September on the Riviera heralds the grand return. The school term starts again, students trek back to college, visitors pack up already bursting cars, and the Riviera’s towns and beaches take on a quieter tone, but not for long.

The social calendar of the Côte d'Azur is varied and full of fabulous offerings. This September sees the return of the Cannes Boat Show (6-11 September) and the highly anticipated Régates Royales (18-25 September); a truly unmissable event on the yachting circuit.

40,000 visitors, 1500 competitors representing 32 countries and an impressive array of boats, not to mention the media crew from nearly 100 companies, will descend on Cannes for this year’s annual event and exposition. With a heritage dating back to 1857 and a competitive patronage including King Christian X of Denmark, the Prince of Wales and record breaker Phillippe Monnet, the Cannes Régates Royales is a must in the yachting and social calendar.

Revived in the 1970s, this year’s 38th regatta will see an even more impressive flotilla take over the Cannes harbour and it makes for an incredible sight, boasting approximately 80 classic yachts, including some over 100 years old, plus an array of Dragon boats, schooners, sloops and yawls.

The collection of boats is truly stunning, and combined with the glamorous setting of Cannes’s sweeping bay and the backdrop of the Lerin islands, it is a feast for the eyes, for both spectators and competitors as teams from all over the world battle both the water, the taxing courses and sometimes the weather.

The week long event is a celebration of yachting and the historic setting of Cannes is second to none. This year’s theme is 'Elegance' but Cannes is more than boats and ball gowns, it is a vibrant town with longevity and excellent cultural offering.

This busy social calendar is one reason many choose to invest in Cannes, since a holiday home can double as a viable rental option.

Our guide to Cannes provides further information regarding residential sectors of the city but if you're looking to be part of the action or benefit from an unmissable view of the activity, the selection of properties below will not disappoint.