Are you headed to the French Riviera this year? This tourist hotspot is always bustling with activity, and attracts some of the most exciting and high-profile events in the world. Monaco is at the heart of the glitz and glam, and is known for its extravagant festivals and parties. So, what’s coming up in 2021? Here are the guestlists you want to get your name on.
1. International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo
The International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo is held in Monaco every January. The festival was launched in 1974 by H.S.H. the Prince Rainier III of Monaco to promote circus arts, for which he had a lifelong passion. What makes this event so special is its classic yet contemporary programming of high quality artists, giving birth to extraordinary and innovative acts. It remains today the most important circus manifestation in the world. The Festival presents about 25 acts each year and millions of viewers are thrilled to discover new and exceptionally talented artists.
2. The Spring Arts Festival
The Spring Arts Festival is a world-renowned event held in Monaco every April. This festival spans across five weekends, featuring 15 concerts and two musical theatre performances. The Spring Arts Festival showcases the best that art, music, theatre and dance have to offer. It is held at various stunning venues throughout the city, and artists from all over the globe come to perform. Due to its enormous popularity, those interested must secure their tickets months in advance.
3. Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix is a Formula One motor race held annually on the Circuit de Monaco on the last weekend in May, which was first staged back in 1929. It is one of the most prestigious races on the Formula 1 calendar, and widely considered the most important automobile race in the world. The challenging Circuit de Monaco measures 3,367 km with 78 turns. You don’t have to be a car lover to have a blast at this stylish and sophisticated event. Simply show up dressed to the nines and let the champagne flow.
4. Monte Carlo International Fireworks Festival
The Monte Carlo International Fireworks Festival was established by the Monaco Town Hall in 1966 and has been held every summer since. It is essentially a multi-coloured musical firework display outside the port of Monaco using the world’s most dazzling pyrotechnics. The show lasts around 25 minutes, thrilling onlookers with breath-taking shapes and colours, all accompanied by enchanting music. Whatever your age, you can’t help but be mesmerised.
5. Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters
The Monte Carlo Rolex Masters is a worldwide annual tennis tournament for male professional players held in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France. It is the major European tournament in the prestigious ATP World Tour Masters 1000 category. This competition is both a player and fan favourite thanks to its magnificent location that attracts thousands every year.
6. Menton Festival de Musique
The Menton Festival de Musique was founded by the Hungarian performer André Böröcz in 1950, and has been held every year since. This sophisticated affair welcomes the world’s most prominent classical artists to Menton as well as, more recently, more lesser-known yet nonetheless promising artists. Its carefully curated musical programme, international talent and spectacular setting make this a truly unique, unmissable event for concert-goers everywhere.
7. Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival
The acoustically acclaimed Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival is one of the most exclusive events on our list, with an intimate yet grandiose setting at the Monte-Carlo Opera House. The relatively young festival kicked off in 2006, under the high patronage of H.S. H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. It features both well-known musicians and rising-stars in jazz music. The mellow sound of the smooth jazz beats perfectly complements its opulent venue – a temple of the modern arts. Whether you’re a jazz lover or not, you can’t help but become immersed in the fun.
8. Concerts at the Prince’s Palace
Prince’s Palace is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Concerts at the Prince’s Palace is a series of open concerts held during the summertime. Traditionally, the royal courtyard has been used mainly for official matters and is rarely open to the public. To celebrate the Palace Day this year, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco shared fascinating insights about the history of music and its powerful influence. These concerts are best enjoyed by people who love the regal experience as well as classical music.
9. Monaco International Marathon
The Monaco International Marathon is an annual marathon which starts and finishes at Monaco point, crossing the French and Italian borders along the way. Its route spans across 10 km and over 1800 people attend the race every year. Better start practicing if you want to compete this year!
10. Monaco Yacht Show
The Monaco Yacht Show was founded in 1991 by the French entrepreneur Maurice Cohen and is held annually in September at Port Hercules, Monaco. The official organising body of the yacht show is Informa – a leading international events, intelligence and scholarly research group. This is a flashy affair with 125 extraordinary one-off superyachts on display worth more than 4 billion Euro combined, attended by 30,000 visitors from every corner of the globe. Among them are companies and service providers who arrive to show off the latest and greatest luxury yachts for sale.
So, what are you waiting for? The French Riviera has something to offer everyone, whatever your lifestyle or interests. Stop dreaming about it and make it a reality in 2021. If you need help with your itinerary, look no further than Rent a Boat – because everything is better experienced on the crystal clear waters. For inquiries, contact us via email at [email protected]/fr or call us on +33 (0) 681 879 455 or +44 7711863070.
