Useful information
Where ?
Square Leclerc
Promenade du Paillon
Free entry
When ?
The village will be open from Friday, February 13 to Sunday, March 1, 2026 inclusive:
- Friday, February 13 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, February 14 to Sunday, March 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Late night opening until 10 p.m. on Thursdays, February 19 and 26.
The Carnival Village will be set up in the very heart of the City of Nice, on the Promenade du Paillon, within Square Général Leclerc. A true living space open to everyone and free of charge, it offers original artistic programs, entertainment, workshops to create and take home souvenirs, as well as a food and dining area.
Discover artists’ rides, installations and games, fun and participatory workshops, two evening events including one dedicated to Niçoise culture, new collaborations with local educational institutions, a ganses competition in partnership with the CFA, a live radio studio broadcasting from the Village, the big closing party to celebrate Carnival together, and many other surprises!
The heart of Carnival beats in the Village every day, extending the carnival experience. It welcomed nearly 140,000 visitors in 2025.
In 2026, the Village reinvents itself once again with a brand-new scenography centered on the theme “Long Live the Queen!” and the Niçoise spirit.
It will open its doors on Friday, February 13 at 6 p.m. for a nighttime inauguration. For four hours, visitors will enjoy several artistic parades and take advantage of the rides and creative workshops on site.
Discover:
- Artists’ rides and sideshows,
- Fun and participatory workshops,
- Two evening events, including one entirely dedicated to Niçoise culture with balèti, socca, pilou, mourra, and image projections celebrating women and Niçoise culture, on Thursdays February 19 and 26 (until 10 p.m.).
- A ganses competition organized in partnership with the CFA,
- he big closing party, joyful and popular, to celebrate together with the participants of the carnavalina the end of Carnival,
- And many other surprises!
The Village Program
Dress Up Your Cuddly Toy with Lycée Professionnel Les Palmiers
From Saturday, February 14 to Friday, February 20
Accompanied by students from the BAC Pro and CAP Fashion Trades program (clothing option) at Lycée Professionnel Les Palmiers, your little ones will have the chance to dress up their inseparable cuddly toy! Dozens of accessories will be waiting for them.
If the cuddly toy isn’t suitable for dressing up, no problem—everything is planned. “Mini-paillassous” will be given to the children so they can also let their inner fashion designer run free. This is a wonderful way to reconnect with and keep alive one of the oldest traditions of the Nice Carnival.
Don Bosco High School Takes Over the Village
The City of Nice called on Lycée Professionnel Don Bosco to create part of the Carnival Village’s scenography.
More than 200 shapes were created by the high school.
These shapes will then be hung on the trees of the Carnival Village. We invite you to come and discover this wonderful work starting February 13!
Note that Don Bosco High School will also run creative workshops.
École de Condé
The design school Condé sets up shop at the Carnival Village. And the program is exciting! Bring your T-shirts, tote bags, bucket hats, and other textiles, and leave with a screen print created by the students.
No textiles? Then come and create your own Nice Carnival poster.
Note that École de Condé will also run creative workshops.
Ma Petite Folie
Upcoming Dates
The pointed boat “Ma Petite Folie” from the association La Mouette will dock at the Carnival Village from February 13 to 15.
For 3 days, villagers both young and old, accompanied by the association La Mouette, are invited to a painting workshop with a real 4.3-meter-long pointed boat as a backdrop.
The Inauguration of the Carnival Village
Friday, February 13 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
On Friday, February 13, the Village finally opens its doors! You are invited from 6 p.m. to a colorful inauguration. Be among the first to dive into this magical world, heralding two weeks of celebration in the heart of Nice. Games, creative workshops, and artists’ rides await you. The evening will be enlivened by roaming performances, the festive energy of the Ambianceurs, and the music of Pourkoapas. A first night marked by magic, music, and discovery.
The Grand Ganses Competition
Wednesday, February 18 at 4 p.m.
