Music and Fireworks on the Cote d'Azure
the middle of August. More information at: http://www.menton.fr/. The International Piano Festival International at La Roque d'Anthéron is another place to hear classical: http://www.festival-piano.com/
Nice's Musicalia, Festival of World Music and Music of the South has a weeklong schedule that includes everything from Persian music to bands from the Balkans. Entrance is free on most nights. http://www.nicetourisme.biz/en/fiche_pra...
The "Nuits Du Sud" in nearby Vence highlights music from Africa, Latin America and Europe. Concerts take place from the middle of July to the middle of August and begin at 9 p.m. at the Place du Grand-Jardin. Tickets cost 15 euros, http://www.ifestival.fr/affich1.asp?id=9...
There are dozens of smaller music festivals held in chateaus scattered around the area. For example, Nuits Estivales du Château in Mouans-Sartoux presents a Flamenco Rock band, a big band a violin jazz quartet and an evening of Brazilian dance and music. http://www.mouans-sartoux.com/
The best site for information on summer events on the French Riviera is http://www.guideriviera.com/. It is in English, so spend some time exploring your options before you arrive. The site includes a variety of things I didn't mention, such as the Lavender Festival in Grasse, the Bread festival in Saint-Martin-Vesubie or Villaneuve-Loubet's Gourmet festival.
When you arrive, ask the local tourist information center for the Côte d'Azure en fêtes, a magazine that lists all the events on the coast. It's written in French, but you can get the idea. The Anglo Riviera Guide is an English guide to the area.
The best advice I can give those visiting during peak season is to take a train whenever possible and to try to adapt the easy-going attitude of the locals. You will certainly reach your destination and, if you relax, smile, and try a few French phrases, you may well make a few friends along the way.
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