14th of July Bastille Day Celebrations & International Music Festival from the 21st of July

30 June 2015

Think of the French Riviera and you’ll likely conjure up a vision of star-studded red carpets, super-yachts and the flashing cameras of 1000 paparazzo’s… and whilst this type of glitz and glamour does play a big part of the South of France lifestyle, it’s the more laid-back, traditional towns and villages that are the real stars of the French Riviera.

And if you’re planning on coming this year, then you’ll be surprised at some of the great events on taking place in some of the area’s best kept secrets.

La Fête Nationale

Sainte Maxime - 14th July 2015

Also known as Bastille Day, La Fête Nationale sees the streets of France come alive with fireworks, feasts and parades every 14th of July. The national holiday celebrates the unity of the French people during the storming of medieval fortress Bastille on the same date in 1789; an event that’s regarded as the beginning of the French Revolution and led to the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Alongside the world famous military parade down the Champs-Élysées, every town, city and village plan different ways to mark the occasion… and Sainte Maxime has a fun-filled two day extravaganza organised for 2015.

An array of local restaurants will be offering exclusive menus, including the charming Relais Provence, where a delicious three-course buffet will be served alongside an ice cold glass of Sangria for €39pp. Enjoy stunning views over the rolling hills of Sainte-Maxime, before heading down to the bay of Saint-Tropez for a magnificent firework display at 10:30pm. Crowds will gather on the town’s central beach to watch as the glittering spectacle fills the skyline and reflects across the waves of the Mediterranean below. Choreographed to the rhythmic beats of accompanying music, this highlight will be a truly unmissable event during celebrations.

Continue in the merriments by taking a stroll down the beach to the Theatre of the Sea at 10:45pm. The 1,300 capacity venue will be hosting an outdoor ball with contemporary music from one of the most admired groups along the Riviera, the Benty Brothers. While, a 6 minute wander over to the city’s Market Square will offer the chance to pull shapes to music from past eras performed by the Musique en Provence Retro orchestra. Providing the perfect opportunity to get a real taste of Sainte-Maxime culture, join the entire town for celebrations on July the 14th.

Les Grimaldines

Grimaud - from the 21st July 2015

Held over five consecutive Tuesdays starting on the 21st of July, the Les Grimaldines Festival will offer a chance to dance to international music acts and watch captivating street theatre in venues around the medieval village of Grimaud. Located just 20 minutes from Sainte-Maxime, the ruins and rebuilds of its 11th century castle and surrounding narrow lanes of stone walled and pastel washed houses will be hosting its 13th annual world music festival with a line-up curated to celebrate women.

Joy Olasunmibo Ogunmakin, otherwise known as ‘Ayo’  will be filling the warm summer air with her award-winning fuse of reggae, soul and folk on the 21st of July, while Janysett McPherson will be delivering a toe-tapping jazz performance for free on the 11th of August. Front woman Belle du Berry is set to wow crowds when Paris Combo take to the stage on the 28th of July; celebrating their twentieth anniversary, the five piece will be performing an eclectic mix that includes swing and chanson. Meanwhile, Sao Paulo singer Mariana Degani will be combining a video installation with poetry and music to deliver a more multi-sensory experience on the 4th of August.

Each evening will offer a range of entertainment for free between 7pm and 10pm, before the headliner takes to the château de Grimaud’s stage for a ticketed performance. The only exception to this being the grand finale on the 18th of August, when the entire village will resemble an open air theatre complete with acrobats, bands and a firework display to the rhythmic beat of drums courtesy of Commandos Percu. With performers visiting from as far as Brazil, Guinea and the US, there’ll be an inspirational sound to suit every taste, all performed infront of the charming backdrop of Grimaud.

Winding, historic streets, the lush green hills of the Massif des Maures mountain range and miles of white sandy beaches will provide beautiful backdrops to an outstanding entertainment programme this summer. With exceptional firework displays and an array of international acts, Sainte-Maxime and Grimaud will be the ideal destinations for an eventful break in the south of France this summer.