A call to all Carnival lovers… and fans of gourmet traditions! The Carnival Village hosts the final of the grand ganses competition organized by the CFA Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur.
The 10 best recipes, previously selected by the CFA’s pastry experts, will be presented on February 18 at 4 p.m. The finalists will showcase their creations on a tray decorated around the theme “Long Live the Queen.” They will let their imagination run free! The jury, made up of discerning palates and detail lovers, will judge flavor, texture, and the creativity of the presentation. Who will claim the royal title of the best ganse of the year? Ready, set, roll!
The Thursday, February 19 Evening Event
From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
On Thursday, February 19 from 6:00 pm, the Carnival Village lights up in the colors of Niçoise culture for an exceptional evening event. As night falls, Square Général Leclerc will come alive to the rhythms of pilou, mourra (performed by members of the associations Nissart Per Tougiou and Mourra des 4 cantons), and the enticing aromas of socca.
The Thursday, February 26 Evening Event
From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Program coming soon.
The Chalk Festival
Saturday, February 28
The Chalk Festival was born from the abundant imagination of Jérémy Besset, an instinctive painter and color specialist.
The idea behind this free and accessible cultural event is simple: to allow everyone to create freely and spontaneously the artwork of their choice.
For a few hours, Jérémy Besset invites participants of all ages to take over public spaces and color the streets using chalk. Budding artists’ creations stand alongside those of invited urban artists, breaking down barriers between them. A joyful and festive pigment throw then brings the festival to a colorful close!
The Village Hosts the Big Carnavalina Dance Party
Sunday, March 1
All Nice-based associations that contributed to the success of the Carnavalina are invited to join the party at the village for a grand closing bash.
Cauldron – Théâtre de la Toupine
Throughout the entire duration of the Village
Inside a cauldron placed above a (fake) wood fire, six children are seated inside leather vegetables (pepper, cabbage, carrot, leek, eggplant, mushroom). Nearby, on a table, three other children acting as “chefs” make the ride spin by stirring, whisking, and grinding with their utensils.
The Nomadic Tree – Cie des Quatre Saisons
Throughout the entire duration of the Village
“A tree that travels to learn, discover, and above all to meet others…”
Somewhere between a mobile sculpture and a carousel, this tree is a metal structure measuring 5 meters across and 4.5 meters high. Around ten figures made of wrought iron, wood, and rope are mostly suspended or attached to it. Most of them are tree-dwelling animals from all continents: Blanche des Clochers the owl, Mimi Strella the bat, Papy Léon the butterfly, Miss Black the spider, Doudou and Dam Dam Doudou the monkeys, Admiral Belle the panther, Sigismond the snake, along with a nest, a reinette apple and its little worm… Lulu.
The Grand Prix de la Moulinade – Cie La Mince Affaire
From February 23 to March 1
A completely off-the-wall “slot car” race (a circuit of small dynamo-powered cars), commentated by a former race driver and his unsettling bookmaker sidekick, all set to wildly energetic music!!!
Who has never dreamed of being a race car driver?
The Grand Prix de la Moulinade, an international touring race, will delight motorsport fans. A must-see event for asphalt enthusiasts.
Will you be among the champions to proudly raise the famous trophy?
The answer awaits—if you dare step up to the starting line…
With La Moulinade, you’ll never stall.
Mr Verballons and the Queen’s Garden
Floral installation, creative workshops & poetic magic
From February 16 to 19, Saturday February 21, Wednesday February 25, and February 28 and March 1
At the heart of the Carnival Village, Mr Verballons invites you into his fairy-tale world: an enchanting garden made of balloon flowers, bursting with color and full of secrets.
Before the audience’s eyes, this magical garden becomes the stage for an astonishing transformation: flowers turn into royal jewels—rings, tiaras, and necklaces—seemingly conjured by magic.
Young and old alike are invited to take part in participatory workshops to imagine, create, and decorate their own floral creations or fantasy-filled balloon jewelry.
