Nice Carnival – South of France – 12-28 Feb 2010

The Carnaval de Nice is a major event, on a similar scale to Venice Carnival, Mardi Gras, and Rio de Janeiro.  

Forget the winter blues for a few minutes as this video transports you to the colour and excitement of last year’s festivities: 

The mild climate of the South of France might just provide the tonic you need to escape the dreary winter weather further north.  The Carnival takes place this year from 12-28 February.  Nice, capital of the glittering French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, has long been a favourite bolthole of the English, hence the naming of the Promenade des Anglais (Walk of the English). 

Nice provides beauty whichever way you look, from the Bay of Angels (La Baie des Anges) to the beautiful mountain backdrop, bougainvillea-adorned villas, lively pedestrian streets, fountains, street cafes and restaurants, old town, and the fabulous outdoor Flower Market. 

The theme for Carnival 2010 is a fitting environmental one: Roi de la Planète Bleue (King of the Blue Planet). The events and activities continue day and night, including just what you’d expect:  floats, processions, street performers, music, food, drink, and much more. 

The Bataille de Fleurs (Battle of Flowers) is a traditional spectacle (since the late 1800′s) along the Promenade des Anglais and past the famous Hotel Negresco.  Costumed characters throw thousands of flowers from floats to be caught by the audience.  The magical night parades are illuminated and provide a wonderful ambience and party atmosphere.

Why not take a day trip east to famous Monaco, and Menton – the City of Lemons. The annual Menton Lemon Festival (La Fête du Citron) will be held this year on each Sunday during Nice Carnival (14,21,28 February 2010). 

If you have the time and energy left over, take a trip west to Antibes and Cannes and then inland about 20km from Cannes to Grasse, the perfume capital.  There is so much to see and do in the area that you’ll wish you were staying a month – or forever.  (Having said all that, if Carnivals are not your thing then avoid Nice like the plague during these dates!)

Further information about Nice Carnival can be found on the official website (nicecarnaval.com).  Visit our Travel Guide for France and click on the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) for updated travel advice and tips.  Don’t forget to pack your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) but it should not be used as a substitue for travel insurance. We also have cheap Backpacker insurance from 20p per day!