Nice Carnival 2025

WHERE: Nice, France
WHEN: from 12th February to 02nd March 2025

In a scenographic and evocative setting, over two weeks of shows, flower battles, absurd characters await you. The Nice Carnival is one of the most anticipated winter events on the entire Côte d’Azur; certainly, among the most evocative in all of Europe.

Over 1000 musicians, dancers and artists from all corners of the world will animate the traditional parades, day and night. From Place Masséna to the Promenade du Paillon, it will be a succession of floats decorated with splendid floral arrangements, characters dressed in incredible costumes and… much more.

Guaranteed fun for the whole family, in the company of “Le Roi des Oceans“, the King of the Oceans, protagonist of the 2025 edition.

During the 7 parades, a total of 17 floats will make you experience the event to the fullest. Each wagon will be set up according to its own theme; the height varies from 8 to 16 meters. Official designers and important tank crews will give free rein to their imagination. The show is truly guaranteed. Furthermore, artists and collaborators of major international newspapers contribute to the Nice Carnival (Soleil de Québec, Sincho or Wall Street Journal…), artists expert in local culture (Moya, Broquet…).

Because, in these parts, Carnival is a vocation, a passion.

PRACTICAL INFO

ACCESS AND PARKING

The parades of allegorical floats take place along the central Place Masséna and around the Jardin Albert le 1er.

The best way to reach the city during this period is by public transport. Buses and trams are quite reliable.

If you arrive by car, bear in mind that many areas are closed to traffic during the Nice Carnival. If you arrive on the motorway, take exit 54 or 55 and leave the car at the “Parcazur Las Planas“. From here, by tram, you can move easily. The Nicetoile, Porte Olympia and Parking du Fare car parks offer a special rate of €5 for the whole day (you must have a ticket for the parade for the same day).

CARNIVAL PROGRAM NICE 2025

Photo ©, Mark Fischer

The Battle of the Flowers is the most anticipated event of the Nice Carnival. It represents one of the highest points of carnival creativity in these parts. The event dates back to 1876, when Andriot Saëtone created the first parade along the famous Promemade des Anglais. Since then, the ceremony has become more and more magical, beautiful and evocative.

The absolute protagonists are the flowers of the Côte d’Azur. 85% of those used are, in fact, locally produced. On each float, up to 100,000 flowers are thrown by the models. The realization of the installations is the result of a meticulous work of real artists.

The Illuminated Carnival Courses represent another unmissable appointment of the Nice Carnival. Every evening, all the floats are illuminated and the parades light up the heart of Nice with a thousand lights. Guaranteed magic and atmosphere.

Feathers. Sequins. Eccentricity and extravagance and all the highest values of tolerance and sharing will be protagonists on Friday 27th February with Lou Queernaval, the first Gay carnival in France. Meet at 8pm at Place Massena. Fun is guaranteed for the little ones, with entertainment, a sardine festival and music, on 20 and 27 February at the Carnival Village, at Promenade du Paillon.

Photo ©, debs-eye

It officially begins on Saturday 20 February 2025, at 1 pm, with the Carnavalina, an extraordinary party that starts from the Basilica of Notre-Dame. In the evening, instead, the Great Illuminated Opening Parade. Appointment at 8:30 pm.

All the Carnival Parades take place at 8:30 pm on the following dates: Tuesday 18 and 25 February, Saturday 22 February and 01 March. Sunday 23 February, from 2:30 pm, the only daytime parade of the 2025 edition.

The Battle of Flowers takes place on Wednesday 19 and 26 February, Saturday 22 February and 01 March. Appointment at 2:30 pm.

Sunday 02 March, great closing ceremony, with free admission, starting at 10:00 am at the Promenade des Anglais.

The ticket to attend one of the parades or the Battle of Flowers costs €28 at full non-refundable rate in the ZONE A stands, and €23 in the ZONE B stands. The ticket to attend the standing events in PEDESTRIAN ZONE costs €14 (Zone A) and 7€ (Zone B). Children aged 6 to 12 pay the reduced rate of €10 (STAND A), €8 (STAND B), €5 (PEDESTRIAN). Free for children up to 5 years of age accompanied by a paying adult (even in this case, you will have to get a ticket for the minor)