With poetry, humor, and a touch of magic, Mr Verballons cultivates wonder and celebrates creativity, reflecting this Carnival edition dedicated to women.
Nice in Color
February 15, 17, 19 and 20 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sylvie T, a Niçoise illustrator and artist, joins the Village with a monumental work: a 12-meter-long black-and-white fresco. A graphic stroll through Nice’s iconic landmarks—its façades, alleyways, and symbols. This giant canvas becomes a collective playground: children, families, and visitors are invited to color it themselves, with one rule only: “don’t go outside the lines!”
A playful and poetic way to pay tribute to Niçoise identity, celebrated this year in the Village’s scenography.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall…
By Selfie Mirror
From February 13 to 15
An enchanted mirror settles in the heart of the Village. It reflects far more than faces: queens, witches, fairies, goddesses, divas… Around it, a small theater of objects unfolds: a forgotten dressing table, a low table, dreamy jewelry, runaway tiaras. Alone or with friends, you dress up, play, transform—and leave with a souvenir of your visit to the Carnival Village.
Baron Jeux Vol
Throughout the entire duration of the Village
The now unmissable Baron Jeux Vol returns this year for the entire duration of the Carnival Village! Discover wooden games from around the world and dive into the playful universe of popular, festive, and traditional games for all ages. It’s your turn to play!
L’Animalada – Cie Katakrak – Catalogne
From February 13 to 22
Some of the objects we once threw away have revealed themselves.
They don’t want to be abandoned or discarded once they grow old.
They have escaped their sad fate and transformed into animal-games.
From the pile of scrap metal, shapes, colors, pieces of games slowly emerge… and many questions too.
Can you imagine feeding cherries to a crocodile?
Have you ever helped an elephant water flowers with its trunk?
Have you ever turned into a bee lost in a field of flowers?
If all this sounds a little crazy but quite fun, then L’Animalada has already sparked your curiosity.
And there’s only one way to get rid of it: play.
Some animals have already given you a wink…
As every year, the City of Nice offers numerous workshops: mask-making, flower crowns, hats, souvenirs, and face-painting stands.
Face-Painting Workshop with F.A.M School
Throughout the entire duration of the Village
The costume is ready but the makeup is missing? No problem! Head to the now legendary (and highly sought-after) face-painting corner of the Carnival Village to perfect your look and be fully ready for the evening parade!
Magic Hat
Throughout the entire duration of the Village
From a simple sheet of Kraft paper, your child can create an incredible magic hat. Origami enthusiast Paul-Henri Jeannel teaches them, without glue or scissors, to make original headpieces. To wear proudly and without moderation!
Blue Mustache
Monday 16, Tuesday 17 and Thursday 19 February
Niçoise painter Blue Mustache will guide children in discovering his colorful universe! Come and have your portrait drawn at his stand!
Marmotine’s Dried Flowers
- Saturdays February 14, 21, and 28
- Sundays February 15, 22, and March 1
- Wednesdays February 18 and 25
The public is invited to use the flowers collected during the flower battles to make crowns with the help of a florist! No flowers? No problem, we have plenty in stock!
Europe Direct Center
Wednesday February 25
The Europe Direct Center takes over the Carnival Village for a day in the colors of Europe. Join them for numerous creative workshops!
In Green and Red
From Sunday February 15 to Tuesday February 17
Origami (from the Japanese oru, “to fold” and kami, “paper”) is the art of paper folding. It originates from one of the oldest popular Chinese arts, called zhézhǐ, which was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks.
Morgane, an artist from the French Riviera, will introduce this art over three days at the Carnival Village.
Pebbles of Nice
From Saturday February 21 to Tuesday February 23
The iconic and timeless pebble will be crafted in a workshop set up at the Carnival Village with the artist. This edition promises an explosion of colors! Each child will become part of the creation and will leave with a personalized and decorated clay pebble.
