Every February, Nice is transformed: giant floats, confetti, music and a rain of flowers on the Promenade des Anglais. The Nice Carnival is one of the biggest carnivals in the world and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. Here is its history, its highlights and the dates of the next edition.
Key points
- The Nice Carnival takes place every February, over about two weeks.
- The 2027 edition runs from 9 to 28 February 2027, on the theme Vive l’Amour.
- The two highlights: the carnival parades (corsos) and the flower battles.
- The modern carnival dates from 1873; the flower battles have existed since 1876.
A very old tradition
The first mention of carnival festivities in Nice dates from 1294, by Charles of Anjou, Count of Provence. The carnival as we know it was born in 1873, when Andriot Saëtone founded the Festival Committee and organised the first big parades of floats. Since then, every edition has its king and its theme.
The carnival parades
On Place Masséna, giant floats and big papier-mâché heads parade to brass bands, with dancers and street performers. There are daytime parades and illuminated night parades. The floats, built over months by Nice families of float makers (carnavaliers), illustrate the year’s theme with plenty of humour.
The flower battle
Created in 1876, the flower battle (bataille de fleurs) is the most elegant moment of the carnival. Floats decorated with thousands of flowers, often grown locally, parade along the Promenade des Anglais. Costumed performers throw mimosa and gerberas to the crowd.
Tip: you can watch the parades from a grandstand seat (tribune) or standing (promenoir, cheaper). Book grandstand seats early, especially at weekends.
Other events
- The Carnival Village, on the Promenade du Paillon, with free activities.
- Lou Queernaval, France’s first LGBTQIA+ carnival.
- The end of the carnival: on the last evening the King is traditionally burned, followed by fireworks over the Baie des Anges.
- A few kilometres away, the Menton Lemon Festival takes place at the same time.
Useful French carnival vocabulary
- un char (a float), un défilé (a parade), un corso
- des confettis, un masque (a mask), un déguisement (a costume), se déguiser (to dress up)
- une tribune (a grandstand), un promenoir (a standing area)
- un carnavalier: a craftsman who builds the floats
Going further
Discover other great French festivals, such as the Lyon Festival of Lights and the Angoulême comics festival, or explore the French Riviera. Take our free French level test and practise in our French conversation lessons.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Nice Carnival 2027?
From 9 to 28 February 2027, on the theme Vive l’Amour.
What is the flower battle?
A parade of flower-covered floats on the Promenade des Anglais, created in 1876. Costumed performers throw flowers to the crowd.
Is the Nice Carnival free?
The main parades and flower battles are ticketed, with grandstand or standing places. The Carnival Village offers free activities.
How old is the Nice Carnival?
The first mentions date from 1294. The modern carnival, with its parades of floats, dates from 1873.
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