8 Unmissable Events on the French Riviera in 2016

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As we welcome the spring 2016, it’s time to look ahead at some of the most exciting events to take place in the South of France over the coming months. This region is not only famous for its beautiful weather. The French Riviera also plays host to a number of highly-acclaimed festivals, carnivals and sporting events which are well worth a visit if you are here on holiday. St Tropez House, who has a vast portfolio of luxury houses to buy or rent in and around Saint Tropez in 2016 has chosen Top 8 must-see events: 1. Monte-Carlo Rolex Cup, Monte-Carlo Country Club, April 9th to 17th One of the most popular events on the international tennis circuit is the Monte-Carlo Rolex Open, which takes place at the Monte-Carlo Country Club every April. The setting is incredible, with fans being able to watch tennis whilst at the same looking out over the Mediterranean Sea. The ATP tournament attracts some of the biggest names in tennis such as Novac Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray. 2. Top Marques Monaco, April 14th to 17th The supercar show Top Marques takes place during the last weekend of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters and is well worth a look if you are a car fans or not. The four day exhibition is primarily a supercar event, where every car is for sale, but there are also areas dedicated to other aspects of a luxury lifestyle such as exclusive watches, bespoke jewellery and superboats. It takes place in and around the Grimaldi Forum, with test drives on a privatized area of the Grand Prix circuit. 3. Cannes Film Festival, May 11th to 22nd This event needs no introduction; the Cannes film festival is arguably the biggest movie extravaganza anywhere in the world which takes place at the Palais des Festivals on the promenade in Cannes. The next edition will be the festival’s 69th edition, and more than likely to attract the biggest names in film who come to premier their movies, be seen and have fun. 4. Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, May 26th to 29th Another hugely popular event on the Cote d’Azur is the Monaco F1 Grand Prix, which takes place around the streets and the Port of Monaco. The circuit winds its way through tunnels and hairpin bends in the world’s second smallest country, watched by thousands of fans who line the course on constructed stands or balconies of the principality’s prime real estate. There are also some lucky ones who get to watch the vehicles race around the circuit from the decks of their superyachts berthed in the Port of Monaco. 5. Bastille Day, July 14th This quintessential French public holiday is celebrated across the country regardless of the day of the week. La Fete Nationale, or Bastille Day, commemorates the storming of the Bastille, a French prison, on July 14th 1789 which started the French Revolution. It is marked in almost every French town and village, no matter how small, with parades, red, white and blue flags and fireworks. One of the best spots to admire fireworks is Pampelonne beach in St Tropez. Or even better, holiday villas overlooking Pampelonne beach. 6. Cannes Yachting Festival, September 6th to 11th Cannes Yachting Festival is widely reputed to be Europe’s leading in-water exhibition with more than 500 boats on display. It annually draws crowds of more than 40,000 and is an exciting event for seasoned yachtsmen and amateurs alike. It is also the first yacht show after the hugely busy charter season in the Med and takes place in the Vieux Port and the more modern Port Pierre Canto, in Cannes. 7. Monaco Yacht Show, September 28th to October 1st Less than an hour down the road, and just over two weeks later the world’s leading superyacht event takes place in a blaze of glory at the heart of Monaco. The Monaco Yacht hosts more than 100 superyachts, a superb selection of toys for boys and some pretty cool tenders which are all showcased in and around the waterfront in Monaco. 8. Les Voiles de St Tropez, September 24th to October 2nd The last event on our ‘unmissable list’ is held in Saint Tropez and is one of the most spectacular sailing events on the globe. Les Voiles de St Tropez is one of the sailing fraternity’s most eagerly awaited regattas which takes place in the beautiful waters of the Bay of St Tropez. Organised by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, the regatta attracts top racers and sailing enthusiast from around the world who amass in Saint Tropez to take part in the week-long competition. Have a look at the selection of villas for rent in St Tropez overlooking the bay.