Top 4 events in Nice

Nice is the HQ of Provencal youth! Which explains why the events – especially the concerts and music festivals – are so dynamic. Great for the atmosphere, you might say, but you have to be able to keep up the pace. Art and culture also play a central role in the programme. Summer and winter alike, there’s no shortage of activities to brighten up your stay.

Among the events, there are always the unmissable ones, such as the famous Nice carnival – France’s very first, if you please! When the time comes, you’ll love making your way through the crowd of yachtsmen and families, so you won’t miss a thing.

The scent of traditional cuisine accompanies every highlight, and dance music (with an Italian flavour) is always within earshot. It has to be said that Nice events are often a pure success! Generally relaxed and always very convivial, it’s always a pleasure to take part. What’s more, the pleasant Mediterranean climate immediately puts you in the holiday mood.

Our selection of recurring events

The beautiful, bustling and colourful city of Nice has more than one trick up its sleeve to delight you all year round. Whether you’re keen on live shows, cultural exhibitions or family outings, you’ll find it all and much more in the Côte d’Azur capital!

1 The Nice Carnival

Date or period: Two weeks in February

Access: Free

Description: The Nice Carnival is a carnival of superlatives! Quite simply, it’s the biggest carnival in France and one of the most famous in Europe! Its origins date back to the 13th century, but it was only at the end of the 19th century that it was officially organised by the “Comité des fêtes”. Every year since then, floats, grotesque giants, dancers and musicians have paraded through the streets of the Côte d’Azur capital, sowing joy and fantasy in their wake! It’s a not-to-be-missed festive event with a rich heritage, and a great way to discover Nice from the point of view of collective jubilation!

Good to know: Every year, hundreds of thousands of spectators take to the streets of Nice to watch the carnival. The hotels are in full swing and the restaurants never slow down! So if you want to be there, make sure you book your accommodation in advance and position yourself quickly at the parade so you don’t miss anything.

2. Nice Jazz Festival

Date or period: In July, for one week.

Access: Charge €.

Description: OK, so a lot of cities organise their own jazz festivals, but Nice’s has something special. Quite simply, it’s one of the oldest jazz festivals in France, having been held for the first time in 1948 when jazz was still a new music to many French people. At this event of international stature, a host of musicians from the four corners of the globe take to the stage in different parts of the city, both indoors and out. Add a musical touch to your stay on the Riviera!

3. The May Festival

Date or period: Every year in May.

Access: Free

Description: Celebrate the folklore of Nice amidst the centuries-old olive trees of the Jardins des Arènes de Cimiez. Discover the language and traditional music of the County of Nice. And don’t forget the long-awaited open-air feast awaiting you on site! Continue the feast in each district of the city. Each district organises its own “mai”. Specialities on the menu include socca, pissaladière, pan-bagnat, tourte de blette… A real treat!

4. The Port Festival

photo credit pixabay

Date or time: Every year in September.

Access: Free

Description: The Fête du Port is the main autumn event on Nice’s quayside. Thousands of locals gather here to enjoy concerts, all kinds of entertainment and, above all, to break bread! In a warm atmosphere, you can rediscover the most succulent specialities of the Comté de Nice region. It’s sure to set the tone for the back-to-school season.