The Nice Carnival is 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.

FLOWER FIGHT DAY, DURING THE CARNIVAL

A big, beautiful parade of floral floats through the town!

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

Did you know?Much of these flowers come from the hills of the Côte d’Azur. The battle of the flowers is a unique event in the world that makes the Carnaval de Nice famous. Costumed actresses parade on floats adorned with flowers and hand out over 100,000 flowers to the public!

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THE MAGIC OF THE ILLUMINATED CARNIVAL CORSO

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

The King takes to the stage: it’s the start of the Nice Carnival parade. A breathtaking 2-hour show, with around twenty illuminated floats and many big heads showing the public the creativity of the floats, the grandeur of the characters up to 20 metres high! There are 5 illuminated corsi during the Nice Carnival: on Saturdays and Tuesdays, come and discover the illuminated carnival corsi in the evening.

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 when everyone takes up the song: Nissa La Bella to close the event.

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DON’T MISS: THE FLOWERED NAVAL COMBAT AT VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER

As a sideline to the Nice Carnival, the neighbouring town of Villefranche-sur-Mer is perpetuating its own version of the flower battle… but this time on the water! The flowery naval battle brings together around twenty pointus, adorned with multicoloured flowers, parading in front of thousands of spectators.

Fishermen, dressed in traditional fisherman’s garb, pass by the banks throwing flowers at the public to their delight! There will also be entertainment, folk music groups, shows and games, etc. around the Citadel.

See you in February 2026!

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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 not yet been unveiled, but as every year it promises to mix 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

A Côte d’Azur France ambassador and head of the “Digital Division” at an agency in Nice, I am delighted to share my Côte d’Azur discoveries and favourites through my passion for photography.