Carnaval de Nice
The 'Carnaval de Nice' almost rivals Rio with its extravagant and colourful parades down the Promenade des Anglais.

© SeeNice.com

© SeeNice.com

© SeeNice.com

© SeeNice.com
Coastal resort with a lovely medieval village
Situated between Nice and Cannes, Villeneuve Loubet is a delightful area split into two parts - a seaside resort with plenty of outdoor activities and a fascinating old town.
The best way to discover the old village is to take a bus or leave your car in the large “Plans” car park and walk along the river.
Starting at the mouth of the Loup (meaning “wolf”) river it's a short stroll to the old town of Villeneuve-Loubet. It's interlaced with pretty lanes which open up into characterful squares with art galleries and cafés.
There is a 13th century castle with a cobbled courtyard, ramparts and walls to explore. The village itself was rebuilt in the 16th century and has many beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture, as well as a Museum of Art and History. Guided tours are organised by the tourist office, call in to ask for details. It provides a welcome respite from the busy coastal resorts.
The beach resort of Villeneuve Loubet Plage is dominated by the purpose built, 1,000 bed apartment block which is supposed to resemble three large white waves rolling in from the sea. At 70m high, they dominate the horizon and certainly draw your attention. Whilst they may not be to everyone's taste, the architect has created that rare apartment block where every flat has a terrace and a view.
The 'Carnaval de Nice' almost rivals Rio with its extravagant and colourful parades down the Promenade des Anglais.
The start of spring is celebrated every Sunday in May with a grand celebration in the Jardins de Cimiez.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Nice, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
The main events in history occurred during the 20th century with the town being one of many important battle sites during World War II. It was liberated by the First Special Service Force on 26th August, 1944. The tower of the castle was damaged by a shell fired by the US Navy, and dozens of soldiers from both sides were killed or wounded.
In 2006, the bodies of fourteen Germans who were killed during the fighting were discovered in a mass grave near the town by a local medical student.
Villeneuve-Loubet is also the birthplace of the famous 19th century Provençal chef and father of “haute-cuisine”, Auguste Escoffier. The Musée de l’Arte Culinaire documents his career, with exhibits including his menus and recipes, as well as old cooking implements and kitchen devices.
The old town's history is fascinating. It was a battle site in WWII and was liberated in 1944.
The old village was rebuilt in the 16th century and has many beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture, as well as a Museum of Art and History. Guided tours are organised by the tourist office.
Museum charting the history of transport in the area, with lots of old vehicles to look at. Located in an old rail warehouse in Breil.
The area around the Cote d'Azur is rich in prehistoric artefacts, many of which can be found in this fascinating museum.
Opened to unprecedented acclaim in 1929, Le Palais de la Méditerranée instantly became a showcase of luxury and inter-war celebration.
The Asian Arts Museum was created by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange who created a wonderful white marble and glass construction that stands in the middle of a lake in Park Phoenix.
With items from prehistoric times, and fine arts and decorative arts from as early as the 17th century, all the way up to the first half of the 20th century.
Situated within the Royal Fort on Ile Sainte-Marguerite in the Bay of Cannes, this museum is a place not only of learning but also of rich history.
“Plages” means beaches and Villeneuve-Loubet is fringed by 4km of beaches, all of which hold the Blue Flag award for cleanliness.
There are three main beaches, where you can try all sorts of watersports, as well as a marina where you can hire boats.
The port area has many good restaurants and all the beaches have restaurants and snack bars. There are facilities for disabled swimmers and even, that rarest of pleasures on the Riviera…a sandy beach. Particularly good for families is the “Plage des Kids” which is equipped with table tennis, mini-golf and other entertainments.
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
Right beside the marina, Plage de la Batterie (also known as Plage Villeneuve-Loubet) is a pleasant pebble beach with plenty of activities on offer.
Plage du Cros de Cagnes is the main stretch of beach in Cagnes-Sur-Mer, running the length of the lively row of restaurants and bars that line the seafront.
Plage de la Pierre au Tambour runs from the port all the way to Antibes and has a busy road and train line running behind it, neither of which you can hear much. If you stand facing the sea and look to your right you can see Antibes and its 16th century fort sticking out from the mainland.
Saint-Laurent-du-Var has one of the best-equipped waterfronts in terms of barely having to leave the beach all day - everything is right here.
Plage de Carras is a well-equipped “handiplage”, which has facilities and lifeguards to enable people with disabilities to enter the water safely.
There's a nice selection of restaurants in the marina and along the beachfront offering great sea views.
This gourmet restaurant offers panoramic views across the Mediterranean and gained two Michelin stars in 2011.
Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
Toile Blanche Le Restaurant offers fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, where simplicity meets creative flair.
Michelin-starred chef, Didier Anies, recognised as Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000, has created a gourmet cuisine at this restaurant; one which is unfussy, full of flavour and low key yet elegant.
The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
Originally set up by Russian jazz musician Dimitri Shapko, this venue plays host to local and international jazz, soul and R&B.
A vibrant pub in the heart of Nice's busy quarter, the Old Town. Popular with locals and tourists alike but especially the International crowd.
With a Gothic interior mixed with wall frescoes and a friendly atmosphere, this is one of Nice's nicest drinking spots.
Recently celebrating its 16th anniversary this is certainly the place to be in Nice for a gay-friendly and party atmosphere!
Right on the corner of the Place du Palais de Justice is a little cluster of bars, our favourite of which is Master Home.
As well as the beaches there are also a number of parks, most notably the Parc du Vaugrenier, a large woodland area that is home to many wild animals and Mediterranean plants as well as Roman archaeological excavations, walking paths and a childrens playground. Entry is free of charge and it's open year-round.
