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Nice Carnival 2027

More than 1 million people will descend upon the beautiful city of Nice for the annual Carnival festivities. It is one of the top 3 carnivals in the world.

  • Event Dates

    From: Tuesday, March 9, 2027
    To: Sunday, March 28, 2027

  • Key Highlights

    • Two types of parades
    • Street parties
    • Carnival Swim heats
    • Fun runs
    • Stunning huge creations
    • International musical groups
    • Carnival Parades
    • Street art

Nice Carnival 2027, A spectacular series of parades and parties.

Every year Nice celebrates a colourful traditional Carnival in the modern era in its current form when the floats and tribunes made their appearance in 1873.

  • Stay close to all the Carnival parades and parties at the Best Western Plus Hotel Massena Nice, a beautiful 4-star hotel, close to the old town.

Nice Carnival 2027

  • Next Edition: Tuesday 9th February, 2027 – Sunday 28th February, 2027.
  • Celebrate Carnival in one of Europe’s most stylish cities, complete with a dedicated gay Carnival parade! Famous for its stunning float creations of epic proportions, Nice Carnival has a unique theme each year, reflecting contemporary politics and world events.
  • As well as the elaborate parades, other activities include a series of fun runs, Carnival Swim heats and street parties. Most people however come for the main parades, of which there are two, including a special gay parade.

La Carnavalina

  • Awaiting dates, Typically opening Saturday, 13:00–18:00, city centre, free
  • Introduced in the 2025 edition, the event returns with an even bigger production.
  • Featuring more than 300 local artists and performers.
  • Events include dancers, a giant flamingo, penguins, a batucada, and karaoke.
  • Parties and performances are held throughout Nice from the Old town to the Bourgada Garden to the Carnival Village.
  • Activities kick off from o pm and continue across the city until 6 pm.

The Carnival Parade – The Daytime Parade

  • Next Edition: Awaiting dates, Typically Second Saturday.
  • On the Place Masséna and around the Jardin Albert 1er – More than 20 allegorical or burlesque floats parade through Nice, accompanied by live entertainment, street art and international musical groups.
  • This special show takes place in the afternoon, from 14:30 and lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • Each float tells a story, often in a comical or exaggerated way. An allegory is the expression of truths about human existence by means of symbolic figures and their actions.
  • Stay right on the seafront with views of the Carnival at the Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice featuring stylish and spacious rooms in a historic building.

The Evening Parade – Carnival Parade of Lights

  • Next Edition: Awaiting dates.
  • The evening parades are held on each Saturday and Tuesday of the Carnival celebrations.
  • Everything lights up, the visual spectacle becomes even more amazing, and the arts and music troupes that bring the route to life offer a real sound and light show.
  • The parade kicks off at 8.30p m on the Place Masséna and lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes.

The Flower Parade

  • Next Edition: Awaiting dates.
  • The Flower Parade features Floats decorated with floral compositions. The parade takes place beside the sea, on the Promenade des Anglais.  Parades run from 14:30 and last about 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • The grace and elegance of these processions of floats reminds us of the power of the flowers and shows off the floral heritage of the region. A more poetic facet of the Carnival, inseparable from the other more ironic side.
  • Stay at the Hyatt Regency Nice for some of the best balcony views of the Carnival festivities.

The Gay Carnival – Lou Queernaval

  • Next Edition: Awaiting dates, Typically the final Friday of the celebrations.
  • Lou Queernaval is the first gay Carnival in France and typically takes place on the Friday during the second week of Nice Carnival. The parade kicks off at 8 pm from Place Masséna.
  • Queernaval is the first gay carnival in France, rooted in the Nice tradition of carnival festivities. It’s a popular event open to all. Lou Queernaval is committed to promoting the values of sharing, inclusion and living together. Feathers, makeup, sequins, extravagant parades, colourful troupes and strange creatures set the carnival alight.
  • For the ultimate Carnival celebration, stay at Le Negresco, one of the most famous hotels in France with period furniture fit for a queen, over the top service and high-end amenities.

Closing Ceremony

  • Final Saturday – Night (with the illuminated parade).
  • Final Sunday – Grand Carnival Swim & final ceremony — from 10:00 (Quai area).

Gay Nice

  • Nice has one of the largest gay scenes in France, outside of Paris. The Carnival festivities attract French guys from around the country and international visitors from beyond!
  • Most of the gay bars and clubs are located in the Old Town known as Vieux Nice. Other popular venues can be found along the Promenade. The Hotel Rossetti is rated “Superb” and is just 400m from the beach and right in the centre of the old town. 

Recommended Hotels in Nice

The following hotels are all close to the carnival celebrations and the city’s lively gay scene:

Hotel Negresco,    Hotel Suisse,    Hotel Aston La Scala,    Hôtel Massena

Gay Map of Nice

The gay bars in Nice are close to each other just a short walk, we have chosen Hotels close to the gay bars that have high reviews on booking.com our hotel partner .

