Nice Carnival 2027: where to stay and what we already know
The official 2027 programme is out: six parades, four Flower Parades and a free Carnavalina. Ticket prices are not, yet. Pick your night, book the hotel, the tickets will follow.
Mametas CheckedProgramme + theme + ticketing status checked · 1 November 2026Programme published, 2027 prices not yet. As of 1 November 2026, the official prices page says they are being updated. We will not recycle 2026 prices or invent a sales opening date. Follow the official 2027 prices →
If you already know you are coming, book the hotel without waiting for ticket prices. The dates are fixed, Nice is compact and the best rooms around Masséna and the Carré d’Or have no reason to wait until December to become scarce.
The 2027 programme, date by date
Published by the organiser, subject to change. All parades and Flower Parades take place on Place Masséna.
- Saturday 13 February: the Carnavalina, free (2pm-6pm), then the illuminated opening parade at 9pm.
- Tuesday 16 February: illuminated carnival parade, 8.30pm.
- Wednesday 17 February: Flower Parade, 2.30pm.
- Saturday 20 February: Flower Parade at 2.30pm, illuminated parade at 8.30pm.
- Sunday 21 February: the Corso Carnavalesque d’Aqui (“from here” in Niçois), a daytime parade with local folk troupes, 2.30pm.
- Tuesday 23 February: illuminated carnival parade, 8.30pm.
- Wednesday 24 February: Flower Parade, 2.30pm.
- Saturday 27 February: Flower Parade at 2.30pm, then the illuminated closing parade (time to be confirmed).
Where does the Carnival take place?
The definitive 2027 route map is not yet published. On the edition currently documented by the organiser, Zone A centres on Place Masséna and Zone B on Avenue de Verdun / Promenade des Anglais. Masséna, Jardin Albert-Ier and the Carré d’Or are therefore the easiest areas logistically. We will replace these references with the 2027 map when released.
Where to stay for Nice Carnival
Four hotels worth checking now
Affiliate links: Mametas may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Selection stays editorial.
Mercure Nice Centre Grimaldi
A strong compromise: walking distance to Masséna, in a proper hotel district.
Check rates on Booking.com ↗︎
Hôtel de la Fontaine
A few minutes from the sea, still reasonably close to Masséna, with easy tram and centre access.
Check rates on Booking.com ↗︎
Hôtel Les Cigales
Central but slightly removed from the immediate Masséna crowds.
Not currently on Booking.com
Hôtel Ozz by HappyCulture
Practical if you want to keep the budget down and stay near Nice-Ville. Masséna is easy by tram or on foot.
Check rates on Booking.com ↗︎2027 tickets: should you wait for them before booking?
Not necessarily. The 2027 programme is published; prices are still being updated on the official page checked on 1 November 2026. If your trip is certain, booking a cancellable hotel now makes sense, especially around Saturday 20 and Saturday 27 February. For the tickets themselves, wait for the official prices. Points of sale listed by the organiser: the official online box office, the main ticket office on the Promenade du Paillon and, on event days, the one on the Promenade des Anglais opposite no. 5.
Which event should you choose?
Nice Carnival traditionally separates carnival parades and Flower Parades. For a first visit, the illuminated parade is generally the most spectacular experience; Flower Parades are daytime affairs, and more elegant. Only one day? Aim for Saturday 20 or Saturday 27 February: flowers in the afternoon, lights at night. Two shows, one hotel night.
Access: arrive much earlier than for a normal show
The official site currently recommends arriving two hours before showtime because of security checks. Tickets specify a compulsory entrance and movement between zones can be restricted. Take this seriously: “we are right by Masséna” is less useful when your entrance is on the other side of the perimeter. On parade days, walking and the tram remain the simplest options; if you are counting on a car, a taxi or an Uber, read our taxi, ride-hailing and parking notes first.
And Lou Queernaval?
Lou Queernaval was part of the 2026 edition. Its possible 2027 return has not yet been officially announced. If confirmed, we will link here to our Gay French Riviera guide → and the exact programme.
Full Nice guide →
Choose where to eat →
See more hotels →
Le Negresco, if the Carnival is your excuse →
Compare bases across the whole Riviera →
Menton Lemon Festival, at the same time →
Monaco Grand Prix 2027, the other date to book early →
Day trips for the days without a parade →