Events not to be missed on the French Riviera in February
- Sabine Nussbaum
- Jan 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 25
February is one of the liveliest and most enjoyable months to discover the French Riviera. Far from the hustle and bustle of summer, the region is transformed into a playground of celebrations, colours and traditions, with events spread over several weeks.
Iconic carnivals, flower festivals, cultural events and winter activities punctuate the month, offering an excellent opportunity to take your time, alternating between festive evenings and days of discovery.
Why February is an excellent month to discover the French Riviera
February offers many advantages for travelling:
mild and bright climate
moderate tourist traffic
smoother traffic flow between cities
events spread over several dates, both day and night
Unlike a simple weekend away, February is perfect for a stay of several days, or even longer, to fully enjoy the festivities without rushing.
The major events not to be missed in February on the French Riviera
The Nice Carnival
It is impossible to mention February without talking about the Nice Carnival, one of the most famous in the world.
Pendant plusieurs semaines, la ville vibre au rythme de :
carnival parades
illuminated night-time parades
flower battles on the Promenade des Anglais
Carnival usually takes place from mid-February to early March, with events scheduled in the evening and during the day. It is this spread-out schedule that makes a longer stay particularly interesting: you can attend a night-time parade, then enjoy the region at a leisurely pace the next day.
For information on the atmosphere, practical advice and organisation, find all the details on the page dedicated to the Nice Carnival.
The Lemon Festival in Menton
Another major highlight in February, the Lemon Festival transforms Menton into a spectacular setting.
On the programme:
monumental citrus fruit sculptures
colourful parades
gardens and temporary exhibitions
Also organised over several weeks, the Lemon Festival fits perfectly into a stay of several days, complementing the Nice Carnival.
Blossoms and flower festivals in the hinterland
February also marks the return of colour to the French Riviera's hinterland.
Discover:
the Mimosa Festival in Mandelieu-la-Napoule
the first blooms around Grasse
the Violet Festival in Tourrettes-sur-Loup at the end of the month
These events offer a more natural and authentic alternative, ideal for balancing festive days.
Other ideas for outings and activities in February
Concerts, shows and exhibitions
Throughout the month, numerous venues on the French Riviera are offering:
concerts by French and international artists
immersive shows and exhibitions
cultural programmes tailored to the winter season
Perfect for rounding off an evening without carnival or for a change of pace.
Sporting and outdoor events
February remains dynamic in terms of sport:
cycling competitions in the Alpes-Maritimes
motorsport events and rallies in the countryside
ideal conditions for hiking and coastal walks
Enjoy the festivities... and discover the region during the day
One of the great advantages of February is the natural alternation between:
lively evenings (night-time parades, shows, concerts)
quieter days, ideal for sightseeing, walking or simply relaxing
This organisation allows you to enjoy a smooth, stress-free holiday, taking the time to discover the French Riviera in a different way.
If you are planning to stay longer, a 15-day or even month-long itinerary allows you to take in the events while exploring the villages, the sea and the hinterland at your own pace. [Link to come to the article "Long stay on the French Riviera in February"]
Where to stay to enjoy February events on the French Riviera
Stay in Grasse, the international capital of perfume.
Grasse is an ideal base in February:
peaceful environment
easy access to Nice, Cannes and Mandelieu
It's perfect for alternating between celebrations, nature and heritage (the International Perfume Museum, Fragonard, Molinard and Gualimard).
Grasse is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
A choice particularly suited to stays of several nights.
Staying in Juan-les-Pins: sea and mobility
Juan-les-Pins allows you to:
enjoy the seaside even in winter
quickly reach Nice, Cannes and Antibes
maintain a truly relaxed lifestyle outside the tourist season
Practical tips for organising your stay in February
opt for a stay of at least 4 to 7 nights to enjoy the rhythm of events
anticipate weekends with night-time parades
take the train to Nice and explore the surrounding area with ease
check the exact dates on the official websites
February on the French Riviera: the ideal month to take your time
With events spread over several weeks, February is perfect for a balanced holiday, combining celebrations, discoveries and Mediterranean warmth. Whether you're coming for a few days or planning a longer stay, this is one of the best times of year to discover the French Riviera in a different way.
You can also find all the major events on the page dedicated to events on the French Riviera.