Nice Carnival: dates, programme and practical information
Every winter, Nice bursts into colour and music to celebrate one of the most spectacular events on the Côte d’Azur: the Nice Carnival. France’s leading carnival on an international scale, this unique event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year to admire the monumental floats, watch the famous flower battles and take part in an unforgettable festive atmosphere. From 11 February to 1 March 2026, the city will be decked out in its finest finery to honour the theme “Long live the Queen”.
A historic and popular event
The roots of the Nice Carnival go back many centuries. As early as 1294, the archives mention joyous carnival days under the reign of Charles d’Anjou, Count of Provence. But it was really in 1873 that Andriot Saëtone of Nice set up the Comité des fêtes to officially organise Carnival, with the aim of attracting wealthy winter visitors to the Côte d’Azur. Since then, the event has gone from strength to strength, becoming a veritable cultural and tourist institution.
Now in its 153rd year, the Nice Carnival is one of the most important events on the Côte d’Azur. Every year, hundreds of artists, dancers and musicians from all over the world take to the streets to put on a colourful show. This lively tradition perfectly embodies the festive and welcoming spirit of Nice, capital of the French Riviera.
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- Visit the Museums of Nice
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- What to see and do in the hinterland of Nice?
Highlights of the Nice Carnival
Carnival corsos lit up
Carnival corsos are the beating heart of the Nice Carnival. These spectacular parades feature monumental floats created by talented Nice artists, veritable ephemeral sculptures that can reach several metres in height. Each float is a work of art in papier-mâché, hand-painted with thousands of details, which come to life under the spotlights during the nightly corsos.
In 2026, the illuminated corsos will take place on Saturdays 14, 17, 21, 24 and 28 February from 8.30pm, on the Place Masséna (Place Masséna, 06000 Nice, rated 4.5/5 on Google with over 10,000 reviews). Accompanied by musical groups from all over the world, costumed dancers and giant heads, these parades create a magical atmosphere of music, colour and emotion. The final parade of the year is particularly spectacular, ending with the cremation of the Carnival King, followed by a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the Bay of Angels.
Flower battles: a poetic rendezvous
Created in 1876 on the Promenade des Anglais by Andriot Saëtone, the battle of the flowers has become one of the most emblematic and elegant moments of the Nice Carnival. This unique show features floats entirely decorated with sumptuous floral arrangements, and costumed actresses who generously distribute over 100,000 flowers to the amazed public.
The flower battles take place on Wednesday 18, 21, 25 and Saturday 28 February at 2.30pm. Gladiolas, gerberas, daisies and mimosas fly through the air in a shower of bewitching colours and fragrances. It’s a poetic and joyous moment, particularly popular with families and photographers, who immortalise these magical moments. Nice’s mild winter climate makes it easy to enjoy this open-air spectacle to the full.
Download the audio tour to discover Nice on foot and on your own
If your presence at the Nice Carnival gives you the opportunity to spend a few days in the Côte d’Azur capital, don’t miss the chance to discover the city of Nice via a captivating audio tour. Featuring 27 places of interest with commentary, you’ll explore Vieux-Nice, the Promenade des Anglais, the Colline du Château and many other treasures. This self-guided tour lets you combine the excitement of Carnival with the discovery of Nice’s exceptional heritage.
Detailed programme and practical information
The complete schedule for 2026
The Nice 2026 Carnival kicks off on Wednesday 11 February with the Grand Charivari, a free opening ceremony held at 4pm at the Maison de Carnaval. This festive event officially marks the start of the festivities and plunges the city into a carnival atmosphere. On Friday 13 February, the Opéra de Nice hosts the Bal Veglione at 7pm, an elegant costume ball that continues a centuries-old tradition.
On Saturday 14 February, the Carnavalina, a free parade for children, takes place at 2pm before the first illuminated parade at 9pm. The night corsos then take place on Tuesday and Saturday evenings, alternating with the flower battles on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. The full programme can be consulted on the official Nice Carnival website, where you’ll find full details of the daily entertainment.
Ticketing and prices: preparing for your visit
There are several options for attending the Nice Carnival shows. Tickets can be bought online from the official website or directly from the venue, although advance purchase is strongly recommended to guarantee your place. Prices vary according to the zone chosen and the type of show. For the stands in Place Masséna (Zone A), the price is €23 to €28 for an adult and €10 for a child aged 6 to 12. The stands on the Promenade des Anglais (Zone B) offer slightly lower prices, at €23 for an adult and €8 for a child.
The pedestrian zones also offer an immersive experience at more affordable prices, with tickets ranging from €5 to €14 depending on location. A nice feature of the Nice Carnival is that if you come fully dressed from head to toe, access to the pedestrian zones is free! But don’t be fooled by the fact that just wearing accessories isn’t enough: you need a real, full costume. Note that children of all ages require a ticket.
The best places to enjoy the show
Your choice of location at the Nice Carnival will greatly determine your experience. Zone A, located on Place Masséna, includes the Max Gallo, Jean Jaurès, Masséna and Félix Faure stands. The Jean Jaurès stand is considered to be the largest and offers an uninterrupted view of the floats as they pass in front of you and then to the side. The pedestrian zones at the foot of the grandstands allow you to take full advantage of the interaction with the artists and the big heads.
Zone B, located between Avenue de Verdun and Promenade des Anglais, includes the Promenade Ouest and Promenade Est stands. There are three pedestrian zones: Avenue de Verdun, Promenade des Anglais and the side of the Jardins Albert 1er. This area offers an unobstructed view of the high floats, ideal for admiring the creations in their entirety. The pedestrian zones are perfect for a convivial, festive experience, while the grandstands guarantee comfort and optimum visibility.