Address: 37 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France

  • Iconic Belle Époque landmark on the Promenade des Anglais.
  • Famous pink dome and museum-level art collection.
  • Each room and suite individually designed with period pieces.
  • Private beach club across the promenade.
  • Michelin-star dining at Le Chantecler.
  • Grand, theatrical luxury with strong Riviera character.
  • Website

Address: 1 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France

  • Prime beachfront hotel on the Promenade des Anglais.
  • Rooftop pool and restaurant with sweeping sea views.
  • Modern rooms with balconies in many categories.
  • Strong business and leisure mix year-round.
  • Easy walk to Old Town and Place Masséna.
  • Reliable upscale option with a lively central setting.
  • Website

Address: 15 Quai Rauba Capéu, 06300 Nice, France

  • Seafront boutique hotel beside Castle Hill and Old Town.
  • Many rooms with balconies and panoramic Mediterranean views.
  • Italian-style façade with classic Riviera character.
  • Smaller, intimate feel compared with large beachfront hotels.
  • Steps from Cours Saleya market and Vieux Nice.
  • Strong choice for views and location over full resort facilities.
  • Website

Address: 58 Rue Gioffredo, 06000 Nice, France

  • Boutique-style four-star hotel near Place Masséna.
  • Belle Époque façade with modern renovated interiors.
  • Rooftop beach access via private beach partnership.
  • Easy walk to Old Town, shopping, and Promenade des Anglais.
  • Valet parking and strong concierge services.
  • Popular for short stays and central sightseeing.
  • Website

Address: 8 Quai des États-Unis, 06300 Nice, France

  • Iconic private beach at the foot of Castle Hill.
  • Main daytime hangout for gay men in Nice.
  • Sunbeds, bar, and full beachfront restaurant.
  • Mixed crowd with a strong gay presence.
  • Popular for long beach days and sunset drinks.
  • Open: Mon–Sun 9am–6pm (beach),
  • Mon–Sun 12pm–4pm & 7:30pm–9:30pm (restaurant)
  • Website

Address: Plage d'Èze-sur-Mer, Avenue de la Liberté, 06360 Èze-sur-Mer, 

  • Pebble beach between Nice and Monaco with clear water.
  • Known local spot for gay and naturist sunbathing.
  • Rocky section at the far end attracts a gay crowd.
  • More secluded than Nice city beaches.
  • Popular in summer with a relaxed, discreet scene.
  • Open: Open daily, 24 hours
  • Website

Address: 7 Rue Gubernatis, 06000 Nice, France

  • Long-established gay sauna in the heart of central Nice.
  • Multi-level venue with classic sauna, hammam, and jacuzzi zones.
  • Private cabins and cruising areas attract a steady local crowd.
  • Popular with visitors looking for a reliable, central sauna option.
  • Practical, no-frills space that stays busy year-round.
  • Open: Daily 1pm–9pm
  • Facebook

Address: 3 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice, France

  • Cosy gay-friendly bar in Nice’s Old Town.
  • Relaxed spot for cocktails, wine, and easy conversation.
  • Small, colourful interior with local regulars.
  • Popular early-evening and pre-club stop.
  • Intimate alternative to louder gay venues in Nice.
  • Open: Tue-Sat 5pm-12am, Sun-Mon Closed
  • Instagram

Address: 16 Rue Gubernatis, 06000 Nice, France

  • Historic gay-friendly cabaret bar in central Nice.
  • Known for drag, cabaret, and live performance nights.
  • Cosy, old-world interior with intimate seating.
  • Strong mix of locals, visitors, and regulars.
  • Unique alternative to standard bar and club nights.
  • Open: Thu-Mon 6pm-12:30am, Tue-Wed Closed
  • Website

Address: 10 Rue Defly, 06000 Nice, France

  • Well-known gay bar with cabaret and karaoke nights.
  • Strong focus on drag shows and live entertainment.
  • Friendly, social atmosphere with local regulars.
  • Popular sing-along spot for visitors and locals.
  • Fun alternative to standard bar and club nights.
  • Open: Tue-Sun 6pm-2:30am, Mon Closed
  • Facebook

Address: 3 Rue Lascaris, 06300 Nice, France

  • Modern gay bar with art gallery and event focus.
  • Strong mix of cocktails, DJs, and cultural programming.
  • Relaxed, creative atmosphere near the Port of Nice.
  • Popular for early-evening drinks and themed nights.
  • Distinctive alternative to traditional gay bars in Nice.
  • Open: Mon-Wed 2pm-10pm, Thu-Sun 2pm-12am
  • Instagram

Address: 9 Rue Halévy, 06000 Nice, France

  • Popular gay and gay-friendly café-bar near the Promenade.
    Large terrace ideal for people-watching and social drinks.
    Daytime café that turns lively in the evening.
    Mixed local and visitor crowd with strong LGBTQ+ presence.
    Reliable pre-club and casual nightlife stop in Nice.
  • Open: Daily 5pm-2:30am
  • Website

Address: 6 Rue Eugène Emanuel, 06000 Nice, France

  • Main gay nightclub in Nice with drag and themed nights.
  • High-energy weekend venue with packed dance floors.
  • Strong focus on shows and cabaret-style performances.
  • Mixed local and visitor crowd.
  • Key late-night stop on the Nice gay circuit.
  • Open: Fri-Sun 11:30pm-4:30am
  • Website

