by Isla Campbell
Gorgeous Nice isn't just comprised of beautiful coastlines, breathtaking architecture and mouth-watering French cuisine - with more than a little Greek influence - it's also made up of a fascinating and exuberant group of citizens with a culture that cannot be matched.
And if you're up for the true flavour of Nice, then why not consider attending one of Provence's city festivals? There's plenty to choose from with a wealth of different themes - so there's always something to keep any traveler happy.
Carnival Float photo by Brad Bechtel/Wikimedia
Best known is perhaps the annual Carnival de Nice that has been held since the Middle Ages. This 10 day celebration is held around Easter every year. Attending this event you will see the city streets transformed before your eyes. If you considered Nice very colorful before, wait until you see the metamorphous into this extravaganza. Here is a small taste of what you can enjoy by coming to the festival:
• Daily parades
• Street performances
• Musical acts
• Comedy Performances
• Magical performances
Aimed as a celebration of spring's arrival, Nice citizens make the most of the parade by donning oversized, elaborate masks and fancy dress costumes.
Nice Streets photo by Patrice Semeria/Wikimedia
The party goes on all night with flower displays, floats lining the streets and music. Not only that but there are also food stalls and a variety of firework displays lighting up the night sky. Truly a place where you can let loose and just get into the atmosphere of fun, you won’t be the only one having the time of your life!
The Carnival de Nice isn't the only party bringing the city to life. Music fans will love the Nice Jazz Festival, a three day affair bringing together the best of jazz music. You can listen to old and new, local and national and international talent. The Jazz Festival offers the best bands around. Individual performers will lend a sultry sound with the sounds that take you back to the time and feel when jazz was created. From afternoon jams to late night swing sessions, the Nice Jazz Festival accommodates all tastes, there are plenty of other activities too where you can meet like-minded people to enjoy the music with. If you are heading to France in July make plan for this festival as it will be an event you won’t soon forget, it a real happening.
Nice Jazz Festival photo by benoit.darcy/Wikimedia
Literary types can attend Nice's Festival du Livre. This book festival is accredited with being one of the country's foremost gatherings of its type. There are readings, talks, book signings and authors' question and answer sessions. workshops and training sessions will surprise you that there really is much to read and learn at this festival which is held annually around mid-June.
With so much to offer, it therefore makes sense to think about your itinerary well in advance before you arrive from your flights to Nice. That way, you can be sure to fit in as much as possible on your trip away, and a Nice festival makes any trip away one to remember.
