AIIllustrative image: AI-generatedNice Carnival 2027: how much tickets cost and where to watch the corso
The Carnival of Nice runs for almost three weeks, and in 2027 the 154th edition will take place from February 9 to 28 under the theme "Vive l'Amour!" (as of 09/2026, official carnival website). Admission to the corso is mostly paid, and hotels near Place Masséna are booked well before the parade (as of 09/2026, ticket prices and points of sale). Here you will find dates, zones and prices, the program, how to get there, and six hotels right on the parade route.
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The Carnival of Nice 2027: dates, theme and key facts
💡 In short:
- 154th edition: February 9-28, 2027, theme "Vive l'Amour!".
- Three formats: daytime corso, illuminated evening corso, and flower battles.
- Tickets: from €7 in standing zone B, grandstands are significantly more expensive (as of 09/2026, ticket prices and points of sale).
- Dates and prices: 09/2026, verified on the carnival website.
The theme "Vive l'Amour!" was announced at the closing of the previous carnival (according to the Nice Côte d'Azur tourist office, 09/2026).
The format does not change from year to year: almost three weeks of parades, flower battles, and free city events around Place Masséna.
The exact schedule for the 154th edition will be published closer to February, so for now plan around the formats and key dates.
History of the Carnival of Nice
The Carnival of Nice has a long pedigree. The first mention dates back to 1294, when Charles I of Anjou, Count of Provence, took part in the festivities (as of 09/2026, history of Carnaval de Nice).
The modern format dates from 1873, and the flower battles were invented in 1876 to support local flower growers (as of 09/2026, page about the carnival's history). In the late 19th century, the tradition emerged of the carnival king riding through the city on his own float, and he remains the main character of the procession to this day. In 2023 the carnival celebrated the 150th anniversary of its first edition, so in 2027 you will see the 154th edition of the event.
How the carnival works: corso and flower battles
The carnival is built on three formats, all of which take place in central Nice. During the day, costumed floats with musicians and dancers travel along Place Masséna and the seafront, and in the evening the same floats travel with lighting under the name Corso Carnavalesque Illuminé. The flower battles take place separately from the corso.
The festival opens with the king, who arrives at Place Masséna and receives the keys to the city (as of 09/2026, story about the ceremonies). On the last Saturday, the king is ceremonially burned amid fireworks, and you can watch this spectacle for free, as well as some of the city events around the carnival.
At the flower battles, fresh flowers fly from decorated floats into the audience. People used to exchange bouquets this way, and now it is a separate show that many come to Nice in February specifically to see.
Carnival program 2027
The full program of the 154th edition will be published closer to February, but for now we have gathered the formats that repeat year after year.
© Moody Dreiza ( Moody751 at English Wikipedia ) · CC BYPhoto: Moody Dreiza ( Moody751 at English Wikipedia ), CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5), Wikimedia CommonsGrand Charivari: free opening
The festival kicks off with Grand Charivari, an opening day with parades and entertainment open to the public (according to the 154th edition program, 09/2026). Arrive early, because Place Masséna fills up very quickly.
Daytime and evening corso
The corso comes in two versions: daytime parades are geared toward families, while in the evening the same floats run with lighting (as of 09/2026, corso calendar).
© Tmilaret · CC BY-SAPhoto: Tmilaret, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsSeats here are divided into two zones: A at Place Masséna and B along Promenade des Anglais, Avenue de Verdun, and Avenue Max Gallo. Both zones have grandstands and standing areas.
Flower battles
The flower battles take place on Promenade des Anglais, and from about two dozen decorated floats, mimosa, gerberas, and lilies fly into the crowd. In total, more than 100,000 flowers are thrown to spectators over the course of the edition (as of 09/2026, NissActu report).
© JEAN-PIERRE PROUTEAU · CC BY-SAPhoto: JEAN-PIERRE PROUTEAU, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsTickets for the flower battles are required for everyone, including participants in costumes. It is best to book a grandstand seat here in advance.
Bal veglione at the nice opera
The Nice Opera hosts Bal Veglione, an evening masked and costume ball (according to the ball description, 09/2026). The dress code is strict, so it is worth checking the details before buying tickets.
© Qjafcc · CC BY-SAPhoto: Qjafcc, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsCarnavalina: children's day
A separate Carnavalina day is dedicated to children: admission is free, and the program is designed for families with little ones (as of the children's day page, 09/2026).
