Criques du Cap Estel Beach Festival 2026

 

Some places you simply visit. Others have to be earned, but the end rewards for this place are plenty.

Hidden between Èze and Monaco lies one of the French Riviera’s best-kept secrets. Well, it’s not a secret to us locals, but it always feels like a fresh experience on every visit.

It’s not hidden because it doesn’t appear on a map—it’s hidden because getting there takes commitment. A forested path winds down toward the sea, passing a small beach before climbing a set of stairs. From there, you'll follow a rugged limestone trail carved into the coastline, where dramatic cliffs meet the crystal-clear Mediterranean. With just a little determination and a sense of adventure, you'll approach one of the most spectacular hidden coves on the Mediterranean.

Here you will have complete privacy, and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the Côte d’Azur.

The beach is open year round but from August 3 to August 10, 2026, Criques du Cap Estel Beach Festival takes place for an unforgettable week-long gathering of gay men from across the Riviera and around the world. There are no tickets, no stages, no commercial sponsors, and no formal entertainment—just an incredible natural setting and a community coming together in one extraordinary location.

Whether you visit for a single afternoon or have several visits during the week, you’re welcome to be part of something truly special.

The Location

Criques du Cap Estel is a series of spectacular natural coves located beneath the cliffs between Èze and Monaco. Far removed from crowded resort beaches, the cove offers pristine turquoise water, and scenery, with an atmosphere of complete freedom.

The beach has long been known as a naturist destination for decades where visitors can relax without judgment or expectation. Clothing is optional, authenticity is encouraged, and the stunning surroundings speak for themselves.

The Journey Down

This is not a beach for everyone—and that’s part of what makes it so unique.

Access requires a genuine coastal hike followed by a rope-assisted descent over rocky terrain. Visitors should be in reasonable physical condition and prepared for uneven ground.

To make the experience as safe and enjoyable as possible:

• Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes (sandals are not recommended).

• Bring plenty of drinking water.

• Take your time and look out for one another on the trail.

• And please remember, whatever you bring in, you take out. Please do not leave any garbage behind.

Everyone who reaches the cove has made the same effort to get there, creating an immediate sense of camaraderie before anyone even enters the water.

The Experience

Days are spent swimming in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, sunbathing on the rocks, meeting new people, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere in a place where every body shape and nationality is respected.

Many visitors arrive alone and leave having made lifelong friends.

As evening approaches, groups often head into Villefranche-sur-Mer, Monaco, or Nice to continue the day over dinner and drinks.

There is no fixed schedule and no formal program.

Simply come, enjoy the beach, meet people, and experience one of the Riviera’s most unique gathering places.

Who Can Attend?

The week welcomes gay men, queer travellers, and respectful visitors who are comfortable making the hike and appreciate the natural environment.

Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or as a couple, whether it’s your first naturist experience or you’ve visited beaches like this before, everyone is welcome.

Stay for a few hours, a full day, or visit numerous times over the week.

The Vision

The goal isn’t to gather thousands of people on a single day.

It’s to welcome visitors over the course of an unforgettable week as travellers from across Europe and beyond discover the cove through word of mouth and shared experiences.

A hidden beach. A shared adventure. A community brought together by one incredible location on the French Riviera.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an organized festival with staff, vendors or security?

No. This is a grassroots gathering at a public natural beach. There are no organized facilities, vendors or services, so visitors should bring everything they need, including water, sunscreen and snacks.

To get there:

There is a small parking area in Saint Laurent d’Eze next to the entrance to get down to the beach but to avoid parking issues, most people take the 600 Monaco/Menton bus from Nice and get off at the Parking Saint Laurent d’Eze bus stop close to where the trail starts (signage will be displayed).

Is the beach naturist?

Yes. Criques du Cap Estel has long been recognized as a clothing-optional naturist beach. Visitors should respect both the environment and the comfort of others.

What if I’m unsure about the trek to get there?

Honestly. The rocky part near the beach is the tricky part, otherwise just take your time going down the well maintained trail, wear appropriate footwear, and if possible, make your first visit with someone else. Many visitors will be making the descent for the first time as well.

Do I need a ticket?

No. There is no admission fee, registration or ticket required. Simply arrive any day between August 3 and August 10.

How do I find the access point?

Contact the community group through this link with your arrival details and you’ll receive directions to the trailhead along with information about who is already at the beach.

Help Spread the Word

The best gatherings grow naturally through friends sharing them with friends.