Green Spool – Cie La Mince Affaire
From February 23 to March 1
In an era of fast fashion overconsumption, Norbert de la Boutonnière, from a distinguished family of Swiss jewelers, decided to move away from traditional jewelry and swap precious stones for old torn jeans, believing fabric to be the ultimate material of this century.
The MAMAC celebrates Carnival!
February 24 and 25
For the first time, the MAMAC is joining the program of the Carnaval de Nice.
And who better than the artist Niki de Saint Phalle to embody the 2026 edition: “Long live the Queen!”
Let your imagination run free and come create your own colorful mask inspired by the iconic works of Niki de Saint Phalle, under the watchful eye of her Loch Ness Monster, newly reinstalled on the Promenade du Paillon.
École de Condé
Wednesday February 18 and Thursday February 19
The design school Condé sets up at the Carnival Village. The program is enticing! Bring your T-shirts, tote bags, hats, and other textiles, and leave with a screenprint designed by the students.
No textiles? Then come create your own poster for the Nice Carnival.
Les PourKoaPas
Friday 13 and Saturday 14 February
Les PourKoaPas offer an original, percussion-filled street performance, both by day and night.
In this “recyclable” show, Les PourKoaPas play with musical instruments entirely made from recycled materials and waste from our bins.
Through a sound and musical exploration, Les PourKoaPas invite you to discover their world of recycling!
AMI6 – Cie Exoot
Friday 13 and Saturday 14 February
Citroën with a good dose of positivism: it grooves, flirts, and drifts through the streets.
A street phenomenon with a bold personality, the AMI6 plays with the public – often surprising them.
Xmiss – Cie Animare
Friday 13 and Saturday 14 February
The drum major “Go” has escaped from her band and now roams freely. With great elegance, she takes command of her temporary post.
Her mission: to ensure everything proceeds according to the rules – and she takes it seriously.
She keeps an eye on everyone, always alert to her surroundings. When needed, she performs thorough inspections.
Is there anything that escapes her?
With a sharp yet charming gaze, she mingles subtly with the crowd.
Forward… march!
Les Pervenches – Cie Transe Express
Feminine and cheeky parade
Sunday 15 February
With the energy of a battalion of warrior women and the sensitivity of a troupe of poetesses, seven women create a jubilant groove and play the girls’ revenge, just for fun.
Les Tambours – Cie Transe Express
Sunday 15 February
One foot in tradition, the other in provocation, a group of shiny drums spreads a wave of madness in their rhythmic path. A percussion fanfare for a parade orchestra, performed with crowd participation.
A Piece of the Bay of Somme in Nice
This year, the creative workshops at the Carnival Village will be housed in beach cabins coming straight from Cayeux-sur-Mer!
The 2025 edition of the Carnival Village marks an unprecedented collaboration between the City of Nice and the commune of Cayeux-sur-Mer, located in the Bay of Somme.
Part of the “fleet” of cabins from Cayeux-sur-Mer arrived in early February at the Carnival Village: 9 beach cabins and 60 meters of boardwalk (NB: the boardwalk in Cayeux-sur-Mer is the longest in Europe!) made the journey to Nice, accompanied by 3 technicians from Cayeux-sur-Mer sent by the commune to assist the teams from the City of Nice’s Event Technical Department with the setup.
You will discover that some of the cabins have been renamed for the occasion and now proudly bear names dear to the people of Nice.
The Village Program
Media Education Operation
Friday, February 28 – from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
“How does a local channel like BFM NICE COTE D’AZUR cover an event like the carnival?” : dedicated broadcast, special coverage, 100% carnival programming throughout the event, fieldwork, parade broadcasts…
Beach Animal, a workshop inspired by Theo Jansen
Saturday, March 1 – from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Registration required, limited spots, ages 12 and up, must be accompanied by an adult.
