals & Coastal Highlights

The Riviera’s summer fireworks calendar is rich with international contests, beach parties, and local fêtes:

• Cannes Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique One of Europe’s premier fireworks competitions, with displays from international teams. Shows launch from barges at 22:00 on 4, 14, 22 July and 5, 15, 24 August.

• Antibes Festival Pyromélodique Running from 13 July to 24 August, this series offers spectacular Thursday evening displays over Juan-les-Pins, all free and open-air.

• Mandelieu‑La Napoule Hosts three major shows: – 15 July (Champ-de-Château) – 9 August (Plage Robinson) – 23 August (Plage du Château) All begin at 22:00 with scenic seaside settings.

• Cagnes‑sur‑Mer (Hippodrome) Fireworks accompany themed race nights between 7 July and 23 August, with scheduled displays on 7, 9, 12, 16, 19, 21, 23, 30 July and 9, 23 August.

• Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat – Grande Nuit Vénitienne On 2 August, this elegant Venetian-themed night includes flag-throwers, masked artists, glowing gondolas, and fireworks around 22:30.

• Golfe Juan – Vallauris Two seaside shows are planned on 15 July and 16 August, both at 22:15, from Plage Picasso.

• Menton – Nuits du Soleil On 15 August, DJ sets light up the Baie des Sablettes from 21:00, with a grand fireworks finale at 22:30.

• Théoule‑sur‑Mer Celebrates 15 August with a traditional “bal des pompiers” starting at 19:00 and fireworks at 22:00.

• Villeneuve‑Loubet – Marina en Fête! Wrap up summer on 23 August with music, markets, and a vibrant firework show over the marina.

• Fréjus / Saint‑Raphaël (Estérel Côte d’Azur) Weekly coastal fireworks every Sunday: 14, 21, 28 July and 4, 11, 18, 25 August, all at 22:30, offering perfect sunset-to-starlight evenings.

  Bonus: Surprise Displays from the Sea

  Don’t be surprised if you catch unexpected bursts of color over the water. Yacht owners often launch private fireworks for weddings, birthdays—or simply for the fun of it. The Riviera skies are never still for long in summer.

  Whether you're watching from a beach towel, a balcony, or the deck of a boat, the Riviera’s summer fireworks promise unforgettable nights full of light, music, and magic.