Carnival Of Nice France: Dates, Events, and What to Expect
Last Updated on January 7, 2026 by spritzience
There’s something magical about the Carnival of Nice France—a burst of color, music, and creativity that sweeps away the winter blues. I’ve always been drawn to cultural celebrations, and Carnival is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s my antidote to the post–Christmas market slump, a way to inject joy into the cold months.
My love affair with Carnival began back in my school days in Switzerland, when my friends and I stumbled upon our first German Carnival—not by sight, but by sound, following the echo of brass bands through the streets. Since then, I’ve made it a tradition to attend at least one, sometimes two Carnivals each year, exploring them across Italy, Switzerland, and France in search of the most unforgettable experiences.
And while each has its charm, the Nice Carnival captivated me with its showmanship—performance artists dancing on elaborate floats, draped in jaw-dropping costumes that felt like moving works of art.
The Carnival of Nice France isn’t just a parade—it’s a Riviera production on par with a fashion runway, a street party, and a theater performance all rolled into one. This annual celebration has been dazzling crowds since 1873, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious carnivals in the world. Officially organized by the Nice Côte d’Azur Tourism Board, it attracts over a million visitors each year to watch its blend of French elegance, Riviera flair, and global creativity.
When is the 2026 Carnival of nIce France?
The 2026 edition of the Carnival of Nice France runs from February 11 to March 1, with a theme of “Long Live the Queen”—expect regal floats, royal-inspired costumes, and a playful French twist on pomp and pageantry. Events range from the iconic Corso Carnavalesque (day and night parades) to the enchanting Bataille de Fleurs—a flower battle where performers in elaborate costumes shower the crowd with thousands of locally grown blossoms.
For me, affordable luxury at the Nice Carnival means booking reserved grandstand seats—so you can sit back with an unobstructed view of the action, enjoy the performances without jostling for space, and capture beautiful photos without a sea of heads in the way. I like the seats in Place Masséna, right in the heart of the parade route. It’s the perfect balance: elevated comfort without breaking the budget, and the kind of experience that turns a great Carnival into an unforgettable one.
The History of The Carnival Of Nice France: Royal Visits, Street Revelry & Winter’s Farewell
The Carnival of Nice France is more than just a parade—it’s a living tradition that’s been part of Riviera life for over seven centuries. The earliest recorded mention dates back to 1294, when Charles of Anjou, Count of Provence, came to the city for pre-Lenten celebrations. It was a great way to indulge before the austerity of Lent.
By 1830, the Carnival had taken on a grander air when King Charles-Félix and Queen Maria Cristina visited Nice. The city honored them with its first organized parade, a royal affair that planted the seeds of the modern spectacle.
Then, in 1873, a dedicated Carnival director was appointed, giving the event its distinctive structure—timed parades, themed floats, and elevated viewing stands. Three years later, the Bataille de Fleurs (Flower Battle) was introduced, transforming the celebration into a riot of color and scent. And to this day, the Carnival closes with the burning of the Carnival King—a symbolic farewell to winter—followed by fireworks that light up the Bay of Angels.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Magic
Months before the first drumbeat echoes down Place Masséna, the creative heart of the Carnival is already in motion. Each year, artists known as Ymagiers submit sketches interpreting the chosen theme—this year, “Long Live the Queen.” A selection committee chooses the winning designs, and 17 of them are transformed into full-scale floats by two specialized workshops in and around Nice.
The process blends age-old craftsmanship with modern technology. Builders start with sturdy metal frames, layering them with polystyrene to create sweeping shapes and towering figures up to 17 meters high. Papier-mâché and hand-painted details add personality, while advanced lighting, sound systems, and even robotics bring the floats to life at night. Then there are the Grosses Têtes—giant caricature heads, each weighing around 8 kilos, carried by performers who weave through the crowd, stopping for selfies and playful banter.
For the Bataille de Fleurs, around 15 floats are covered in approximately 3,000 fresh blooms each, sourced from local growers. Costumed performers toss out 100,000 stems—two tons of golden mimosa among them—turning the streets into a fragrant, fluttering cloud.
