The Carnival in Nice is world class
On the European continent you can only experience a similar carnival in Venice.
The Carnival in Nice is thus in the absolute top class along with the Brazilian carnival in Rio de Janeiro and Mardi-Gras in American New Orleans.
Origin of carnival
Of Latin origin, carne-vale means “goodbye to meat”, and was in the Catholic Church an event that began the 40-day fasting period leading up to Easter.
In preparation, people ate and drank in copious quantities in the days leading up to the onset of lent. There was a tradition, especially in southern European countries, of partying and dressing up.
As far back as the 13th century, large, opulent and hilarious masquerades were held, which results on to today’s impressive processions and celebrations over many days.
The exact program for this year’s celebration in Nice can be found on the carnival’s own website www.nicecarnaval.com. Please note that the two-week event attracts over a million visitors to Nice each year, so there is congestion on the streets and hotels.
The Carnival in Nice is an experience of a lifetime
Every year, a special theme is chosen for the carnival, and artists create a masterpiece of mobile artwork in all the colours of the rainbow and with impressive floral decorations.
The music and samba rhythms are thrown across the streets, while 50 dance troupes of local and international artists provide a show and experience of a lifetime.
The parades run both during the day and night, and especially on the Promenade des Anglais,you can experience the unique “flower fights”, which is a beautiful showcase for the local flower production.
Security
Please note that following the terrorist attack involving a lorry in Nice on 14 July 2016, strict requirements and systematic access checks have been introduced to the festival area. Staff may require searching and checking of bags and the like.
The carnival’s website states items that are not allowed to be carried, e.g. larger suitcases, fireworks, weapons, helmets, racks for cameras, folding chairs and bicycles.
Remember to arrive well in advance of the start of show, as there may be long queues at the entrance gates.
Parking and traffic
Throughout the festival period, access to central Nice in your own car is extremely difficult. It is advisable to park on the outskirts of the city and take public transport into the festival area.
Set aside ample time for the transport, as the traffic is hectic in the two weeks of carnival.
Prices
Tickets are required for access to the central festival areas of Masséna Square and the Promenade des Anglais.
There are various combination options for buying a ticket, which for adults starts at 23 euros per event.
Children up to 5 years old are free and the price is 10 euros from 6 to 12 years. See all the options and buy a ticket via the festival website.
The Carnivals website: www.nicecarnaval.com→
By Mikael Mortensen – 2022
- All
- Art
- Castles and palaces
- Churches & chapels
- Excursions
- Food & Wine
- Gardens & parks
- Markets
- Museums
- Ports & Islands
- Squares & Promenades
Boat trips Boat trip from Nice to Villefranche
Enjoy the beautiful views of Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on a 1-hour boat trip along the French Riviera.
Excursions Hop-on Hop-off bus tour in Nice
Explore Nice with a 1- or 2-day pass to the open-top Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus. Hop on and off as often as you like and take the time to experience the most popular places
Squares & Promenades Old town of Nice – Vieille Ville
There are many reasons to fall in love with Nice. One of the obvious ones is the charming old town with its cozy little streets, narrow houses painted in breathtaking southern colors.
Gardens & parks Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is a beautiful botanical and zoological park with exciting experiences for both children and adults. With one of Europe’s largest greenhouses…
Art Museum of Modern Art – MAMAC
Located in the heart of the city, close to Place Garibaldi, the MAMAC Museum exhibits modern and contemporary art from the 1950s to the present day.
Castles and palaces Villa Masséna museum
Villa Masséna is an architectural jewel from the Belle Epoque period and today houses a museum of the history of Nice and the memorabilia of Napoleon.
Excursions Excursions Nice
Nice is the heart of the Côte d’Azur and many of the most interesting excursions depart from here. Book securely with free cancellation.
Castles and palaces Colline du Chateau
This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city and at the same time the place where Nice saw the light of day for around …
Art Matisse Museum Nice
The Matisse Museum in Nice is a city museums and it’s dedicated to the life and works of Henri Matisse as he spent much of his life in Nice and in the Côte d’Azur region.
Churches & chapels Russian church in Nice – Cathedral Saint-Nicholas
This is one of the most beautiful Russian churches of its kind outside of Russia. It is like a section of St. Peter’s Square in Moscow, just located in the middle of Nice.
Markets Markets at Cours Saleya
The markets at Cours Saleya hosts four different markets. Most famous is the Marché aux Fleurs or Flower Market, open Tuesday through Sunday.
Castles and palaces Casino Palais de la Mediteranée
This is one of the most beautiful palaces on the Promenade des Anglais and an architectural testimony to the Art-Deco period from the beginning of the 20th century
Castles and palaces Lascaris Palace
In the heart of the old town on rue Droite lies this extraordinary mansion. It is a true monument in the French Baroque style, decorated with frescoes, luxuriously furnished rooms and ..
Food & Wine Food Mecca at Gare du Sud
The large steel hall has now been transformed into one large cultural and gastronomic mecca and the hall is enriched with a 1,000 square meter mezzanine that is being laid ….
Squares & Promenades Place Masséna
Place Masséna is a historic square in Nice, which connects the old town with the more modern northern part of the city.
Art Marc Chagall museum Nice
Chagall Museum Nice is the first national museum built to pay homage to an artist while he was still alive. It is located on the Cimiez Hill.
Ports & Islands Port Lympia
This is one of the most popular ports in Europe and it is only quite natural with its central and beautiful location by the Mediterranean.
Gardens & parks Jardin Albert 1.
Jardin Albert 1 is one of Nice’s absolutely oldest public gardens and you can hardly avoid meeting it either ..
Squares & Promenades Promenade des Anglais
This seven-kilometer long promenade is the epitome of Nice and the French Riviera. An iconic landmark that today attracts …
