The next two weeks are two of the biggest musical events in the region – the Nice Jazz Festival commencing today until Friday 12 July, and the Jazz à Juan (Juan les Pins Jazz Festival) which runs Friday 12 July-Sunday 21 July. I will write a blog later in the week regarding the JLP Jazz Festival.
The Nice Jazz Festival has a capacity for around 9,000 spectators and is situated at the central Nice location of Place Masséna gardens. It is the second year the festival is being held at this site instead of the Cimiez location. Both sites have their benefits and varying atmospheres, but the Masséna location is much more accessible for spectators concerning the festival layout, and also proximity and ease of public transport and carparking. Also, the site is on flat ground so if you are attending with a baby buggy/stroller, or you have limited mobility or are wheelchair bound you can still attend and enjoy the concerts on offer. There are designated restricted mobility entrances and viewing seats, which shows an increased awareness of accessibility for all concert attendees.
Tickets are reasonably priced ranging from 25 euros per evening for discounted tickets (families, pensioners etc) to 35 euros for a full price admission. Children under 10 years are free. Tickets can be purchased via francebillet.com, Carrefour, FNAC, Géant, Intermarché and at the onsite ticket office open all day during the festival. Artists range from Earth, Wind and Fire to Ben Harper, Maceo Parker, and George Benson.
If you are traveling to the French Riviera region, please do take the opportunity to attend either (or both!) of these festivals and support them.
A full festival programme can be viewed at www.nicejazzfestival.fr
Access Riviera 