Events

Known as The Place to Race, each year in late May, the Formula One racing heroes zoom through the winding narrow streets of Monte Carlo. With little room for error and constant gear change, this yearly event is the jewel of the Formula One crown.

The dates have now been set as May 22-25 for 2008 and May 21-24 for 2009. So even if you may have missed out for tickets this year, you can plan for next. There are more than 3,000 seats available for sale on the circuit. Prices range from 100 euros to 500 euros a ticket. You are best getting hold of a map of the circuit before you buy. The best sections are A1, A4, V, Z1, Z2 and O.

For more information on tickets, visit the Automobile Club de Monaco. If a ticket for Sunday’s main event proves hard to come by, you can book yourself into a restaurant for lunch which has a terrace overlooking the race. Or, try watching the qualifying race the day before instead, where the smell of burning rubber is just the same, but both the crowds and the ticket price are less colossal.

A haven for Hollywood, this glittering extravaganza is the most prestigious film festival in the world. The dates for 2008 are the 14-25 May. The main hub of the action is the Palais des Festivals, a giant building where the entrance is adorned by the famous red carpet and photographers flash bulbs. If you want to catch a glimpse of Tom, George, and Brad straightening their dickie bows, or the stunning pouts of Angelina and Julia, then head here.

The historic Nice Carnival attracts over one million visitors each year. With a budget of € 5 million, it's no surprise it's still a huge tourist draw. The 2008 Carnival will take place between 16 February and 2 March and the theme is King of Bats, Cats, Rats And Other Legendary Creatures. So we can expect papier mâché giant rats, trapeze artists bats and musical CATS making their way through the Promenade des Anglais. As usual, there will also be the "Bataille des Fleurs", a huge parade of flowers and the ceremonial burning of the Carnival King. And then the rest of the budget will go up in smoke at the almost 30-minute long fireworks display. Find details on parade times and entrance fees here.

Mimosa Festival of Mandelieu-La Napoule. Celebrate with the locals at the annual Mimosa Festival (La Fête du Mimosa). In February, Mandelieu-La Napoule goes flower power crazy. The blooming of the gloriously yellow, sweet smelling mimosa flower marks the beginning of spring. The highlights are the election of the Mimosa Queen to reign over the spectacular parade of flowered floats. There's also dancing, singing, food events, craft fairs, and a children's carnival and activities.

Lemon Festival of Menton (Fête du Citron à Menton). In nearby Menton, it's a citrus celebration. Menton prizes itself on producing sweet lemons and is immensely proud of its reputation. The annual festival is over 70 years old. Artists and craftsmen bind the fruits together to create impressive fanciful sculptures and floats that parade the streets or sit serenely in the Bioves Gardens. In 2008, the theme was India. There are also craft fairs, food markets, and arranged visits to orchards and jam factories. For further details, and to book tickets online, click here.

Cannes International Boat & Yacht Show (Festival International de la Plaisance). Every September, 50,000+ visitors descend on the glamorous Port de Cannes for the Cannes International Boat & Yacht Show to see the latest models from the nautical world. At around € 20 a ticket, this is a great event for boat enthusiasts.

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