Various workshops around Nice create new costumes each year, using a range of tulle, satin, sequins, feathers and lame. On average, costumes can take 60 to 200 hours of work to create. The most elaborate -think the King’s costume- requires 200 meters of fabric.
When is the Carnival of Nice France?
The key dates are February 11 to March 1.
The Carnival of Nice France opens with the Grand Charivara on the afternoon of Feb. 11th, 2026, starting at 4:00 pm. The carnival finishes with a closing ceremony with the Burning of the King, followed by fireworks on February 28, 2026 at 10:30 pm.
During the 2026 carnival period there are 3 types of parades you can enjoy:
- Flower Parade: Feb. 18, 21, 25, 28 at 2:30
- Parade of Lights: Feb. 14 (9 pm), Feb 17, 21, 24, 28th at 8:30 pm
- Day Parade: Feb. 22 at 2:30 pm
For both parades, you need to buy tickets to enter the parade route area. Tickets prices in 2026 range from 7-14 Euros (standing) to 23 to 31 Euros (for stadium seats) for the Parade of Lights and 14 Euros (standing) to 23-28 Euros (stadium seats) for the Flower Parade.
There are also a limited number of free tickets for those who come in costume, dressed from head to to, for the parade of lights, specifically for the standing sections.
There’s also an opportunity to save with ticket packages combining seats for 1 flower parade and 1 parade. For more information on tickets visit the official Carnival in Nice website, where you can pre-buy tickets.
What is the Carnival of Nice France: 2 Types of Parades
When it comes to Carnival of Nice France, there’s a buzz in the air that simply can’t be matched. One of the most thrilling experiences is undoubtedly the night parade. With vibrant floats gliding down the streets, illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights, dancers in dazzling costumes swirl around you. It’s a feast for your senses!
You’ll want to grab a good spot early because this spectacle draws quite the crowd. And maybe be strategic about where you stand, sometimes the floats like to interact with parade watchers.
Then we have the charming flower parade—talk about eye candy. Every float is adorned with stunning blooms (a range of roses, gerberas, carnations, dahlias and gladiolas) that create intricate designs and delightful fragrances wafting through the air. As the floats roll by, performers throw out thousands of stems of flowers to the crowd. I brought mine back to the hotel and created a makeshift vase to put them on display.
During both parades, performers hang off floats so as to fly through the air, adding a Cirque du Soleil feel to the parade. The costumes worn by the performers are just magnificent- with high-end details, that sparkle.
As Carnival parades go, the flower parade has an air of classiness to it, and the French joie di vivre for costumes and theater work together to make it a truly magical parade. Let’s not forget about music! The heart and soul of Carnival are its concerts and performances, where local artists showcase their talents.
Immersive Tips: How to Be Part of the Show
Want to do more than just watch? Here’s how to step into the Carnival magic:
- Dress in costume head-to-toe and you can enter certain viewing areas for free—yes, even the tribunes. Think bold colors, masks, sequins, or feathers. Remember this offer is only good for the parades, and not the flower battles. To claim your ticket, you’ll want to head to the entrances at E1, E2, E3, or E4.
- Mix day and night events for the full experience. Day parades sparkle with flowers and sunlit floats, while night parades transform into illuminated, almost theatrical productions.
- Pick your spot wisely. Grandstand seats offer the best comfort and views (my go-to for affordable luxury), while standing areas put you right in the action.
- Make it a long weekend. Pair the Nice Carnival with Menton’s Lemon Festival or a day in Monaco for an extra dose of Riviera glamour.
Tips for Enjoying the Carnival Of Nice France: Make the Most of Your Experience!
To enjoy the grand parades without getting swallowed by the crowd, book a grandstand seat for the Carnival of Nice France. The best spots are in Place Masséna—look for the Max Gallo Stand, Masséna Stand, or Félix Faure Stand—or the grandstand along the Promenade des Anglais. Pre-purchasing your ticket online is essential if you want prime seats. From there, you’ll have an unobstructed view of the colorful floats, dazzling costumes, and the performers’ playful energy as they sweep past one of the Riviera’s most iconic backdrops.