Since 1990, artist Theo Jansen has been creating new forms of life. The primary material of his nature is not a protein like in existing nature, but an (yellow) electrical conduit. He turns them into skeletons that can walk. These are a kind of beasts. They draw their energy from the wind; therefore, they do not need to eat. Over time, an evolution has taken place, visible through successive generations. Ultimately, he hopes to release these animals onto the beaches, where they will come to life again.
Theo Jansen himself will not come to Nice, but his son Zach will lead a workshop where a real beach animal will be built.
Procession of the creation on the Promenade des Anglais, Sunday, March 2, during the Carnival swim.
Brut de Bestioles, the Roaming Carousel – Théâtre de la Toupine
From February 15th to March 2nd
10 mini-carousels take children from 1 to 8 years old on a fantastic ride. These funny driftwood steeds form an atypical animal parade. Parents, dressed in shepherd vests, stroll their children through the streets, parks, and countryside. With the wind in their faces, it sings, it trumpets, it whinnies!
→ learn more about Brut de Bestioles, the Roaming Carousel – Théâtre de la Toupine
The Giant Tortoises of the Galapagos – Cie De Machienerie
From February 15th to 21st
Once, they were thousands, these magnificent giants…
Slowly but surely, the monsters crossed the endless plains of the Galapagos… No one could harm them… until man arrived.
Crawl on the back of our cumbersome herbivores and experience their breathtaking slowness…
→ learn more about The Giant Tortoises of the Galapagos – Cie De Machienerie
Le Manège Salé, a Small Atypical and Poetic Carousel
From February 15th to 21st
On the stage of Le Manège Salé, eight creatures straight from the imaginary sea depths roam.
Embark on a whirling journey on the back of a whale or a lobster with suspension, ride a sea turtle, or chase a school of flying sardines…
Eight sculptures made from sheet metal, steel, aluminum, and wood carry a dozen passengers in a playful and aquatic circle on each ride!
Le Manège Salé has been touring the world for over twenty years.
→ learn more about Le Manège Salé, a Small Atypical and Poetic Carousel
Au P’tit Coin Coin – Cie La Mince Affaire
From February 15th to 21st
The classic fairground attraction, duck fishing reimagined with a WC duck.
A fun atmosphere with gifts galore.
Come catch the ducks and pull the string to reveal your prize.
→ learn more about Au P’tit Coin Coin – Cie La Mince Affaire
Le Petit Clapotis du Grand Large – Cie Les Gentils Coquelicots
From February 22nd to 28th
A pedal-powered carousel inviting children to dream and travel. Parents, seated on a pedal boat, provide the power to bring joy to the children!
→ learn more about Le Petit Clapotis du Grand Large – Cie Les Gentils Coquelicots
Le Manège à Bras, a Carousel of Buoys and Miscellaneous Items – Cie DUT
From February 22nd to March 2nd
Powered by three tricycle rowers, this nine-seat carousel mocks power outages and sea spray.
It’s on rockets, helicopters, Formula 1 cars, and other contraptions made from buoys stranded on the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean that children embark on spinning rides on this muscle-powered carousel, to the sound of a gramophone.
A theatrical, unusual, and unique carousel.
→ learn more about Le Manège à Bras, a Carousel of Buoys and Miscellaneous Items – Cie DUT
La SMSM – Cie MicMac
On March 1st and 2nd
“It’s not the man who takes the sea, it’s the sea that takes the man.”
Enormous, majestic, welcoming, terrifying, and cruel at once, the sea is one with mankind, and some men have chosen it. La SMSM is a tribute to the men of the sea and their courage. “A short, playful, and interactive form, La SMSM recruits offers an adventure in a specific space. In just 15 minutes, players will experience an adventure at sea and participate in the new recruitment of the SMSM. A clear nod to the SMSM, whose goal is human and material rescue at sea, the SMSM, more recent and in line with modern economies, is the association of Sea Rescuers Without Means. La SMSM recruits is an interactive game where spectators become actors for the duration of their mission. They will have to pilot a boat in distress, while dealing with the whims of weather and sea phenomena…
Zazam – Cie La Mince Affaire
From February 15 to 21
Zazam is a traveling and alternative play library that offers festive activities with its playful creations. Zazam games are completely unusual and wild, made from the poetic recycling of old, sadly abandoned furniture.