Villeneuve-Loubet is a great base for action-lovers, as well as being a starting point for many hikes and bike rides there are also a number of adventure parks in the area where you can test your head for heights by navigating the forest via ropes and bridges. Try Canyon Forest at the Parc Rives des Loup for courses to suit all ages.
The Golfe de Villeneuve-Loubet has undergone recent upgrades, and has a nine-hole course, restaurant, putting green, driving range, and proshop. It's not the most glamorous club on the Riviera (for those see our golfing section) but it's affordable and accessible.
A fantastic way to experience the breathtaking scenery of the South of France.
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
Based in Nice, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
A challenging ride up a steep mountain pass to a summit of 963m, the Col de Vence is a classic cycling route of the Cote d’Azur. Starting from Nice along the Promenade des Anglais, follow the cycle path past the airport to Cagnes-Sur-Mer; you’ll know you’ve reached Cagnes-Sur-Mer when you come to a long stretch of seafront and a dangling rhinoceros (you’ll understand when you see it), turn right up Avenue General Leclerc - it’s the second road after the church.
This intense little loop packs quite a lot into a short ride, taking you up to the serenity of the high mountains and back down to the hustle of the seafront in just 30km.
La Grande Corniche is one of the classic cycle routes of the Riviera and this ride takes you from the heart of Nice all the way to Menton on the Italian border and back.
This half-day ride takes you on a panoramic tour via four of the region’s famous sixteen “perched villages” - ancient towns built high amongst the mountains of the Alpes-Maritime. There is a fair bit of climbing involved in this ride, 1500m over just under 60km, but there are also plenty of long flowing descents where you can drink in the magnificent views of mountains in one direction and sea in the other. The biggest climb is the first one up to Aspremont, so once you’ve nailed that you can relax and take the rest nice and easy.
When Lance Armstrong describes a training route as “mythical” you know it’s not going to be easy…
The Notre-Dame des Fleurs stands on the site of an 11th century Benedictine Abbey. The building now houses the gallery Beaubourg which exhibits contemporary works of art.
In the winter months the terraces surrounding the village of Tourrettes-Sur-Soup are coloured purple, while the delicately scented air flatters the nostrils. Roughly 40 families still carry on the tradition that celebrates the 'Festival of Purple' (1st sunday in March) where the town is filled with Violet Victoria and Parma Violet.
This hike goes through land formally used for agriculture that now is only used for winter grazing, leaving its rich soil unused, due to the lack of a water source.
Nice’s flagship urban park covers 12 hectares in the heart of the city, just a few minutes walk from Promenade des Anglais. Promenade du Paillon used to be a very congested and rather ugly thoroughfare where the old bus station and multi storey car park were situated. It was demolished in 2011 and a 3 year development project took place to turn it into the oasis of green open space, safe play areas and impressive water features that we enjoy today.
This is the shortest and most easily accessible of the Sentier Littoral walks; making it easy to fit into a quiet afternoon when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Nice town.
Leave the old town of Villefranche-sur-mer and escape into the wooded hills as far down as Cap Ferrat. Take a tour of the old city via Rue Obscure, a shady path the winds its way through vaulted cellars from the old harbor.
Fly at 50 metres above the sea by yourself or with friends security attached, enjoy a spectacular view of the gorgeous Baie des Anges, mountains and surroundings.
Paddleboarding along the coast is a fun for the whole family!
They adapt to the overall level of the group so that everyone can spend an unforgettable day together whether you are a family of beginners or a group of experienced kayakers.
Nice Diving unveils to its clients the underwater marvels of the Mediterranean ocean along the shores of the Cote d'Azur.
The hotel accommodation here tends to be on the budget side. Neighbouring Cagnes sur Mer has a better selection of boutique style places to stay.
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
This hotel has been entirely renovated, combining the historical ambience of its past, plus the modern conveniences of an international luxury hotel.
Tucked inside the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, Hotel Le Saint Paul offers timeless charm, artistic flair, and refined hospitality in a Relais & Châteaux setting.
The 5-star Luxury Boscolo Exedra Nice is located in the centre of Nice, a few minutes from the old town, the boutiques of Place Masséna, the famous Promenade Des Anglais and the Conference Center.
Classic French opulence with Mediterranean charm, all nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of the Riviera.
Famous hotel and site named after Henri Negresco with an equally famous restaurant Le Chantecler, located on the Promenade des Anglais.
Toile Blanche is a stylish retreat where contemporary design, Provençal elegance and immersive art come together across serene gardens and valley views.
Access to Villeneuve-Loubet from Nice is very easy; either hop on the train, take the bus or hire a bike and follow the green cycle path all the way from the Promenade des Anglais, it’s flat and is an easy hour-long ride.
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
A penthouse apartment with a roof terrace overlooking the bay.
Top floor apartment located in a dominant position with panoramic view of the city in the forefront and the sea. The apartment has been entirely renovated in 2004.
Set in a private estate with 24-hour security, this seafront townhouse offers a rare and sought-after living environment. The estate offers its residents exclusive features such as a funicular railway with direct access to the sea and perfectly manicured landscaped gardens.
SOLE AGENT- MONT BORON - CAP DE NICE - nestled in a small private lane, you will discover this beautiful neo-Provençal villa in a peaceful setting on the side of a rock, facing southwest towards the sea.
A beautiful apartment with a panoramic sea view close to Monaco.
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See allLatest News & ReviewsYou will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town throughout the year. The most popular public events take place along the Promenade des Anglais, including the Carnival in February, the Bastille celebrations in July and the Nice marathon in November. There are also plenty of live music and cultural festivals.
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