The Nice Carnival is one of the most spectacular and beloved festivities in France. This unique event blends beauty, elegance, fun, burlesque, and extravagance, creating a magical celebration like no other. In 2025, the Nice Carnival will start on February 15th and finish on March 2nd, transforming Nice into a vibrant hub of activity and excitement for 15 days. Discover everything you need to know about this year’s carnival, from key dates and exciting events to must-see attractions that you won’t want to miss.
Nice Carnival main events and dates
The theme for the 2025 Nice Carnival is “King of the Oceans”, meaning most shows, animations, and parades will have a sea-related twist. Here are some events you won’t want to miss in the 152nd edition of the Nice Carnival.
The opening ceremony
The grand parade kicks off on February 15th at 14:30, marking the beginning of the 2025 Nice Carnival. It starts at Place Massena, the city’s main square, where carnival floats and troupes are presented to all attendees in a spectacular display of light and sound. From then on, the city is filled with free shows and activities.
The first day concludes with the inaugural illuminated parade around 20:30 at the same location. However, this is just the beginning of the night. As the clubs, bars, and streets come alive, even though it’s the first day of the carnival, it’s expected to be the second big party night, as the carnival starts on a Saturday and Nice will be ready to celebrate from Friday.
The Flower Parade of Nice Carnival
The Flower Parade, also known as the Carnaval des Fleurs, is one of the main events of the Nice Carnival. It features a procession of floats adorned with flowers and lights, accompanied by music and live performances. There are two types of parades: the daytime and the nighttime parades.
The nighttime parades take place every Saturday and Tuesday, from 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm, starting from Place Massena. The daytime parade is ideal for families or those visiting with younger people. This parade, celebrated on the 23rd of February, runs from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm, with colourful floats and the “Grosses Têtes” (big heads) filling the streets with magic.
Nice’s Beauty Parade
The iconic Batailles de Fleurs returns on the 19th of February at 2:30 pm. The event will take place on the 19th, 22nd, and 26th of February, as well as the 1st of March, from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. This unique parade features floats adorned with local flowers, and it is, by far, the most elegant moment of the Nice Carnival. Costumed artists spray the audience with flower petals in a colourful and fragrant ballet that delights spectators.
Lou Queernaval: The Gay Carnival of France
On the 21st of February, Lou Queernaval returns to celebrate inclusion and love. This was the first gay carnival in France, and since its inception in 2015, the parade has attracted audiences from across the region, featuring batucadas, drag queens, and LGBTQIA+ artists. The event celebrates diversity with extravagant costumes, colourful décor, and vibrant makeup. It is free and open to everyone!
Closing Ceremony of the Nice Carnival
The Nice Carnival concludes with a grand finale, the closing ceremony, on the 1st of March. The ceremony begins at 16:00, featuring the final daytime parade with the famous Grosses Têtes. At 22:45, the King’s statue will be set alight in a spectacular ceremony, followed by a fireworks display that will light up the night sky, offering spectators one last magical moment. The carnival will then bid farewell to 2025 and won’t return until next year.
What to do in Nice during the Carnival?
The Carnival is a unique moment to visit the capital of the French Riviera ( Côte d’Azur). Nice is beautiful every time of the year, but during these 15 days, it reaches its peak. Visit the city’s main monuments, beaches, and more with an atmosphere of celebration.
Visit the Place Massena, which is the starting point of most of the parades. The View Nice, Old Town and heart of Nice, fills up with colour, as musicians, dancers and floats flood the streets. Wander through the narrow, stopping by boutiques, cafes, the immense Nice Cathedral, and the Cours Saleya Market, which offers flowers, fresh produce, and local goods. Head to the the top of Castle Hill for panoramic views of Nice and the Mediterranean.
Hire a car in Nice and get the most out of the Carnival
Hiring a car in Nice is the best way to fully immerse yourself in the excitement of the Nice Carnival while also exploring the beautiful French Riviera. With the flexibility of a car, you can easily navigate the city’s streets, visit its historic sites, and experience its coastline without being limited by public transportation schedules. Plus, having a car gives you the freedom to venture beyond Nice and discover charming towns, such as Cannes, Monaco, or Antibes, and the scenic landscapes of the French Riviera.
To find the best deals on car rentals, consider using a comparison tool that searches multiple rental companies in real time, ensuring you secure the lowest prices. CarJet saves you both time and money, and millions of travellers have found it invaluable when planning their trips. By choosing this option, you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility to make the most of your carnival experience, with peace of mind knowing you’ve secured the best possible deal.