Monsieur Bulot’s Games – Cie DUT
From February 22 to March 2
Where the postman Cheval gathered stones on his route to build his “Ideal Palace”, Monsieur Bulot collected shells, driftwood, and other seaside souvenirs to make marine-themed games.
An interactive and family-friendly exhibition with activities, including the climbing whelk, oyster memory game, lighthouse game, baby-shark…
Baron Jeux vol
From February 22 to March 2
Discover wooden games from around the world and dive into the playful world of popular, festive, and traditional games for all ages. It’s your turn to play!
Comme chaque année, la Ville de Nice propose de nombreux ateliers : fabrication de masques, couronnes de fleurs, chapeaux, souvenirs et stands de maquillage.
Makeup Workshop with the F.A.M School
Throughout the Village
Your costume is ready, but the makeup is missing? No worries! Head to the highly (too?) requested, now legendary, makeup corner of the Carnaval Village to perfect your look and be fully prepared for the evening parade!
Tonton Carton
Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16
Johann Chesnais, better known as Tonton Carton, is a passionate artist who made the bold decision to leave everything behind to fully devote himself to his childhood passion: cardboard! Create with him a mask that will make others jealous!
Flower Power by the Cie La Mince Affaire
From Saturday, February 15 to Friday, February 21
“Plastic is fantastic!” – This silly idea is now being relentlessly fought around the world.
However, for Narcisse, a florist of recycling, this phrase is a truth. A material tamer, a waste beautifier, he will help you embrace the use of this much-criticized material.
Magic Hat
From Saturday, February 15 to Friday, February 21
Starting from a simple sheet of Kraft paper, your child can make an amazing magic hat. Passionate about origami (the Japanese folding art), Paul-Henri Jeannel will teach them, without glue or scissors, how to create original headwear. Wear it proudly and without moderation!
Ça Cartonne! by the Cie La Mince Affaire
From Saturday, February 15 to Friday, February 21
A cardboard factory is setting up near you. Like any factory in the making, it needs labor. Will you be tempted by the foreman’s charm who, after promising you mountains of wonders, confronts you with the harsh reality of assembly line work?
Moustache Bleue
Saturday 15, Sunday 16, Friday 21, Monday 24, and Tuesday 25 February
Nice-based painter, Moustache Bleue, will guide children in discovering his colorful universe! Come and get your portrait drawn at the booth!
Dried Flowers by Marmotine
Saturdays February 15, 22, and March 1
Sundays February 23 and March 2
Wednesday February 26
We invite the public to come and use the flowers hard-earned during the flower battles to create crowns with a florist that will suit you perfectly! No flowers? No problem, we have stock!
École de Condé
Monday 17 to Friday 21 February
The Condé design school is setting up at the Carnival Village. And the program is enticing! Bring your T-shirts, tote bags, caps, and other textiles and leave with a screen print created by the school’s students.
No textiles? Come and create your own Nice Carnival poster instead.
Thon-Atelier by the Visual Artist Nicolas Stutzmann
Monday 17 to Thursday 20 February
A participatory workshop where each child can create their own goldfish out of a balloon (100% biodegradable natural rubber) to be included in a collective artwork.
The theme addresses the concepts of preserving and protecting the marine world and its inhabitants, particularly the fish.
→ learn more about Thon-Atelier by the Visual Artist Nicolas Stutzmann
Cultura
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February
The Carnival’s historic sponsor, Cultura, will offer numerous creative workshops over the weekend. From music initiation to making a Carnival mask, and creating figurines out of beads, there’s something for everyone!