If you prefer to be in the thick of it, a standing-only ticket is perfect. It’s more flexible, letting you roam within the fenced parade area and soak up the atmosphere from different vantage points. There are four official entrances to the parade zone, plus two ticket booths just outside—one on the Promenade des Anglais and another at Paillon.
The parade route loops through Avenue de Verdun, Promenade des Anglais, Avenue Max Gallo, and Place Masséna, so you’ll pass multiple points where the action unfolds.
And while the Carnival is the star of the show, it’s worth carving out time for one day in Nice to see more than the parades. A perfectly crafted walking tour route through Nice and its’ Old Town reveals the city’s quieter charms—winding lanes lined with pastel facades, tiny artisan shops, fragrant spice stalls, and intimate galleries showcasing Riviera talent. It’s the perfect way to balance the high-energy spectacle of the Carnival with the slower, more romantic side of the city.
Best Restaurants
When visiting the Carnival of Nice France, you’re truly spoiled for choice when it comes to dining and nightlife. Each of these spots brings something unique to the table (literally!), ensuring your culinary adventure is as delightful as the stunning French Riviera views.
Starting with Chez Acchiardo, this charming little eatery is known for its traditional Niçoise salad and grilled meats. Stones line the walls of this cozy dining room, with some areas decorated with wine barrel paintings. The 4th generation of the Acchiardo family is managing the restaurant. They’ve had plenty of time to perfect their amazing dishes since opening in 1927.
Next up is Nice Sunset, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean while sipping on expertly crafted cocktails. It’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring Nice old town, with a fresh salad, tapas or other French Brasserie food staples.
If you’re looking for something cozy yet sophisticated, Bistrot Gourmand should be on your radar. The rotating menu showcases seasonal ingredients, which means each visit can offer new surprises! Plus, the ambiance feels just right for an intimate dinner with amazingly plated dishes and impeccable Mediterranean food.
For those who appreciate artistry in gastronomy, L’Alchimie Restaurant takes dining to another level with its innovative dishes that are both visually stunning and mouth-wateringly delicious. You’ll find flavors here that will linger long after you’ve left the table.
Great Cocktail Bars in Nice
And what’s a trip to the Carnival of Nice France, without some good drinks? Start at Delano Cocktail Bar, where mixology reaches new heights. Their bartenders are true artists—crafting bespoke cocktails to match your mood. The art deco décor alone is worth the visit, with a sleek green wraparound bar accented by gold details, creating the perfect backdrop for a chic pre-parade toast.
For a lively mix of dining and entertainment, make your way to Les Folies d’Edmonde. Here, fabulous food meets a playful atmosphere, with live performances that feel like an extension of Carnival itself. It’s the kind of place where you can savor local flavors while being swept up in the night’s energy.
And then there was Waka Bar—which called out to me as I walked by. I knew I had to step inside, and within minutes I found myself with a drink in hand, leaning over their balcony with the sea stretching out in front of me. It was one of those perfect Riviera moments—warm breeze, clinking glasses, and the hum of Carnival festivities in the distance. Their laid-back vibe makes it a great spot for casual drinks with friends or swapping stories with fellow travelers under twinkling lights.
Le Plongeoir Bar has to be one of the most unique settings, atop large rocks connected with a walkway overhanging the Mediterranean. The bar sitting atop a pillar rock, has 3 diving boards – not for the faint-hearted. Just next to it their famous restaurant serves up fresh fish and other Mediterranean fare, paired with seasonal produce. If you’re going to have just one Spritz during your life, make it an Aperol Spritz at Le Plongeoir; it will be nothing short of spectacular.
Great Hotels in Nice France for Affordable Luxury
If you’re planning a cozy winter getaway for the Carnival of Nice France, these hotels will elevate your experience from start to finish.
