Nice Jazz Festival is a unique event which came into being in 1974 and in the 30 odd years since The has grown to become an event of truly international repute. In the 2000’s the term “jazz” is, in fact, not a good indication of the breadth of music to be found here. Pop, blues, soul and funk as well as many other types of music are all available at the festival. The sheer range of musical styles on display here ensures that this summer time appointment is a meeting place for musicians, lovers of all types of music and those who are simply curious. As is the case with ( almost ) every year the 2006 festival is programmed for the month of July, between the 19th – 26th. “Les Jardins Cimiez” provide the focal point for the festival. This is an area well associated with the Arts and it is the point at which performers and the public can mingle and mix. Accompanying the music are associated cultural events. The area itself is in the Gallo – Roman style and is surrounded by centuries old olive trees ensuring the air is infused with the sweet smells of lavender and rosemary. All of this goes to providing a real Mediterranean feeling to those warm summer evenings on the Cote d’Azur. This well organized and well supported event lasts for 8 days during which more than 120 hours of entertainment is provided. As can be testified to by the more than 50,000 spectators at past events this is a very pleasurable experience. Between festival events there is always time to partake of a bite to eat and something to drink in this fun filled event which is appreciated by young, and not so young, alike. All festival events finish around midnight which means festival goers can make use of the “jazz buses” to get back into the centre of Nice and thence to continue their evening amidst the attractions of the seafront.