Lou Queernaval: the LGBTQ community parade
Lou Queernaval is organized by Nice's LGBTQ community: drag queens and dance troupes parade through the streets, and admission is usually free. No other carnival in the region has this format.
The burning of the king and Bain de Carnaval
The finale takes two days. During the last evening corso, the king is burned amid fireworks, and you can watch this for free. On the morning of the last day, Bain de Carnaval takes place at Plage du Centenaire, a collective dip in the sea (as of the closing page, 09/2026).
Carnival village
Between parades, the Carnival village operates in the Albert 1er garden, where you'll find free entertainment, food stalls, and a stage at the Kiosque à Musique (as of the events page for the Albert 1er garden, 09/2026).
Carnival tickets: zones and where to buy
Tickets are sold online and at ticket offices in Nice: the main ticket office is on the Promenade du Paillon near the Miroir d'Eau, and on corso days ticket offices also open on the Promenade des Anglais (as of the ticket offices and fares page, 09/2026).
Zone A stands are on Place Masséna, where there are also standing places. Zone B runs along the Promenade des Anglais, Avenue de Verdun, and Avenue Max Gallo. It also has stands and standing places.
Children need a separate ticket, even toddlers sitting on an adult's lap (as of the children's tickets page, 09/2026). Refundable tickets cost more, but you can return them before the event starts.
If you come in full costume to the evening corso, you'll get a standing place without a ticket, on a first-come, first-served basis at the entrances (as of: 09/2026, free admission rules). This rule does not apply to the flower battles, where everyone pays.
You won't be allowed in with roller skates, a motorcycle helmet, sharp objects, or a tripod, and you'll find the full list at the entrances and on the carnival website.
Tours and tickets in Nice
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How much carnival tickets cost
Below are the fares for the 153rd edition from the official website, and the city publishes 2027 prices when ticket sales open, usually in December.
Evening corso and flower battles:
Ticket | Zone A (Place Masséna) | Zone B (Promenade des Anglais) |
|---|---|---|
Stand, adult | 28 € | 23 € |
Stand, adult, refundable | 31 € | 25.50 € |
Stand, child 6-12 | 10 € | 8 € |
Standing, adult | 14 € | 7 € |
Standing, child 6-12 | 5 € | free |
(as of: 09/2026, official fares)
Daytime corso:
Ticket | Zone A | Zone B |
|---|---|---|
Stand, adult | 23 € | 20 € |
Stand, adult, refundable | 25.50 € | 22 € |
Stand, child 6-12 | 10 € | 8 € |
Standing, adult | 14 € | 7 € |
(as of: 09/2026, fares on the official website)
A combined ticket for the corso and the flower battle costs 45 € in zone A and 40 € in zone B (as of 09/2026, combined ticket prices). The return option costs a few euros more, and people with disabilities pay less and enter standing zones for free, although they still need a ticket.
How to get there and where to park
The center of Nice is closed off a few hours before each corso, and parking lots near Place Masséna are closed at that time (according to the access rules, 09/2026).
Trams run to Place Masséna: from Nice-Ville station you can get there in a couple of stops or walk. The easiest option for you is to leave your car at the entrance to the city.
The Las Planas and Pont-Michel park-and-ride lots are connected to the center by tram lines, so from Las Planas you ride to the Jean Médecin stop, and from Pont-Michel to Garibaldi.
During carnival days, several central parking lots offer a special rate if you have a corso ticket, but check the conditions on site, because they change from one edition to the next.
Where to stay in Nice during the carnival
Hotels near Place Masséna and on the Promenade des Anglais get booked up well in advance, especially on weekends with corso. Below are six options from our selection: two are right on the parade route, and the rest are cheaper.
Le Meridien Nice: rooms with a view of the corso
The hotel sits right on the parade route, and some rooms overlook the procession, so those rooms get booked earliest of all. Look at options in advance if the view matters to you. Prices at Le Meridien Nice on Trip.com.
© Михаило Јовановић · CC BY-SAPhoto: Михаило Јовановић, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsAnantara plaza nice hotel near place masséna
This is the second hotel on the route and the most expensive in the selection: some rooms face the carnival venue at Place Masséna. Check prices at Anantara Plaza Nice.
