Its not all pleasure for the famous names in music who descend to the Cte dAzur each Summer,perfect tabloid fodder when captured frolicking on board superyachts or beachside in St Tropez. Infact, theres rarely a free weekend in the event calendar and a variety of music festivals allow visitingartists the opportunity to balance out all that leisure with the occasional bit of business! Which meansa well-timed holiday to this fabled coastline provides the perfect chance to catch a star or two on asummer stage. Heres what not to miss:
Nice Jazz Festival
This is the prestigious musical event of the Rivieras biggest city. Whilst a browse through of the modernday line-up suggests jazz to be a rather loose musical definition, more than one illustrious namehas graced this stage, from Miles Davis to Leonard Cohen and Lauryn Hill. 2013 wont disappointeither, since between 8th and 12th July visitors can look forward to performances from GeorgeBenson, C2C and Ben Harper, to name a few. Whilst many locals are nostalgic for the Roman ruinsand olive groves at Cimiez which provided the festival backdrop for decades, the new setting is ratherspecial as well, located across from the Mediterranean and amongst the leafy Thtre de Verdureand into Place Massna. Night owls should seek out the after parties for impromptu and intimateperformances.
Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival
Who can blame the worlds biggest stars for being attracted to centre stage at Monacos premiermusic festival? This year is set to be bigger than ever, as the Principality is in a festive mood tocelebrate the 150th anniversary of their beloved SBM (Socit des Bains de Mer), the organisationbehind many of the casinos and luxury hotels. Headlining, of course, it-girl Rihanna, whilst other actsinclude Rod Stewart and Sir Elton John, amongst a line-up of artists performing individual shows from 6thJuly to 19th August. Its a formal affair at the Monte Carlo Sporting, set in a grand venue befittingthe prestige and glamour of the Principality, and a sit-down meal is included in the ticket price. Whynot treat yourself to an appropriately stylish night or two at one of the SBM hotels – which include theHtel de Paris and Htel Hermitage?
Jazz Juan
Theres a fondness for the jazz genre along this coast, which breeds a friendly rivalry between thetwo popular festivals of the calendar. A similar pedigree to the Nice Jazz festival, Jazz Juan is now in its 53rdyear and has welcomed on stage such names as Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald. Set in a stunning location on the beachfront in Juan-les-Pins, around the Cap from Antibes, save the dates between 12th and 21st July for performances from acts including Sting, Diana Krall and Marcus Miller. Luckily closing night in Nice is opening night in Juan-les-Pins so you wont have to choose betweenthe two!
Festival Nuits du Sud
Head to the hills between 16th July and 12th August and to the pretty historic centre of Vence, for themuch-loved Les Nuits du Sud musical nights. This year 26 acts have been invited to perform, offeringan eclectic mix of recognised and emerging names to celebrate the music of the worlds four corners.Its your chance to catch Patti Smith or Italys favourite son Zucchero. This festival provides a moreintimate atmosphere than its peers in a picture-perfect setting, framed by the restaurants and cafeswhose tables overlook the stage on Place du Grand Jardin. Some could argue that these sidewalkseats are the best in house!
Calvi on the Rocks
Corsica is one of Europes cool island escapes, so is it any surprise that a five day festival whicheffortlessly manages to combine beachside chic and glamour is held here? Found along the northerncoastline of the Ile de Beaut, Calvi is one of Corsicas most charming towns and the beaches whichsurround its dominating citadelle will transform into party central between 5th and 10th July. Join Europes pretty young things and settle in for a selection of chilled beats brought to you by MarkRonson and Pillowtalk, amongst others. Now in its 11th year, there’s a boutique feel which the organisers are in no hurry to change. Some things are best kept a secret!
