Events
Carnival
February/March
Nice’s carnival celebrations last for a mammoth 15 days. Flower-strewn floats parade around the city, and on the Promenade des Anglais, elegant flower battles take place: extravagantly dressed locals ride on around 20 floats decorated with stunning floral displays, and throw out flowers (including around 20 tons of mimosa) into the crowds.
Gourd Festival
March
Held in the Jardins de Cimiez, this unique celebration of the gourd traditionally symbolises the end of winter with competitions, gourd-painting extravaganzas and gourd-based dishes.
Fête du Château
June
This free contemporary music festival takes place in Nice’s château grounds and features funk, jazz, trip hop, Latin and rock acts, plus food and arts and craft stalls.
Nice Jazz Festival
July
One of Europe’s most important jazz events, the annual Nice Jazz Festival has been running since 1948. It takes place on several separate stages on Place Masséna, with many famous international names coming to perform here over the eight days, and featuring traditional and contemporary sounds.
Marathon des Alpes Maritimes
November
This annual regional marathon starts in Nice and wends along the coast road towards Cannes.