© M.Strīķis · CC BY-SAPhoto: M.Strīķis, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsWindsor jungle art hotel in central nice
Mid-range in the city center. A good fit if you want to walk to the corso and not depend on transport. Prices at Windsor Jungle Art on Trip.com.
© Hotelwindsor · CC BY-SAPhoto: Hotelwindsor, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsL'Abeille: mid-range apartments
Mid-range apartments: you cook for yourself and save on breakfasts if you stay for a week. Rooms at L'Abeille on Trip.com.
Hotel Villa Rivoli: budget and style
A small budget hotel in the center, chosen when you want to pay less and don't care about a sea view. Prices at Hotel Villa Rivoli.
Residhome Nice Promenade: budget apartments
The most budget-friendly option in this selection: apartments on the Promenade des Anglais. Convenient for families who come for a week. Residhome Nice Promenade apartments on Trip.com.
Is the Nice carnival worth going to
The Nice carnival is paid, and this surprises many people: you have to pay even for a standing spot in zone B (as of 09/2026, ticket prices).
© trolvag · CC BY-SAPhoto: trolvag, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsFor families with children, the event works well because the parades run during the day and end early. For those looking for night parties and clubs, the carnival offers less, so choose the format that fits you.
On the same days, the Lemon Festival in Menton and the Mimosa Festival in Mandelieu-la-Napoule take place on the Côte d'Azur, and you can set aside one day for them if you are already in Nice for the carnival.
The Nice carnival in previous years
The themes and dates of past editions show how the event has changed (as of 09/2026, theme archive).
In 2026, the carnival was dedicated to the queen: the 153rd edition ran from February 11 to March 1 (as of 09/2026, results of the 153rd edition).
In 2025, the theme was seas and oceans, and the edition was timed to coincide with the UN conference on ocean protection (as of 09/2026, 2025 edition).
In 2024, the carnival ran from February 17 to March 3 under the theme "king of pop culture," and that same year the first waiters' race through the old town was held (as of 09/2026, 2024 carnival).
In 2023, the event ran from February 10 to 26 under the theme "King of the World's Treasures," and it was the anniversary carnival marking 150 years (as of 09/2026, 2023 edition).
In 2022, the carnival ran from February 11 to 27 under the theme "King of the Animals" (as of 09/2026, 2022 theme).
In 2020, the theme was fashion, and the edition became a homage to Karl Lagerfeld: 17 carnival floats paraded through the streets, and participants included troupes from different countries (as of 09/2026, 2020 page).
We've gathered impressions from past editions in the gallery below so you can see the carnival from the stands and from street level.
⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
When is the Nice Carnival in 2027?
The carnival will run from February 9 to 28, 2027. It's the 154th edition, with the theme "Vive l'Amour!" (as of 09/2026, official Nice tourist office). The celebration spans almost three weeks: parades, flower battles, and free city events around Place Masséna.
How much do carnival tickets cost?
Standing room in zone B costs 7 €, in zone A 14 €, and grandstand seats are more expensive: from 20 to 31 € depending on the zone and event (as of 09/2026, city hall rates). Children aged 6 to 12 pay less.
Can you get into the carnival for free?
Yes, if you arrive in full costume for the evening parade: standing room is given at the entrance without a ticket (according to the official page, 09/2026). Opening day, the Carnavalina children's day, and some city events are also free, but flower battles require paid admission for everyone.
Where can you buy tickets and how do you get to the carnival?
Tickets are sold online on the carnival website and at the ticket office on the Promenade du Paillon near the Miroir d'Eau (as of 09/2026, carnival ticket offices). It's best to leave your car at a park-and-ride lot and take the tram to the center.
Is the carnival worth going to with children?
The carnival works well for families with children because daytime parades start early and don't end late. Bring ear protection for little ones, since the fanfares are loud. A child needs their own ticket, even if they sit on an adult's lap (according to ticket rules, 09/2026).
In short: what to book
- If you're going for the parade: a hotel near Place Masséna or on the Promenade des Anglais, and a grandstand seat in zone A.
- If you want to save money: standing room in zone B and a hotel within walking distance of the center.
- If you're traveling with children: a daytime parade and a combo ticket that covers both the parade and the flower battle.
Tickets and hotels for carnival week sell out early, especially for weekends. Nice hotels on Trip.com
A small editorial team writing guides for independent travel. We travel ourselves, but we haven’t been everywhere, so we check prices, opening hours and how to get there against official sources.