Nice Carnival 2026: “Long Live the Queen!”
The Nice Carnival 2026, the unmissable winter event on the French Riviera, promises a historic edition under the theme “Long Live the Queen!” (Vive la Reine!). After a record-breaking attendance of 400,000 visitors in 2025, this 152nd edition marks a turning point: after decades of male reign, it’s time to celebrate femininity and the great heroines of history and fiction who shaped our world.
🎭 A spectacular programme! Over 15 days of festivities, immerse yourself in a world where majestic floats, musicians and dancers from all corners of the globe take over the streets of Nice for an unforgettable show. Among the highlights:
- The Carnival Parades (Corsos Carnavalesques) and their grand float processions on Place Masséna
- The Illuminated Parades that transform Nice’s nights into a magical sound and light spectacle
- The legendary Flower Battles (Batailles de Fleurs), with 20 flower-covered floats and over 100,000 flowers thrown to the crowd
🎉 A grand opening! Festivities kick off on Wednesday 11 February with the Grand Charivari, followed on Friday 13th by the Bal du Veglione at the Nice Opera House — an immersive evening blending symphony orchestra and DJ sets. On Saturday 14 February, the Carnavalina will take over the city with free entertainment, before the Opening Illuminated Parade at 9pm on Place Masséna. A spectacular show not to be missed!
🔥 A grand finale! On Saturday 28 February at 10:45pm, the closing ceremony will feature the traditional burning of the King and a magnificent fireworks display on the Quai des États-Unis. The following day, the bravest visitors can take part in the Carnival Swim in the Baie des Anges!
💡 Top tip: entry to the pedestrian zones during the Parades is free for those in full costume (subject to availability).
🏨 Stay at Hôtel du Clos: the best of both worlds Why not enjoy the Nice Carnival while staying in a peaceful setting? Hôtel du Clos, nestled in the charming village of Le Rouret in the Grasse hinterland, offers the perfect balance: the tranquillity and authenticity of a Provençal village just 30 minutes from Nice city centre and 20 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. After the excitement of the parades and flower battles, retreat to the serenity of your hotel, far from the urban buzz. An ideal base for exploring the Nice Carnival, as well as the treasures of the hinterland — hilltop villages, Provençal markets and Mediterranean landscapes.
📅 See you from 11 February to 1 March 2026!
