Originally...
Every year in February, for a fortnight and three weekends, the Nice Carnival takes place, making it one of the most famous in the world and the biggest in France. It's the third biggest carnival in the world behind Rio and Venice.
Under the name corso carnavalesque, writings by Charles II, Count of Provence, dating back to the 13th century, have been found in which he recounts his visits to Nice and the carnival festivities. During the Renaissance, "carnival masquerades" and balls were organised in the streets of the city until the 18th century, when masked balls took over with strong inspiration from the Venetian carnival.
A packed programme
In the Place Massena, the parade will be broadcast on giant screens. It's a real spectacle, with huge backdrops and more than 1,000 musicians leading the grand parades of brightly coloured and varied floats and illuminated corsos. A total of 17 floats decorated on the theme of the King of Pop Culture will be illuminated as soon as night falls, transforming Nice's main square into a festive setting bathed in flamboyant light. In all, there will be 20 floral floats, superb floral decorations and huge costumed characters throwing thousands of flowers at the public - the inimitable flower battles are not to be missed!
Mark your calendars!
The festivities kick off on Saturday 17 February at 2.30pm with the famous opening parade. The illuminated carnival parade will be held on the same day at 8.30pm, while the first famous flower battle is scheduled for the same evening. Subsequent corsos will be held on 21, 24, 28 February and 2 March. The other carnival corsos will take place on 20, 24, 27 February and 2 March. The closing ceremony kicks off on Saturday 2 March at 10.45pm, with the cremation of the Carnival King (Quai des Etats-Unis) followed by a fireworks display in front of the Opéra beach. At the end of the morning, you can watch the return of the Carnival Bath on the Promenade des Anglais. A Pop'Boum exclusively for children and their cuddly toys will then be held in the Carnival Village. The closing ceremony is free to all.
Price list
Opening parade :
- From €14 to €28 per adult
- From 0 to 10 € per child under 12 years old
Flower battles:
- Between €7 and €28 per adult
- Between €0 and €10 per child under 12.
Illuminated carnival procession:
- Between €14 and €28 per adult
- Between €0 and €10 per child under 12.
Where should you stay?
Known for its gentle way of life and sunny climate, Nice has 16 campsites around the city where you can make sure you don't miss out on the Nice Carnival 2024.