It's a busy weekend ahead

Look up to the skies this weekend at Nice's Nuits des Etoiles

Mind over matter

Turn your eyes to the heavens for a unique opportunity to search for solar giant Saturn at Nice's Nuits des Etoiles. This free event, held in the city's Parc du Castel des Deux Rois on Mont Alban, is giving the public the chance to get to grips with professional technology and equipment, using a range of high tech telescopes to track down this elusive planet in the sky. From 7pm, on both 10th and 11th August, eager stargazers can sit along side the pros for a truly exhilarating experience.

Rich in culture and history, this weekend the Riviera is also inviting you to take a step back to simpler times. Wander through the lush greenery of Ramatuelle and visit the region's old windmill. Moulin de Paillas is being opened up to the public this August and invites you in to learn more about the part it played as an important and interesting feature of the seaside town.

If the high seas catch your eye, head down to Port Hercule in Monaco for your chance to climb aboard one of Colombia's great sailing ships. Still used by the Principality's navy, the great vessel is now prowling the Mediterranean coastline ready for docking on 12th August in the famous harbour. Almost pirate-esque in its classic maritime style, Arc Gloria is sure to be a hit with families and intrepid young adventurers.

Maintain that summer body

Lazy Sundays be gone! It's time to get your blood pumping with some summertime action on 12th August. Pick from Pampelonne's intensive five kilometre endurance swim in the sea or the speedy Yves Moignard biathlon in Le Lavandou. Both 10 euros to enter, these challenges are not for the faint hearted and if you'd prefer to sit back and relax as someone else does the hard work, read on...

The Côte is going Latin with its world-renowned tango festival! From 8th to 12th August, satin and sequins will be flooding the halls of the casino in Nice's neighbour Cagnes sur Mer for a weekend of glamour and hot blooded delight. Famous tango artists Pablo Veron and Natalia Pombo will be performing as well as the celebrated Tango Spleen Orchestra.

Lift your spirit and light your soul

With jazz festivals right along the Riviera this weekend, adding bold and brass notes to the evening air in Toulon, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and Cap d'Ail, there's a whole host of exciting concerts available - and many are free!

For some light hearted entertainment, head to the Plages du Rire comedy festival. Laugh along with comedians Olivier de Benoist, Anthony Joubert and Laurent Barat on 10th August at the very first edition of the festival - if you can keep up with the French humour!

The historic Principality of Seborga in Italy is inviting you into the walls of its stunning San Martino square for a night of symphonies and concertos. The local orchestra is paying homage to American film legend Walt Disney on 12th August with a nighttime programme packed with favourites such as Silly Symphony and Flowers and Trees.

Now, think you can fit all that in this weekend?

Elsa Carpenter