May 2026 on the French Riviera: Roses, Red Carpets and the Art of Living

In May, the French Riviera enters its most dazzling season. From the fragrant hills of Grasse to the legendary red carpet of Cannes and the iconic curves of Monaco, the Côte d’Azur unveils a calendar where glamour, culture and the art of living intertwine. A unique time of year when every city becomes the stage for an exceptional event.

Grasse in Bloom with ExpoRose (May 8–10, 2026)

The first major event of May sees Grasse celebrating the queen of flowers with ExpoRose, taking place from May 8 to 10, 2026. This year’s edition, themed “A Desire for Escape,” promises a sensory journey in the world capital of perfume.

For three days, the historic center will be adorned with thousands of roses, transforming streets, squares and gardens into a fairy-tale setting. Monumental floral installations, performances, exhibitions and artistic events will bring this emblematic celebration of the Riviera spring to life.

It is impossible to speak about Grasse without mentioning its perfume heritage. The occasion is perfect for visiting the International Perfume Museum or historic houses such as Fragonard, whose workshops and museums immerse visitors in the fascinating world of fragrance creation. Exceptional residences such as Villa Lancôme will also open their doors for exclusive visits. And of course, there are the famous pink umbrellas, which have become one of the event’s most photogenic symbols.

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Cannes, the World Capital of Cinema (May 12–23, 2026)

As soon as the petals fall, the spotlight turns to Cannes, which will host the 79th Cannes Film Festival from May 12 to 23, 2026. For twelve days, La Croisette will once again become the center of the cinematic world.

This year’s jury will be chaired by South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook, guaranteeing a bold and resolutely international selection. As always, Cannes will gather the biggest names in global cinema, from acclaimed directors and emerging talents to international stars.

A Distinctive Nordic Touch

This 2026 edition will feature a particularly strong Scandinavian presence. Alicia Vikander will be among the major Nordic figures expected on the Croisette thanks to her role in Hope, the highly anticipated new film by director Na Hong-jin, presented in Official Competition.

Another highlight will be the return of Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn, who will present Her Private Hell out of competition. True to his singular style, he is expected to deliver one of the festival’s most talked-about cinematic moments.

Scandinavia will also shine through several major co-productions, including Fjord by Cristian Mungiu, competing in the Official Selection. Filmed in Norway and starring Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve, the film perfectly illustrates the creative influence of Nordic cinema on the international stage.

The amfAR Gala: Glamour and Philanthropy

On Thursday, May 21, all eyes will turn to the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes for the prestigious amfAR Gala.

A true institution of the Cannes Film Festival, this charity evening gathers celebrities, philanthropists and fashion figures around an exceptional dinner, a spectacular auction and exclusive performances. One of the Riviera’s most glamorous and meaningful events, this year’s gala will feature Swedish singer Zara Larsson alongside Robbie Williams and British pop sensation PinkPantheress.

When The White Lotus Arrives on the Riviera

Another surprise of the 2026 season: the hit series The White Lotus is bringing its cameras to the French Riviera for its fourth season.

After Hawaii, Sicily and Thailand, Mike White’s satirical and luxurious universe is heading to the Riviera. Scenes will be filmed in Saint-Tropez, Monaco and especially Cannes, where the iconic Hôtel Martinez will temporarily transform into the “White Lotus Cannes.”

A perfect twist of fiction and reality, with some sequences set against the backdrop of the festival’s glamorous atmosphere.

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Monaco: The Grand Finale in June

Traditionally, the Monaco Grand Prix extends the excitement of Cannes. But in 2026, the Formula 1 calendar has a small surprise in store: the legendary race will take place in early June rather than at the end of May as usual. A slight shift that will extend the Riviera’s season of major events just a little longer.

However, the Principality will come alive as early as May with the Monaco E-Prix, which has become one of the flagship events of the Formula E World Championship. In the iconic streets of Monte Carlo, electric single-seaters will deliver a spectacle that is both futuristic and spectacular, before giving way a few weeks later to the roar of Formula 1 engines in the incomparable setting of Monaco.

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