Nice Carnival
Tips for organising your trip
Written by Sabine Nussbaum
Your host RivieraBooking
Last update: 17/01/2025
The Nice Carnival is one of the major events on the French Riviera, to be enjoyed throughout the year.
The Nice Carnival, a unique event on the French Riviera
It is one of the most famous carnivals in the world. Every winter, it transforms the city into a huge open-air spectacle, combining monumental floats, colourful costumes, music and popular traditions.
Created several centuries ago, the Nice Carnival is now an integral part of the cultural identity of the French Riviera. It attracts visitors from all over Europe, drawn by its festive atmosphere and Mediterranean setting.
It is an ideal event for discovering the region outside the peak summer season, while enjoying an exceptional atmosphere.
Created several centuries ago, the Nice Carnival is now an integral part of the cultural identity of the French Riviera. It attracts visitors from all over Europe, drawn by its festive atmosphere and Mediterranean setting.
It is an ideal event for discovering the region outside the peak summer season, while
enjoying an exceptional atmosphere.
When does the Nice Carnival take place?
The Nice Carnival takes place every year in February, over a period of approximately two weeks.
The exact dates vary slightly from year to year.
For dates and a detailed programme, we recommend consulting the official Nice Carnival website.
This period is particularly appealing for a holiday on the French Riviera:
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mild climate
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tourist numbers still moderate outside of carnival season
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wide choice of accommodation outside the centre of Nice
Where do the Nice Carnival festivities take place?
The main events take place in the heart of Nice, including:
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Promenade des Anglais
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around Place Masséna
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in the city centre
These areas are very busy during carnival, with:
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streets sometimes closed to traffic
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limited parking
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high traffic in the evenings and at weekends
The choice of accommodation therefore plays a key role in enjoying the carnival to the full without suffering the constraints of the city centre.
Getting here and getting around during Nice Carnival
During the Nice Carnival, travelling around the city centre can be more complicated.
A few points to anticipate:
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limited access by car in certain areas
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highly used public transport
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car parks quickly fill up
Staying outside Nice often allows you to:
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to move around more easily
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avoid congested areas
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to join the festivities by train or car, depending on your schedule
Where to stay to enjoy Nice Carnival without the crowds?
Staying in Grasse during the Nice Carnival
Grasse is an excellent alternative for attending the Nice Carnival while enjoying a quieter setting.
Advantages:
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peaceful atmosphere
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easy access to Nice
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cultural wealth and heritage, as it is the international capital of perfume.
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ideal for couples and relaxing holidays
View the flat "Les Senteurs du Soleil"
95 m² flat - Historic centre of Grasse
2 bedrooms/ 1 to 6 people
Staying in Juan-les-Pins during the Nice Carnival
Juan-les-Pins combines seaside living with easy access to Nice.
Advantages:
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pleasant seaside resort even in winter
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convenient connections to Nice
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good balance between entertainment and relaxation
Discover the "Les Rivages du Soleil" apartment
56 m² seaside flat
2 bedrooms/ 1 to 6 people
How long should I plan to stay during the Nice Carnival?
Court séjour (2 à 4 nuits)
To enjoy the carnival without rushing, it is advisable to plan ahead:
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a long weekend for the highlights
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3 to 4 nights to combine carnival celebrations with exploring the region
Many travellers choose to round off their stay with:
•
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the hinterland
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discovering Grasse
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a break by the sea in Juan-les-Pins
Long séjour (1 à 4 semaines)
Sur un séjour de plusieurs semaines, le confort et la flexibilité deviennent essentiels. Juan-les-Pins et Grasse offrent une base idéale pour alterner les grands événements de février — Carnaval de Nice, Fête du Mimosa, Fête du Citron — et des journées consacrées à la découverte de la région.
Ces villes permettent de profiter pleinement des festivités tout en bénéficiant d’un environnement plus calme et bien desservi par les transports.
Pour aller plus loin, un article dédié propose un parcours de séjour de 15 jours à 1 mois en février, combinant événements, visites et activités selon votre rythme :
Voici quelques idées de séjours sur la Côte d’Azur
https://www.rivierabooking.fr/sejours-a-theme-cote-dazur
Practical tips for organising your stay
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book your accommodation as soon as possible
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avoid rush hour for parades
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plan for quieter days between two busy periods
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choose accommodation in a good location for easy access to other areas
Un séjour bien organisé permet de vivre pleinement le Carnaval de Nice, sans stress inutile.