If you know someone planning to visit the Côte d’Azur this summer, let them know about Beach Week.

Every person who makes the climb adds to the atmosphere waiting at the bottom.

We’ll see you on the beach.

Capture a souvenir of your time at Criques du Cap Estel Beach.

Netflix's Emily in Paris Heads to the French Riviera: Casting Call Opens for Local Extras

 

Lights, cameras, Côte d’Azur.

One of Netflix’s biggest global hits, Emily in Paris, is heading to the French Riviera and Monaco as production on Season 6 continues, with filming scheduled between 28 August and 10 September. A casting call has now opened for local extras to appear in scenes expected to showcase the glamour and luxury lifestyle synonymous with the series.

The casting is being handled through Tous les Castings, a French casting platform that connects actors and background performers with film and television productions across France, Belgium and Switzerland.

The production is searching for a broad range of men and women aged 18 and over to portray stylish guests at luxury hotels, fashionable restaurant diners, beach club visitors, yacht party attendees, tourists, business professionals and other background roles that help bring the French Riviera to life on screen. As with previous Emily in Paris casting calls, a polished, elegant and fashionable appearance is a significant advantage, with applicants encouraged to have chic wardrobe options available.

However, there is one requirement that cannot be overlooked.

Applicants must already be living locally, be available during those dates and have the legal right to work in France.

Film productions operating in France cannot simply hire tourists or visitors who happen to be on holiday. Extras must either be French residents, French citizens, citizens otherwise entitled to work in France, or foreign residents who hold a visa or residence permit that legally authorizes employment. Productions are not able to arrange work authorization for background performers on short-term shoots.

For the many international residents who now call the French Riviera home, this could be a rare opportunity to appear in one of Netflix’s most recognisable series. But for visitors hoping to combine a vacation with a day on set, the answer is almost certainly no unless they already possess the legal right to work in France.

Although the exact filming schedule has not been released, production is expected to make use of the spectacular scenery that has become synonymous with the Riviera, including Monaco and surrounding coastal communities. Netflix has already confirmed that Season 6 will include filming in Monaco, continuing the show’s tradition of showcasing iconic European destinations.

Anyone interested in applying should prepare recent photographs, personal measurements, contact details and confirm their availability during the filming window. Casting directors often move quickly when selecting extras, particularly for productions with relatively short shooting schedules.

For aspiring background performers living on the Côte d’Azur, opportunities to work on an international Netflix production do not come around every day. Those who meet the legal work requirements and fit the stylish aesthetic of Emily in Paris may soon find themselves sharing the screen with Lily Collins and the rest of the cast as the glamour of the French Riviera once again takes centre stage.

Monaco's Most Glamorous Night Returns: Everything You Need to Know About the 77th Monaco Red Cross Gala

For one evening every summer, Monaco becomes the centre of the international philanthropic and social calendar.

On 18 July 2026, the 77th Monaco Red Cross Gala returns to the legendary Salle des Étoiles, bringing together royalty, celebrities, business leaders and philanthropists for one of Europe’s most prestigious charity events.

Presided over by Albert II, Prince of Monaco, who has led the Monaco Red Cross since 1982, the gala continues a tradition that has raised millions of euros for humanitarian projects both within Monaco and around the world.

Founded in 1948, the Monaco Red Cross Gala has become far more than a fundraising dinner. It is an iconic social occasion where world-class entertainment meets charitable giving, all set against the glamour that has made Monaco famous.

A Night of Elegance

Guests arrive in black tie and evening gowns before enjoying an elegant cocktail reception, a gourmet dinner and an evening of exceptional entertainment inside the Salle des Étoiles.

One of the evening’s highlights is the prestigious charity raffle, featuring luxury prizes that have become a hallmark of the gala for decades. Every ticket purchased and donation made helps fund the humanitarian work of the Monaco Red Cross, from emergency disaster relief to medical assistance and local social services.

The gala has hosted some of the biggest names in music over the years, including:

• Billy Idol

• Robbie Williams

• Jamiroquai

• Alicia Keys

Adding to the evening’s prestige, the 2026 gala will present an exclusive preview of SOUL!, a vibrant new show celebrating the enduring legacy of musical legends including Chuck Berry and Little Richard, before it premieres as part of the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival.

One of Monaco’s Hardest Tickets to Obtain

Unlike many glamorous events on the Riviera, the Monaco Red Cross Gala remains intentionally exclusive.

