The Nice Carnival,
a unique experience!

Nice Carnival 2026, from 11 February to 1 March 2026

The Nice Carnival is one of the biggest carnivals in the world! Every year, thousands of visitors take part. Two key events: the Battle of the Flowers and the Carnival Corso.

THE CARNIVAL DAY FLOWER SHOW

A grand parade of floral floats through the town!

Just like the carnival parade, the battle of the flowers is an event not to be missed on the Côte d’Azur. Take part in this parade, mainly around the Jardins Albert 1er and the Place Masséna, on Saturday and Wednesday afternoons. Throwing mimosa, lilies, daisies, carnations, roses… at the spectators livens up the battle of flowers.

Did you know? Many of these flowers come from the hills of the Côte d’Azur. The battle of the flowers is a unique event in the world, and one for which the Nice Carnival is famous. Costumed actresses parade around on floats adorned with flowers, handing out over 100,000 flowers to the public!

LEARN MORE

THE MAGIC OF THE ILLUMINATED CARNIVAL PARADE

The King of the Nice Carnival appears before the crowd: the parade begins.

The King takes to the stage: the Nice Carnival parade begins. It’s a breathtaking 2-hour spectacle, with around twenty illuminated floats and a host of big heads showing off the creativity of the floats and the grandeur of the characters, who can be up to 20 metres high! It’s a show that’ll have youngsters dreaming and grown-ups falling back into childhood.

There are 5 illuminated corsi during the Nice Carnival: on Saturdays and Tuesdays, come and discover the illuminated carnival corsi.

The last one is special, because it’s the King’s cremation, and it’s at this moment that the theme of the next Nice Carnival is revealed. It’s a moving moment, with everyone singing: Nissa La Bella to close the event.

LEARN MORE

NOT TO BE MISSED: THE NAVAL COMBAT IN BLOOM IN VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER

Alongside the Nice Carnival, the neighbouring town of Villefranche-sur-Mer perpetuates its own version of the battle of the flowers… but this time on the water! The naval battle of flowers brings together around twenty pointus boats, decorated with multicoloured flowers, parading in front of thousands of spectators.

The fishermen, dressed in the traditional fisherman’s garb, pass by the banks throwing flowers to the delight of the public! There’s also entertainment on offer, with folk music groups, shows and games, etc. around the Citadelle.

See you in February 2026!

LEARN MORE

See this post on Instagram
A publication shared by nicecarnaval (@nicecarnaval)

A colourful programme to come:

The Nice Carnival 2026 is already shaping up to be a not-to-be-missed event, true to its festive and spectacular reputation.

The official programme has yet to be unveiled, but like every year, it promises to combine flower battles, illuminated corsi, street entertainment and creative surprises.

A look back at the Nice Carnival 2025

THE NICE CARNIVAL

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE!

By Olivier ARLET

Côte d’Azur France ambassador and head of the digital department at a Nice agency, I’m delighted to share my discoveries and favourite Côte d’Azur spots through my passion for photography.