Over two weeks of festivities, 400,000 visitors, dozens of floats and an entire city transformed: France’s biggest carnival makes its grand return on February 11. An extraordinary event, just 1? hours by air from Paris.
France’s biggest carnival returns soon
When winter sets in on the Côte d’Azur, Nice transforms itself for almost three weeks into one of France’s biggest party grounds. The Nice Carnival is one of the country’s most emblematic popular events, and one of the most spectacular in Europe, combining local traditions, grandiose parades and creativity. This year, the 2026 edition runs from February 11 to March 1, with the theme “Vive la Reine!”.
This year’s program includes all the great carnival classics, as well as other unusual events throughout the festivities. After several opening evenings, the famous carnival corsos will parade through the city center. There will also be the traditional flower battles. The Carnavalina, launched at the beginning of the festival, will bring the whole city to life with entertainment, music and processions. Other highlights, such as Lou Queernaval, France’s famous LGBTQ+ carnival, and the Costumed Waiters’ Race, add to an already packed program.
The event, whose origins date back at least to the 13th century, is now recognized as one of France’s premier international carnivals. In its modern form, it began in the 19th century with street parades and floats decorated with giant papier-mâché heads, a tradition that has endured and delighted visitors for years.
Each edition features a rich and varied program that takes in the city center, Place Masséna and Jardin Albert 1er, with both free and ticketed events. A visual spectacle as much as a festive occasion, the Nice Carnival attracts hundreds of thousands of local, national and international visitors every year. The parades and animations give the impression that the whole city is taking part in the festivities, in an atmosphere combining popular traditions and artistic performances.
So if you want to experience one of Europe’s biggest carnivals and treat yourself to one of winter’s most festive events, head south to the Côte d’Azur capital on February 11!
📍Carnaval de Nice – All over the city center
📆 February 11 and March 1, 2026