Ticket Information

For the 77th Monaco Red Cross Gala (18 July 2026):

• Venue: Salle des Étoiles

• Date: Saturday, 18 July 2026

• Dress Code: Black tie and formal evening wear

• Expected Gala Price: Tickets for the official gala experience start at approximately €1,900 per person, including the gala dinner and the evening’s entertainment. Exclusive hospitality packages offered through authorised partners are available at higher price points

• Bookings: Availability is limited and reservations generally open through Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

More Than Glamour

While the red carpet, fireworks and celebrity performances often capture international attention, the evening’s true purpose remains unchanged.

Every euro raised supports the humanitarian mission of the Monaco Red Cross, which provides emergency relief, medical assistance, social support and disaster response both locally and internationally. Under the patronage of the Grimaldi family for nearly eight decades, the gala continues to demonstrate how Monaco combines luxury with philanthropy on a world stage.

For visitors planning a summer on the French Riviera, the Monaco Red Cross Gala remains one of the season’s defining events—a spectacular evening where elegance, generosity and Monaco’s timeless glamour come together in unforgettable fashion.

Monaco Pride 2026: A Small Celebration With a Big Impact

 

Monaco Pride 2026 proved once again that the size of an event is no measure of its significance.

Now in its fifth year since launching in 2022, Monaco Pride continues to carve out its own identity. Unlike many Pride celebrations around the world, there is still no parade weaving through the streets of the Principality, no large-scale march, and no colourful procession stretching along the harbour.

Yet somehow, that feels entirely authentic.

Rather than trying to replicate larger international Pride events, Monaco has embraced a format that reflects the character and scale of the Principality itself. Monaco Pride has become an intimate yet influential gathering where government representatives, business leaders, community organizations and members of the LGBTQIA+ community come together to celebrate diversity while advancing meaningful conversations about equality.

This year’s event carried an even greater sense of optimism.

The evening’s panel brought together women who have each played an important role in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights in Monaco.

Laure Bernardi of Mon Arc-en-Ciel spoke about the association’s ongoing work to build a more inclusive and welcoming Principality, while Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo outlined the Government’s June 29 commitment to introducing civil union legislation. Completing the panel was Avocat-Défenseur Sarah Filippi, who has become a leading legal voice in the fight for marriage equality and continues to champion full legal recognition for same-sex couples in Monaco. 

And the always lovely Annette Anderson also spoke from the heart as to who the Mon Arc-en-Ciel are and why their work and fundraising is so important to the cause.

The announcements surrounding civil union legislation gave the evening an unmistakable sense of momentum. Throughout the room, there was genuine excitement and hope that years of patient advocacy are finally beginning to translate into meaningful legislative progress.

The message was simple. The LGBTQIA+ community is not asking for special treatment or additional rights beyond anyone else. It is asking for the same fundamental equality and legal recognition enjoyed by every other citizen.

Held in the spacious private reception venue above the new Stars of Monaco restaurant overlooking Port Hercule, the designated two-hour celebration quickly reached capacity. Guests from every corner of Monaco and the wider French Riviera gathered together, creating an atmosphere that was welcoming, relaxed and full of energy.

As the evening unfolded, conversations flowed freely, new friendships were formed, and the official programme naturally extended well beyond its scheduled finish.

Entertainment throughout the evening added another memorable dimension to the celebration. Local drag icon Manel Dalgo captivated the audience with spectacular performances, while an array of talented singers ensured the atmosphere remained vibrant from beginning to end.

Beyond the entertainment, however, the real achievement of Monaco Pride 2026 was the sense of community that filled the room. It demonstrated how meaningful progress often begins not through grand spectacles but through dialogue, visibility and the determination of dedicated individuals working together.

Much of that progress is owed to the tireless efforts of the Mon Arc-en-Ciel Association, whose years of advocacy have steadily helped move LGBTQIA+ equality further into Monaco’s public conversation. Their persistence is now beginning to produce tangible results, offering hope that civil unions may soon become a reality and that the journey toward full marriage equality will continue.

Monaco may host one of Europe’s smallest Pride celebrations, but once again it proved that its impact reaches far beyond the size of the Principality itself.

If Monaco Pride 2026 demonstrated anything, it is that genuine inclusion is built one conversation, one relationship and one legislative victory at a time. The future for Monaco’s LGBTQIA+ community has never looked brighter.

Photos courtesy of Frederic Nebinger and Sebastian Rocca