Top Events in Nice 2011

Planning a trip to Nice in 2011? If you are heading to the Cote D’azur, be sure to check out the top events taking place throughout 2011 in Nice. From music festivals to sporting events, we give you the low down on what is going on in this popular French city.

February

Carnaval De Nice, Feb 18-Mar 8: Billed as one of the largest carnivals in the world, The Nice Carnival is an extravaganza of colour as 20 decorated floats make their way to Place Massena. These huge parades take place daily and are accompanied by thousands of musicians and dance troupes from across the world.

March

Poets Springtime in Nice, Mar 7-Mar 21: Poetry comes to life on the streets of Nice with recitals and workshops taking place daily. Numerous other events take place in galleries, cafes and schools in celebration of poetry.


Nice International Fair, 12-21 Mar: Taking place at the Palais des Expositions, the Nice International Fair (Foire de Nice). Visitors can browse the many stalls displaying the latest items in DIY, gardening, household, beauty products and so much more.


April

Nice Half Marathon 17 Apr: Whatever your level of fitness, The Nice Half Marathon is an ideal sporting occasion for everyone. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the course is open to runners of all levels including children and the disabled. The course stretches along the Promenade des Anglais and is eagerly anticipated each year by running enthusiasts.

May

Maytime Fetes (Sundays only): Held at the Arènes de Jardins de Cimiez, the Maytime fetes celebrate the history of Nice with local produce, Nice folklore, music and general entertainment on offer. It is actually a modern interpretation of a more pagan festival that started hundreds of years ago to welcome spring and honour the Earth Goddess.

June

Nice en Roller: This annual event is a must for all rollerblading fans and adrenaline junkies. As well as fun and games for all the family, there are also demonstrations and the staging of the French national cup race. The course is laid out over 2.5km on Promenade des Anglais.

July

Nice Jazz Festival 16-23 Jul: One of the better European jazz festivals, the event in Nice is scheduled to be moved from the historic site of Cimiez to Place Massena for 2011. Previous years jazz greats to perform in Nice were Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and many more. The festival brings a mix of traditional and modern jazz with an international line up.


September

San Bertoumiéu Fête : This fete takes place in Old Nice (Vieux Nice). It brings together food producers artisans and many visitors in search of a taste of Nice’s rich heritage. The event features traditional music, food and wine tasting of local produce and many more activities.

October

Fourres de Rire Comedy Festival: The Fourres de Rire Comedy Festival, held at Nice's Francis Gag Theatre, presents established comics from the region. The festival also welcomes new talent.


November

Marathon Des Alpes Maritimes 13th November: The race starts on the Promenade des Anglais taking a scenic route along the coast through Antibes before culminating at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. The route is relatively flat, following the coast for an incredible 92% of coastline.

December

Christmas Fair: Each year a Christmas Fair is held at Place Masenna. Over 50 wooden chalets offer handicrafts and gifts for the festive season. Children can enjoy the big wheel, whilst all the family can marvel at the fantastic 15 metres high Christmas tree on Place Masenna.




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