Play Azur
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February
A few days after the festival, the Play Azur team will set up at the Carnival Village. They will offer a variety of activities for young and old, alone, with friends, or family, to (re)discover the sea and its issues in a fun way through a didactic exhibition and several workshops.
Les Eco-Colliers by Cie DUT
From Saturday 22 February to Sunday 2 March
“Friends of anti-bling-bling, welcome to the first ‘100% recycled beach jewelry’ workshop; Come create your necklace or bracelet with thousands of seashells, driftwood, pierced algae… and don’t forget the ‘industrial shells’ that humans have gifted to the sea.”
Fragonard’s Olfactory Workshops
Monday, February 24th
A perfumer since 1926 with a presence in Grasse and Eze Village, Fragonard develops an ephemeral collection each year around a featured flower, showcased during factory visits and in the brand’s boutiques. The olfactory activity “mini workshop” allows participants to deepen their knowledge of this flower and personalize their own fragrance around it.
In 2025, the spotlight is on the Lemon Blossom, which resonates alongside the festivities of the Nice Carnival, with Fragonard being a patron of the Nice Carnival since 2023.
Take advantage of your visit to the Carnival Village to create and personalize a fragrance in your own image (12 ml spray).
Don Bosco celebrates its 150th anniversary!
From Monday 24 February to Sunday 2 March
The Don Bosco institution in Nice celebrates its 150th anniversary this year! What better way to celebrate than spending a few days at the Carnival Village? The program includes: 3D printing, engraving, and recycling your plastic caps into various miniature marine creatures. Come discover what this high school has to offer!
En Vert et Rouge
From Tuesday 25 to Friday 28 February
Origami (from the Japanese “oru”, meaning “fold” and “kami”, meaning “paper”) is the art of paper folding. It originates from one of the oldest Chinese folk arts, called zhézhǐ, which was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks.
Morgane, a local artist, will introduce you to this art over three days at the Carnival Village.
Le Centre Europe Direct
Wednesday 26 February
The Centre Europe Direct Nice Côte d’Azur will have a stand at the Nice Carnival village on Wednesday, February 26, featuring the following:
- An activity to explore the different carnival traditions across Europe!
- An activity in the form of a card game based on the theme of the 2025 Nice Carnival, which is the Ocean.
- An activity around a giant map of the European Union to discover the different countries that make it up.
Galets de Nice
From Thursday 27 February to Sunday 2 March
Philippe Ghieu invites young and old alike to unleash their “pop art” artistic talent by decorating the famous pebbles. Take home a pebble in the colors of Pop Culture! The iconic and timeless pebble will be made in the workshop set up at the Carnival Village with the artist. For this edition, a burst of color awaits you! Each child will become an active participant in the creation and can take home a personalized and decorated pebble (made from clay).
Ichtus Exhibition, by Daniel Mestanza
The first part of the ICHTUS installation (which will continue until the United Nations Ocean Conference) will take place from February 15 to March 2, 2025, at the Carnival Village. It consists of seven motorized and illuminated kinetic sculptures suspended in the air.
Daniel Mestanza, a visual artist and creator, has been developing a body of work for several years focused on kinetic art, installations, and stage design. His work reflects humor, poetry, and sometimes gigantism, based on classical and popular representations that he reinterprets—with a strong taste for the sacred, kitsch, the animal kingdom, movement and stillness, life and death…
The Village’s Furniture Transforms into Ephemeral Art
The City of Nice has selected four local artists to repaint part of the Village’s furniture on the theme of seas and oceans. Metal barrels, repurposed as standing tables, have served as canvases and will be on display throughout the Carnival Village from February 15 to March 2.
Théa
Théa is a professional tattoo artist specializing in realism, with 10 years of experience. Passionate about art in all its forms, she enjoys exploring other techniques, particularly painting.