Arome Hotel – Warm, welcoming, and budget-friendly, this charming spot is perfect for those who want to enjoy the Riviera’s winter sunshine without stretching their budget. Rates start from €92 a night in winter. Picture yourself sipping a coffee in the inviting lobby while mapping out the day’s parades and strolls through Old Town.
Palais Segurane Boutique Hotel – For a touch of luxury in a prime location, this beautifully designed boutique hotel is just steps from local attractions and beloved eateries. Rates start from €170 a night in winter, making it a chic choice for travelers who want style and convenience in equal measure.
Palais Saleya Boutique Hotel – With elegant décor, spacious suites, and postcard-worthy views, this hotel is perfect for special occasions—or for simply treating yourself. Rates start from €180 a night in winter, and its central location makes it easy to slip between Carnival events and relaxing moments back at your suite.
Le Méridien Nice – A legendary address at No. 1 Promenade des Anglais, Le Méridien blends classic French décor with unbeatable views of the Bay of Angels. I’ve stayed here before and loved its warm French hospitality, spacious rooms, and big windows that let in the soft Mediterranean light. During Carnival, some rooms even double as private parade-viewing spots, with balconies overlooking the route. The hotel also features a garden and a rooftop bar with a pool on the 9th floor—perfect for sunset cocktails before the evening’s festivities. Rates start from €180 a night in winter.
Getting to Nice France
If you’re landing at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport—one of the busiest in France—you’re just minutes from the heart of the city. A taxi will have you in Place Masséna in about 15 minutes, while the shuttle bus takes around 20. There’s nothing quite like stepping off the plane and being greeted by that first breath of fresh Mediterranean air.
Prefer to arrive by rail? The SNCF regional trains connect Nice to postcard-perfect towns along the French Riviera, making the journey as beautiful as the destination. For longer distances, the TGV high-speed train is a dream—Marseille to Nice in just over 2.5 hours, or Paris to Nice in just over 5.5 hours, all while you watch the scenery shift from rolling hills to glittering coastline.
And then there’s driving. Cruising the scenic coastal routes—or even detouring along the famous Route Napoléon—offers the ultimate freedom. Pull over for a cliffside photo, linger in a seaside café, or dip your toes in the water before continuing on. It’s all part of the Riviera magic.
Near Nice France
Nice a great destination is it’s central location on the French Riviera. It makes a great base from which to explore the Riviera. From the Nice train station you can easily reach many small towns on an hourly local train that moves between Cannes and Menton, stopping off at small towns and villages along the way.
Heading toward Menton, great stops include places like Villefranche-sur-Mer, Monaco and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. In many spots the train tracks enjoy a magnificent view of the Mediterranean waters and the gorgeous villas that line them, so it’s a great way to see the French Riviera.
How to Get from Nice to Cannes
Take a TER (regional train), from Nice Ville to arrive at Cannes in 35 minutes. The train goes at least once an hour, and there’s no need to pre-book it, you can simply buy it once you get to the station or on the SNCF app. Going in the direction of can some great places to stop off en route, including Antibes and Juan Les Pin.
More Carnival Time Cultural Experiences
If the Carnival of Nice France has sparked your appetite for more vibrant celebrations, there’s a whole season of cultural events waiting to be explored. For another unique parade, consider a quick 40-minute train ride east to Menton, France for the Menton Lemon Festival, where over 145 tonnes of citrus are transformed into towering floats and massive sculptures.
Or, head south to experience the pageantry of Acireale’s Carnival in Sicily, where elaborate floats and floral artistry rival anything on the mainland.
Venture into Switzerland for three unforgettable Carnival experiences: the fiery spectacle of Liestal’s Fire Parade, the rich traditions and artistry of the UNESCO-listed Basel Carnival, and the infectious rhythms of the Guggen bands in Bellinzona Carnival.
When spring arrives, let the blooms, flavors, and traditions of Europe in Full Bloom: 20 Unforgettable Spring Festivals and Events fill your travel calendar. Whether you’re chasing confetti, costumes, or cultural traditions, these celebrations promise to keep the magic going long after Nice’s final parade.
