Carnival Week in Nice with Solos Holidays

As we followed our local guide on a walking tour of the old town on a sunny February afternoon,I knew I’d made the right decision in choosing Nice for a short spring break. And it was superbly organized by Solos Holidays, with an excellent host, Mary.

Promenade des Anglais, Nice Later from our vantage point at the top of the Parc Du Chateaux which is high above the old town of Nice, we gazed out over the rooftops at the sun sparkling on the afternoon sea. Everywhere on this elegant coastline is a celebration of vivid hues, terracotta roofs, and honey coloured buildings, and at this time of year with bright yellow Mimosa out in bloom. Afterwards we strolled along the promenade, with palm trees strung out behind us, and the promise of a few more spring like days to enjoy.

Don’t expect hot temperatures, or constant blue skies in the South of France – not January to March – but it is warmer than in the UK, and winter is shorter! And it can be sunny. The coastline is less crowded than in high summer, when the area is awash with hordes of tourists.

I like this area, and have been here several times, and Nice is ideal for a short break.  

I’d also travelled with Solos Holidays before, and enjoyed the idea of being in a group, but with the chance to slip away on my own, if I wanted. There is never any pressure to join in, the choice is yours. We were based in the Novotel Nice Centre – Acropolis, where we all had comfortable rooms – each for our own single use. On the 3 night trip, breakfast was included and one night’s dinner at the hotel.

Carnival Week in Nice This time of the year is Carnival time along the Riviera, and this trip was centered on this. The Carnival De Nice is a big, noisy, enthusiastic event that runs for a couple of weeks. We had grandstand tickets at the Place Massena for the Evening Parade of Lights, which was full of colour, music, dance, streamers, and confetti – and complete with a procession of gigantic illuminated floats. The theme was satirical French humour, but it was entertaining and a great atmosphere.

We also had grandstand tickets at the daytime Flower Parade along the seafront – which was a family affair enjoyed by old and young alike. Mimosa sprays were given out to the audience as they took their seats, and a couple of hours later when the 16 flower decked floats made their final route around the circuit, the locals were poised and ready to catch all the tossed blooms as the floats were stripped bare. It’s quite a sight to see people leaving with huge armfuls of locally grown blossoms and flowers as their prized trophies. The attention to detail at the carnival is amazing, and all the attendants and dancers were beautifully made up, and dressed in themes. 

Carnival Week in Nice Nice is so easy to get around. The city has its own tram service which is clean and at 1.50 Euros a journey, cheaper than buses in the UK. There are 3 rail stations in Nice, and the regional train service is excellent and runs along the coast from the port city of Marseilles in one direction to the Italian Boarder. Famous place names like Cannes, Monte Carlo, Antibes, and Juan- Les- Pins are all on the route, or you can travel over the boarder down to the Italian Riviera – and the likes of San Remo and Diano Marina – where orange trees grow the length of the town streets.

Fete du Citron, Menton One morning, some of us hopped on the train to Menton further up the coast, which has its own Fete Du Citron (Lemon Festival) – a local park exhibited wonderful giant sculptures made up entirely of oranges and lemons; this year’s theme being Cinecitta, and celebrating famous producers of Italian cinema. The 10 Euro ticket also gained us access to the artisan fair in the town hall.  Here stalls sold everything lemon; soaps, perfume, Tarte Au Citron (Lemon Meringue pie to us) Limoncello De Menton – lemon liqueur.

It’s worth mentioning the cuisine in this area is more European than merely French, given the proximity to the Italian Riviera. So expect pasta, and pizza, but do indulge in Salad Nicoise, Croque-Monsieur, and Crepes Sucre (with sugar). The French wine was good, and reasonable. 

I enjoyed my few days away with Solos Holidays, with a good group, amazing scenery, and the Carnival atmosphere. You always say you will keep in touch – but who knows – we may all meet again.

Silver Travel Advisor recommends Solos Holidays

 

291 people found this helpful
18259

Share Article:

Mags Addison

Travel counsellor & writer

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.