Address: 14 Rue Benoît Bunico, 06300 Nice, France

  • Main gay after-hours club in Nice’s Old Town.
  • Opens very late and runs into the morning.
  • Techno, house, and party DJ sets.
  • Backroom and adult-focused atmosphere.
  • Key stop for late-night gay clubbing in Nice.
  • Open: Fri-Mon 5am-11am, Tue-Thu Closed
  • Instagram

Address: 8 Passage Emile Négrin, 06000 Nice, France

  • Main gay nightclub near Place Masséna in Nice.
  • Electro, house, and party-focused DJ nights.
  • Compact, high-energy dance floor after midnight.
  • Regular drag shows and themed party events.
  • Key late-night stop on the Nice gay circuit.
  • Open: Thu-Sun 11:45pm-6am (Fri-Sat often until 7am)
  • Facebook

Address: 6 Rue Raoul Bosio, 06300 Nice, France

  • Long-running gay club-bar in Nice’s Old Town.
  • Known for drag shows and shower performances.
  • Compact, high-energy layout with raised areas.
  • Pop, disco, and party DJ sets late into the night.
  • Key stop for late-night gay clubbing in Nice.
  • Open: Tue-Sat 10pm-5am, Sun-Mon Closed
  • (In summer season, often open 7 nights a week.)
  • Website

Address: 7 Rue Foncet, 06000 Nice, France

  • Long-running gay cruising club in central Nice.
  • Multi-level venue with bar, cabins, and darkrooms.
  • Retro, old-school interior with themed spaces.
  • Mixed local and visitor crowd late at night.
  • Key stop for adult gay nightlife in Nice.
  • Open: Thu-Sun 9:30pm-2:30am, Tue Closed
  • Website

Address: 4 Rue Jean-Pierre Papon, 06300 Nice, France

  • Well-known gay cruising and fetish club in Nice.
  • Multi-level venue with cabins, darkrooms, and slings.
  • Regular naked and themed fetish party nights.
  • Mixed local and international crowd late at night.
  • Key stop for adult gay nightlife in central Nice.
  • Open: Mon-Thu 10pm-2:30am, Fri-Sat 10pm-5am,
  • Sun 2pm-6pm & 10pm-2:30am
  • Website

Address: 3 Rue Claudia, 06000 Nice, France

  • Long-running gay cruising bar in central Nice.
  • Small labyrinth, cabins, sling, and video room.
  • Regular themed and dress-code party nights.
  • Friendly, social vibe with adult focus.
  • Popular with locals and visiting party crowd.
  • Open: Tue-Sun 10pm-2:30am, Mon Closed
  • Website

Address: 1 Rue Alberti, 06000 Nice, France

  • One of Nice’s longest-running gay bars near Place Masséna.
  • Tiny, cosy interior with leopard print and old-school charm.
  • Local crowd mixed with visitors early evening.
  • After-work drinks are a big part of the vibe.
  • Relaxed spot for conversation before heading to clubs.
  • Open: Tue–Sat 6pm–1am, Sun–Mon Closed
  • Website

Address: 9 Rue Bonaparte, 06300 Nice, France

  • Popular gay bar in Nice Old Town near the Port area.
  • Cocktails, tapas, and a social early-evening crowd.
  • Drag shows and karaoke on selected nights.
  • Friendly, mixed local and visitor scene.
  • Lively but relaxed stop before heading to late-night clubs.
  • Open: Daily 5pm–1am
  • Instagram

Address: 10 Avenue Félix Faure, 06000 Nice, France

  • Central gay-friendly bar on Avenue Félix Faure.
  • Tapas, cocktails, and a social early-evening crowd.
  • Regular drag, karaoke, and themed nights.
  • Friendly, mixed local and visitor scene.
  • Popular pre-club stop near Old Town and Place Masséna.
  • Open: Mon–Sun 10am–12:30am
  • Instagram

Recommended Hotels in Nice By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Nice that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars

Hotel Negresco
5 Star, Luxury

Hotel Negresco
Booking.com
  • 5-star, overlooking beach and Promenade, historic.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • air conditioning.
  • Iconic luxury with centuries of art and history, perfect for a memorable Nice experience.

Hôtel Massena
4 Star, Readers Choice

Booking.com
  • 4-star, stylish design hotel, heart of Nice.
  • A short walk to the gay bars.
  • Flat-screen TV, free WiFi.
  • Modern and stylish in Nice's vibrant center, ideal for beach and city exploration.

Le Meridien Nice
4 Star, Great Value

Le Meridien Nice
Booking.com
  • 4-star, Promenade des Anglais, rooftop terrace.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Sea or garden views, mini-bar.
  • Modern elegance on the seafront, with stunning views and excellent leisure facilities.

Hotel Suisse
4 Star, Location

Booking.com
  • 4-star, Old Town seafront, Italian-style.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Panoramic sea views.
  • Charming and unique, offering discounted beach access and breathtaking Mediterranean vistas.

Video Of Nice Carnival

The Most Spectacular Moments!

Hyatt Regency Nice

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