The French Riviera: A Guide to Festivals, Traditions & the Art of Living Well. Discover the Côte d’Azur All Year Round

Starting in October, Advent calendars for children become available. These calendars feature 25 windows, each hiding a small gift, usually a candy or chocolate. Children begin opening these windows on December 1st, counting down to Christmas Day on the 25th, when they receive their main Christmas gifts.

There are also Advent calendars tailored for adults, created by cosmetic companies, breweries, and chocolate manufacturers.

Closer to the New Year, the mail carrier will knock on every door, offering the opportunity to purchase a Postal Calendar. This tradition allows postal workers to earn a little extra for their own holiday celebrations. If you’re home, it’s customary to buy a calendar. There’s no fixed price, but if you’ve lived in the area for a year, receive a lot of mail, and are satisfied with the service, it’s typical to give around 15 euros. If you’ve been there less than a year or have less interaction, 10 euros is acceptable.

Before or after the mail carrier’s visit, members of the Fire Service, traditionally referred to as Firefighters in France, will come by with their own calendar from their department. The postal calendar might include a city map, a few recipes, and gardening tips. In contrast, the firefighters’ calendar often features monthly photos of their colleagues posing seminude in a Schwarzenegger-issue style.

If your building has a concierge, it’s customary to give them a financial gift in appreciation of their work.

For Christmas, nativity scenes are set up at churches. A notable example is the nativity scene in the old quarter, depicting the birth of Jesus in a stable, surrounded by animals and the Magi bearing gifts. All figures and the stable itself are life-sized, illuminated in the evening, and some are even animated.

New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An)

New Year’s Eve in France is all about gathering with family and friends for a lavish dinner featuring oysters, foie gras, champagne, and other delicacies. At midnight, fireworks light up the sky, people kiss under mistletoe, and exchange heartfelt wishes of “Bonne année!” (Happy New Year!). January 1st is a day of rest, as most people recover from the festivities.

Epiphany January 6th

Families share galette des rois (almond puff pastry) to crown a “king” or “queen” with a hidden figurine. Collecting these trinkets, from biblical figures to modern designs, is a beloved hobby.

On Epiphany, it’s customary to enjoy puff pastry cakes with fillings such as almond or fruit, each containing a hidden figurine. The person who finds the figurine in their slice is crowned the king or queen of the evening, with a paper crown provided alongside the cake for the coronation. These figurines range from simple, mass-produced designs to artisanal creations crafted by local artisans.

Collecting the fèves (hidden figurines) – from ceramic saints to charms – is a popular tradition, with rare pieces are sold for tens of euros at flea markets. While traditional designs depict biblical themes, many modern figurines feature characters from cartoons, symbols of local football clubs, replicas of buildings and museums.

Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival (January)

Monaco is not just a glamorous destination known for its luxury casinos and yachts; it is also home to some of the world’s most prestigious sporting and cultural events. Each year, the tiny principality hosts elite competitions, exclusive galas, and breathtaking festivals that attract global attention. From the high-speed thrills of Formula 1 to the elegance of princely charity balls, Monaco is a hub of sophistication and excitement.

Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival

Acrobats, clowns, tightrope walkers, and animal trainers compete for the coveted Clown d’Or (Golden Clown), the highest honor in the industry.

Founded in 1974 by Prince Rainier III, the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival is considered the “Oscars of the circus world.” Held under the majestic Chapiteau de Fontvieille, this festival brings together the greatest circus performers from across the globe.

The festival is a dazzling blend of tradition and modernity. While it honors classic circus artistry, it also embraces innovation, showcasing cutting-edge performances that push the boundaries of human ability. Audiences are treated to breathtaking stunts, mesmerizing illusions, and heartwarming acts that evoke both laughter and awe. The event is attended by the Monaco royal family, adding an extra layer of prestige and glamour.

Beyond the main performances, the festival offers circus workshops, exhibitions on the history of circus arts, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access. It’s an event that brings magic to life, enchanting audiences of all ages and celebrating one of the oldest forms of entertainment in human history.

Candlemas on February 2

La Chandeleur marks a week dedicated to making or purchasing crêpes. Сrêpes are much thinner than pancakes.

The association between Candlemas and pancakes dates back to the Middle Ages. At that time, it was believed that the prosperity of the year depended on how the pancakes were cooked. The round, golden shape of the pancakes is reminiscent of the sun’s disk, symbolizing the increasing light and the return of spring.

Why 2 February? It was in 472 that the feast of the presentation of Jesus at the Temple was associated with “candles”, hence the name Candlemas, by Pope Gelasius I who organized torchlight processions for the first time on February 2.

This celebration is focusing on the consumption of pancakes. The pancakes tend to be richer, while French crêpes are drier.

My French friends enjoy their crêpes with sweet fillings like strawberry jam, accompanied by cider. Chocolate spread, salted caramel, and chestnut paste are also popular choices. In large supermarkets, machines are set up in the bakery section to automatically bake fresh crêpes, which are then packaged and sold while still warm. They’re tasty and fresh, though to my palate, the batter contains a bit too much sugar.

Breton crêpes, made with buckwheat flour, are used for savory fillings, including the classic ham and cheese combination.

Simple & Delicious French Crêpes

Makes about 8—10 crêpes

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1¼ cups milk (whole or 2%)

¼ cup water

2 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for greasing the pan)

2 tsp granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1 Make the batter:

In a blender or mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, milk, water, melted butter, sugar, vanilla (if using), and salt. Mix until smooth and free of lumps. Let the batter rest at room temperature for 50 minutes (this helps tenderize the crêpes).

2 Cook the crêpes:

Heat a non-stick skillet or crêpe pan over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter.

Pour ¼ cup of batter into the center of the pan. Immediately tilt and swirl the pan to spread the batter into a thin, even circle.

3 Flip & finish:

Cook for 1—2 minutes until the edges lift and the bottom turns golden. Use a spatula to gently flip the crêpe. Cook the other side for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then transfer to a plate.

Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed.

Serve:

Fill or top with your favorites: Nutella, fresh berries, whipped cream, lemon juice and sugar, or jam. Roll or fold and enjoy!

Pro Tip: The first crêpe might not be perfect – it’s normal! Adjust the heat if crêpe browns too quickly.

February 14th

Saint Valentine’s Day is a significant occasion for florists, whose profits can increase tenfold on this day. The average bouquet costs around 20 euros, with popular arrangements featuring red and white flowers. In the evening, couples often dine at restaurants and, when possible, embark on weekend getaways.