Nice Carnival 2026

WHERE: Nice, France
WHEN: from 11th February to 01st March 2026

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 the “Queen“, the  protagonist of the 2026th 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 2026

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 19th and 26th February at the Carnival Village, at Promenade du Paillon.

Photo ©, debs-eye

The Grande Charivari, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, will open the 2026 Nice Carnival. Meet at the “Maison du Carnaval” at 4:00 PM. It officially begins on Saturday, February 14th, at 1:00 PM, with the Carnavalina, an extraordinary free-entry party starting at the Basilica of Notre-Dame at 2:00 PM. In the evening, the Grand Illuminated Opening Parade will begin. Meet at 8:30 PM.

All Carnival Parades will take place at 8:30 PM on the following dates: Tuesday, February 17 and 24, Saturday, February 21 and 28. On Sunday, February 22, starting at 2:30 PM, the Parade of the Floats of Aqui, the only daytime parade of the 2026 edition, will take place.

The Battle of the Flowers will take place on Wednesday, February 18 and 25, and Saturday, February 21 and 28. Meet at 2:30 PM.

Saturday, February 28th, a grand closing ceremony with fireworks. Meet at 10:30 PM at Opéra Plage, Quai des États-Unis. The following day, everyone in swimsuit for the traditional “Carnival Bathing.”