Summer arrives with an array of festivities including the French national day of music.
Giraglia Cup, Saint-Tropez
As a port town, Saint-Tropez is well known for yachting and sailing, and this is one of the most prestigious offshore races in the Med, consisting of three days of inshore racing in the bay of Saint-Tropez followed by a 243-nautical-mile offshore race. Dates and details.
Bravades des Espagnols, Saint-Tropez
This annual event commemorates Saint Tropez's victory against a fleet of 21 Spanish ships on 15 June, 1637. Expect to see plenty of uniforms and muskets as the locals dress up to celebrate this day. Dates and details.
Fête de la Musique
Next up is this ever popular event celebrated across the whole of France on 21 June. Launched in 1982 by the French Ministry for Culture, the Fête is different from a music festival in that all the concerts and performances are free to the public and none of the artists are paid. Authorities waive normal licensing laws, allowing the revelry to continue as long as there are people with the stamina to enjoy it. It's definitely one of the not-to-be-missed events of the summer social calendar. Dates and details
Ramatuelle Jazz Festival
Created in 1986, the Ramatuelle Jazz Festival focuses on swing Jazz featuring many American and French musicians, oscillating between new discoveries and established musicians. In addition to an exclusive program, Jazz à Ramatuelle tirelessly promotes local musicians and delights an audience of new-music lovers with free concerts every night. Dates and details.