Nice carnival 2026: The Côte d’Azur’s most colourful celebration

There is a unique rhythm to life on the French Riviera, one that weaves from winter tranquillity to a crescendo of colour and community celebration as February blossoms into spring. 

For residents and visitors alike, this season brings a range of iconic events that not only brighten the cooler months but also showcase the cultural richness and vibrant lifestyle that make Côte d’Azur property so desirable.

From February 11th to Sunday 2nd March 2026, Nice will be transformed into a city of celebration with lightshows, floats, music, dans, costumes, parades, flower battles, a ball, a waiter’s cafe race, carnival sea swim, and fireworks. With events for young and old alike you are truly spoilt for choice. A true living festival, mixing tradition with contemporary celebrations, the city if gearing up for a season of fun.

Nice carnival dates back to the 13th century and the local community are fiercely proud of the tradition, with artisans, sculptors and painters having worked for months to create the monumental floats and paper mâché scenes. 

For the 2026 Nice carnival, the theme ‘Vive la Reine’ celebrates feminine icons past and present, blending satire, symbolism and spectacle, a vision echoed in this year’s striking poster, which draws on traditional costume and regal imagery.

La Bataille des Fleurs

The “Bataille’s de Fleurs’ is a signature of the carnival,  where locals and visitors gather on the Promenade des Anglais to watch elaborately decorated floats and costumed performers scatter flowers to the rhythm of brass bands and choreography. It’s a joyful, immersive spectacle, great for families, Instagram-worthy moments and that distinct Riviera sense of shared celebration.

But Nice is not the only city celebrating, the surrounding villages and towns of the French Riviera are as equally awash with stunning celebrations, from the glorious Mimosa Festival of Mandelieu la Napoule, the Naval Fleuri of Villefranche-sur-Mer where traditional boats are lavishly dressed in flowers  or the Menton lemon festival where the town transforms into a playful arena as a citrus wonderland, this is a season to discover a different side to the Côte d’Azur.

For property owners and future buyers on the Côte d’Azur, these festivals are part of what makes life here so special. Unlike elsewhere, winter here isn’t a slow season — it’s a time of celebration, community spirit and cultural immersion. 

Owning property here means not just access to glorious sunshine and Mediterranean views but being part of an outstanding season of events and vibrant communities.  

To start your property search contact the dedicated team at Savills French Riviera today.