Make the most of your stay at the Nice Carnival
What to see and do in Nice during Carnival
The Nice Carnival is also an opportunity to discover the treasures of the Côte d’Azur capital. Between two shows, let yourself be guided through the colourful streets of Vieux-Nice, stroll along the Cours Saleya (Cours Saleya, 06300 Nice, rated 4.6/5 on Google with over 15,000 reviews) where the flower market is held, or climb up to the Colline du Château (Colline du Château, 06300 Nice, rated 4.7/5 on Google with over 45,000 reviews) to admire the Bay of Angels from its panoramic viewpoints.
A visit to Nice wouldn’t be complete without a stroll along the legendary Promenade des Anglais, lined with famous Belle Époque hotels such as the Negresco. You can also discover the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, the baroque jewel of Vieux-Nice, or explore the cobbled streets to discover Nice’s culinary specialities.Nice’s Navaway itinerary allows you to harmoniously combine culture, gastronomy and carnival festivities.
Where to stay during Carnival
The Nice Carnival attracts tens of thousands of visitors, so we strongly advise you to book your accommodation several months in advance. Vieux-Nice offers total immersion in the festive atmosphere, with many charming hotels nestling in historic buildings. For a more intimate stay, the Musiciens or Cimiez districts offer elegant addresses in a peaceful residential setting, yet close to the centre.
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience with sea views, the Promenade des Anglais’s grand hotels such as the Negresco, Hyatt Regency or Radisson Blu will delight lovers of comfort and elegance. For those on a tighter budget, the Gare or Jean Médecin districts offer affordable accommodation options with excellent access to public transport. Don’t hesitate to consult our selection of the best hotels in Nice to find your ideal establishment.
Practical tips for a successful visit
To make the most of the Nice Carnival, a few tips are in order. Arrive at the venues early, as the best spots fill up quickly, especially in the free pedestrian zones. Make sure you bring warm clothes for the night corsos, as February evenings can be chilly, even on the Côte d’Azur. If you’re coming in disguise to benefit from free admission, make sure you have a full, comfortable costume that you can stay in for several hours.
Parking can be tricky during Carnival. Use public transport or car parks on the outskirts with direct access to the tramway. Nice’s tram network provides excellent access to the Carnival sites from the park-and-ride facilities. Don’t forget to book your restaurants in advance, as demand explodes during this festive period. Finally, check the official Carnival website and social networks regularly for any changes to the programme or surprise events.
Discover the Nice area during your stay
Your stay for the Nice Carnival can be an opportunity to explore the Côte d’Azur. Just a few kilometres away, hilltop villages such as Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence offer breathtaking panoramas and an immersion in authentic Provence. The principality of Monaco, just 20 minutes away by train, offers visitors the chance to discover the Rock, the Casino and the Oceanographic Museum. Further west, Antibes and its old port, Cannes and its Croisette, and the Lérins islands are all worth a visit.
Nature lovers will love a trip to the hinterland of Nice, where unspoilt medieval villages nestle in spectacular mountain scenery. The Mercantour National Park, accessible by the famous Train des Merveilles, offers exceptional hiking trails. Whichever option you choose, a visit to Nice and the surrounding area combines carnival festivities with a variety of cultural discoveries.
In short, the Nice Carnival is much more than just a festive event: it’s a unique cultural experience that celebrates Mediterranean joie de vivre in all its splendour. From the monumental floats and poetic flower battles to the electric atmosphere that fills the streets, this not-to-be-missed winter event offers unforgettable moments for all the family. Whether you opt for the comfortable grandstands or total immersion in the pedestrian zones, you’re sure to marvel at the spectacle. Make the most of your time at the Carnival to explore Nice and its wonders thanks to theNavaway audio tour, which will help you discover all the secrets of this magnificent city. Get your costume ready, book your tickets and let yourself be carried away by the magic of France’s biggest carnival!
Frequently asked questions about the Nice Carnival
What are the dates of the Nice Carnival 2026?
The Nice Carnival 2026 runs from 11 February to 1 March 2026, a period of almost three weeks of festivities. The main shows (illuminated corsos and flower battles) take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and some Tuesday evenings during this period.
How much do tickets for the Nice Carnival cost?
Prices vary from €5 to €28 depending on the location chosen. The Place Masséna stands cost between €23 and €28 for adults, while the pedestrian areas start at €5. Children aged 6 to 12 benefit from reduced rates of between €8 and €10. Entry is free for people in full costume in the pedestrian zones.
Can I attend the Nice Carnival for free?
Yes, there are several free options. The opening Grand Charivari on 11 February and the Carnavalina on 14 February are free. What’s more, if you come fully dressed from head to toe, you can enter the pedestrian zones of the illuminated corsos free of charge. Just wearing accessories is not enough: you need a full costume.
Where is the best place to see Carnival?
The Jean Jaurès stand on Place Masséna is considered one of the best, with an exceptional panoramic view. For a more immersive and festive experience, the pedestrian areas at the foot of the stands allow you to interact with the artists. Each location offers a different experience to suit your preferences.
How do you get around during Nice Carnival?
The tramway is the most practical way of getting to the Carnival venues. Lines 1 and 2 serve Place Masséna and the surrounding area. Park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the town mean you can park easily and then take the tram into the town centre. Traffic and parking in the city centre will be severely disrupted during the shows.
Is the Nice Carnival suitable for children?
Absolutely! The Nice Carnival is a family festival par excellence. The Carnavalina, a parade specially designed for children, takes place on 14 February. The daytime flower battles are particularly popular with families. Beware, however, that the night corsos can be late and noisy for very young children. All children, whatever their age, must have a ticket.
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