She sees nature as the greatest artist of all, constantly admiring its beauty to draw inspiration from it. Her imagination and sensitivity give life to various works, both in tattooing and painting.
Jean-Christophe Comte
Jean-Christophe Comte is an artist from the hinterland of Nice, living in Rigaud, a perched village surrounded by the beautiful nature he cherishes.
He began painting at the age of 17, transitioning from acrylic to oil before later returning to spray paint. A regular at festivals in Massoins and Puget-Théniers, he started exhibiting his paintings and creating them live in public.
Aroke
Aroke, a 26-year-old artist based on the French Riviera, has been passionate about graffiti and street art from an early age. A devoted urban artist, he honed his skills in the streets, constantly learning, developing, and perfecting his craft.
Less than a year ago, he launched his interior and exterior decoration company, ARTROK CUSTOM, to turn his passion into a profession. With a creative and innovative spirit, Aroke enjoys taking on challenges, always ready to meet requests for comic book art, portraits, lettering, realism, and more.
A well-known local artist, he aspires to take his talent to the international stage.
Moustache Bleue
Moustache Bleue’s work features words and images that inspire and speak about life, self-discovery, love, friendship, sharing, children, and many other themes that resonate with everyone.
With a touch of humor and a love for rhyme, Moustache Bleue seeks to bring joy and remind us that nothing is more precious than life—every single minute of it!
Shop from Our Artists
Totor
From Saturday, February 15 to Saturday, February 22
Totor, the most famous Nissart dog in the world, will set up for 8 days at the Carnival Village. His creator, Stéphane Bolongaro, will offer for sale numerous sculptures, unique pieces, keychains, masks, and comic books. There will be something for every budget.
Simon Hitziger
From Sunday, February 23 to Sunday, March 2
Full of contrasts and tinted with poetry, Simon Hitziger’s artistic universe is a blend of softness and brutality, where he hides his emotions and attractions. The visual artist has reappropriated the theme of the sea and oceans and will offer postcards, original drawings, canvas paintings, reproductions, and decorative objects… Whatever your budget, you will find something to treat yourself.
The Chalk Festival
Saturday, March 1
The Chalk Festival was born from the abundant imagination of Jérémy Besset, an instinctive painter and color specialist.
The idea behind this free and accessible cultural event is simple: to allow everyone to create, with complete freedom and spontaneity, the artwork of their choice.
For a few hours, Jérémy Besset invites participants, young and old, to take over the public space and color the streets with chalk. Thus, the works of budding artists mingle with those of invited urban artists, breaking down the barriers between them. A colorful powder throw then concludes the festival in a festive and joyful manner!
Lou Bari Beyond the Walls – Street Art Stops at the Nice Carnival
On the occasion of the 2025 Nice Carnival, which this year honors the oceans, Lou Bari Beyond the Walls is invited to the heart of the Carnival Village for an unprecedented encounter between tradition and street art. In this space dedicated to celebration and creation, the Octave Peinture association invites artist Bault to take over an ephemeral wall. His unique universe, teeming with shapes and colors, echoes the parades and the marine imagery of the theme.
By blending urban art with this iconic event, Lou Bari Beyond the Walls continues its commitment to the democratization of street art, offering artists a space for expression in the heart of the city and inviting the public to discover an evolving, living, and ephemeral creation.
La Maioun du Masquera
A wide range of Carnival-related products: Balloons, masks, and confetti—this is where the celebration begins!
L’Esquiché
A 100% Nice products food truck at the Carnival Village: aïoli sandwich, beef cheek sandwich with Niçoise-style daube, winter zucchini and sheep’s milk ricotta sandwich, sweet and savory crepes!
Coco chic
Wraps, fish & chips, nuggets, burgers, bugnes cones… a varied menu that will satisfy you!
Bluecoast
The Village bar is here to quench all thirsts. Offering soft drinks, lemonades, beers, wines, coffee… you will undoubtedly find something to your liking!
