Weekend event round up!

The 8th edition of the Ironman will take place on Saturday

Ironman France de Nice

The 8th edition of the strenuous triathlon will commence this Sunday. 2,500 participants, both men and women, will set off at 6.30am from Centenaire Plage in Nice for a dynamic day of racing. 

Spaniard Marcel Zamora, who has won the competition five times, will not be competing in the race this year due to an quadricep injury. Additionally, notorious cyclist Lance Armstrong has been suspended from the competition due to a series of drug cheating allegations. 

Dedicated professionals and amateurs who have trained throughout the year will indulge in a course from three different disciplines; 3.8km of swimming, a 182 km bike ride, ending with a marathon. Participants have to muscle up enough strength and mental power to complete the course and earn a place at the World Ironman championships in HawaÏ.  

The bike ride begins at the legendary Promenade des Anglais and goes through the idyllic setting of Nice's hinterland. 

Last year, Frederic Vamn Lierde from Belgium completed  the course in a speedy time of 8 hours, 28 minutes and 30 seconds.

In addition to the Ironman course, there are also a series of other routes organised including Ironkids and IronGirl. 

If you dont fancy taking part in this toilsome course - a key event in Europe, then why not watch from the sidelines. The competition will finish on the Promenade des Anglais (avenue de Verdun) opposite the Hotel Meridien.

Toulon Yacht Club

For one exclusive weekend, the Toulon yacht club will be opening its doors for one unique event. The Mourillon beach will be transformed and feature a range of nautical activities including kayaking, surfing, sailing and paddle boarding. 

If you prefer to stay dry, then a selection of events have also been arranged onshore. For example, there's an interactive workshop where participants can develop their understanding on preserving the marine environment. 

Admission is free. For more information, call 04 94 46 63 18 

National Archaeology Day (Draguignan)

The festival showcases the very best of French archaeology, presenting a jam-packed programme from 9am of special events including exhibitions on funeral archaeology, a conference entitled The Rights of Passage, an excavation workshop and a showing of the children's animated film La Fouille (The Search).  

You don't necessarily have to be an archaeologist to join in - the event gives everyone the chance to learn about their local heritage, to see archaeology in action and to try their hand at a bit too! 

Admission is free, for more information call 04 94 47 05 72 

Electro Beach Party (Cannes)

Summer is here and to celebrate there is a thrilling electro concert on the golden sands near Cannes for two days, starting from this evening from 7.30pm to 3am with acts such as Agoria, Sinteg, Supernacho and Stereowizard. 

Tomorrow, there will be an exclusive performance by powerful Malian singer, Inna Modja. 

Let the rave begin! 

Admission to the event is 20 euros per person and will take place at Le Mas des Escaravatiers, Saint Tropez street, Purget sur Argens.

Fete de la Saint Jean (Le Lavandou)

At 10am, children are invited to come armed with their buckets and spades for an exciting sand castle competition amid the beautiful views of the Mediterranean sea. Children will be able to enjoy some good old fashioned fun at the beach, constructing creative designs in the sand. Afterwards, from 12pm, children can look upon their artistic creations while having a picnic! 

Thrilling forms of entertainment will also take place in the evening such as the torch-lit parade which leaves at 9.30pm from the town hall as well as an exhilarating beach show at 11pm.

Admission is free. For more information, call 04 94 00 41 71 

If you would like to know more about regional events, click here to view The Riviera Times events page.

Katie Williams