Experience the Top Events in Nice, France

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Nice, France is often called “Nice la Belle” by locals. That means “Nice the Beautiful” for any non-French speakers out there. Nice’s scenery, music, and food are some of the reasons behind this city’s nickname. Another reason is all of the amazing events that kick off each year.

There’s a festival in Nice for every occasion. Patrons of the arts can look forward to one-of-a-kind art shows and concerts. Foodies won’t be disappointed by the savory selection of food that’s on offer. And for every holiday, there’s a festival that compliments it. There’s never a dull moment in Nice. That’s why millions of people visit the city each year.

Today, we’re going to show you our picks for the Top Events in Nice. Grab a calendar, because these events are scattered all throughout the year. Oh, and don’t forget to drop your extra bags near Nice to be hands-free for the festivities.

The Nice Carnival

February is a month with many meanings to many different cultures. Countries that celebrate Valentine’s Day consider February to be the “Month of Love”. The United States recognizes February as Black History Month. In Nice, February is the month when Carnival kicks off. 

Carnival is a city-wide festival that starts near the very end of Winter. Each year, Carnival has a different theme. Said theme is reflected by the costumes people wear and the parade floats that drift into town. You never know exactly what you’re in store for until you visit Carnival and join in on the festivities.

International Festival Vive La Magie

Okay, you probably don’t have to speak French to figure out what’s in store at the International Festival Vive La Magie. Artists and Magicians from all four corners of the globe join forces to put on a show that’s simply out of the world. 

Acrobats, Dancers, Illusionists, Trapeze Artists — these are just a few of the performers who frequent this festival. Vive La Magie is never the same. There’s also an exciting twist or a mind-boggling turn at every show. Then again, expecting the unexpected is part of the magic.

Lu Festin de Nissa

You know that Spring is in full swing when Lu Festin de Nissa begins. On May 1st, each year, citizens gather in droves to celebrate the changing of seasons. There are tree decorating ceremonies and live dance performances all throughout the city. 

When all is said and done, a May Queen is chosen. Lu Festin de Nissa lasts all throughout May. Each Sunday after May 1st, citizens reassemble to celebrate this amazing Spring Festival. 

Ironman

No, we’re not talking about any billionaires, playboys, or philanthropists. We’re talking about Nice’s Ironman Triathlon. This annual sporting event isn’t just a test of one’s physical fitness, it’s also a test of willpower. Athletes have the opportunity to engage in a race that stretches from the Mediterranean Sea all the way to the Nice Riviera. 

If you’re wondering how you’re supposed to run on water, you won’t have to. The Ironman is a triathlon, as in it consists of three activities — biking, running, and swimming. You don’t have to be an Avenger to take part in this amazing event. And no matter when you cross the finish line, you’re a hero in our eyes just for trying. 

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Nice Jazz Festival

A myriad of legendary Jazz Artists hail from France. Edith Piaf, Vincent Peirani, and Django Reinhardt are all of French descent. Their music resonated with millions of people during their lifetimes and continues to do so long after they’ve played their last tunes. 

That’s because music lives forever. That’s a fact that the Nice Jazz Festival appreciates. This event celebrates the legends of the past while also giving modern musicians a chance to show their stuff. In the 1940s, Louis Armstrong and his all-star band lit up the stage. These days, musicians like Jacob Banks and the Black Eyed Peas keep that tradition alive. 

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Nuit Européenne des Musées

Back in 2006, Ben Stiller starred in a strange film called Night at the Museum. It’s based on a book created by Milan Trenc and is widely regarded as a cult classic these days. So, what does Ben Stiller have to do with Nice, France? Well, Nuit Européenne des Musées essentially means “Night of European Museums” in English. 

There won’t be any statues springing to life during this event. Instead, several museums will stay open late into the evening and grant multiple visitors free admission. “The Long Night Museums” occurs in the fall, around November. 

Festin des Cougourdons

Cougourdons are intricate gourds that are considered to be good luck charms. They come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. Some folks use them as decorations. Others carve holes into them and use them as storage devices. Either way you slice it, Cougourdons are a pretty big deal in Nice. 

In fact, they’re such a big deal that Nice holds the Festin des Cougourdons each year. There’s dancing, music, and gourds galore at this event. You should definitely stop by if you’re visiting Nice in March and you want to snag a Cougourdon souvenir.  

Noël à Nice

Last but not least, we present Noël à Nice. This festival celebrates Christmas time in Nice by transforming parts of the city into Christmas Villages. Christmas trees are decorated to the gills. Mistletoes dangle from street lamps. Joy and cheer fill the air. 

Or maybe that’s just the smell of freshly baked cooked pastries. Same difference, right? No matter how the cookie crumbles, Noël à Nice is always a special occasion — one that starts late December each and every year.

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