Nice Carnival 2019 and ways to get there by train

Things still might be a little chilly around this time, but the Nice Carnival 2019 is sure to warm you up! The French Riviera creates a unique event where almost a million visitors from all over the world flock to Nice. Nice Carnival is one of the most important events on the French Riviera in the winter. For over a fortnight, the city moves to the rhythm of the festivities. Humour, irony, and poetry are in store at this big popular festival.

Be one of the people who line Nice’s famous coastal boulevard, the Promenade des Anglais, to see the grand parade of colorful floats; This is The Nice Carnival 2019 and ways to get there by train.

Nice Carnival 2019

Why Go to Nice Carnival 2019?

“Carnival is the most popular cultural event a country can experience. – Jorde Amado, Brazilian writer, 1912 – 2001”

Visiting The French Riviera could be a reason in itself to visit Nice. Carnival is one extra bonus!

By this time, we’re also creeping out of winter and the sun is out to play. This is a good excuse to farewell Winter. With a blaze of colors while witnessing the daily parades and the night carts animated by over 1000 dancers and musicians from every part of the world.

The chosen theme this year is ‘King of Cinema’ (‘Roi du Cinéma’) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city’s mythical Victorine Studios, opened in 1919 and which have hosted the likes of Brigitte Bardot, François Truffaut, Jacques Tati, Woody Allen or Alfred Hitchcock. With over 1,000 musicians, dancers and characters to enjoy this is an event not to be missed.

The Battle of Flowers

Also known as the Bataille de Fleurs, it began in 1856, specifically aimed to entertain the foreign visitors who were beginning to flock to the south of France. Today, two people on each float throw some 20 kilograms of mimosa and fresh-cut flowers into the crowd as they make their way along the Promenade des Anglais beside the azure blue sea of the Mediterranean. Another reason to get yourself some tickets early so you can get yourself front row seats.

Over the festival, around 100,000 fresh-cut flowers are used, with most of them being sourced from locals.

Need To Know about Nice Carnival

Nice Carnival is one of the oldest carnivals in the world. From pagan and humble beginnings way back in the 13th century, it has become a glorious, annual 12-day party. It runs on different days (no parades on Mondays for instance.) The city of Nice erupts with parades of floats, street events, and stalls and culminates with Mardi Gras on the last day. The streets and squares where the parades go through are closed off during the Carnival, and you need to purchase a ticket to gain access. Only people in a fancy dress get free entry to some of the parades. Who needs an excuse to dress up anyway?

Getting tickets to Nice Carnival Events

For the events that need tickets, the price ranges from 10 euros standing to 25 euros on the seated stands. See the link below to buy tickets.

Tickets from Billetterie Office du Tourisme et des Congrès
5 Promenade des Anglais
Tel.: 00 33 (0)8 92 70 74 07
Tourist Office website

How To Get to Nice Carnival By Train

There are plenty of trains making their way to nice from most parts of Europe. With the help of SaveATrain you can get tickets in minutes with no extra cost! Nice’s main train station, Nice Ville train station, is found in the town center. The Nice Ville train station is the major terminus for regional and national train connections, so it would be best to catch a train here for Carnival. The tourist information office in the train station can be helpful if you are visiting Nice for the first time. Nice Ville train station is located on the Avenue Thiers and it is about 20 minutes’ walk from the beach and the famous Promenade des Anglais down the adjacent Avenue Jean Medecin.

When Is Nice Carnival?

The Nice Carnival runs for a full fortnight in late February and is the biggest Mardi Gras bash in the South of France. Get ready for an explosion of colors and music from the 17th of February until the 3rd of March.

Here is the calendar of The Nice Carnival 2019:

THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2019

12:00

DÉJEUNER “VIRA LA RODA”

The operation, supported by the City of Nice and the organizers of Nice Carnival, is intended to financially help young students wishing to access training in the catering trade, including through the Lycée Paul Augier or the apprentice training center.
Rates : 90 € / per person (wine, water, coffee included) – Reservation: silvia.grillo@ville-nice.fr / 04 97 13 41 99

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