If it’s Friday, it must be France …
Mon Dieu! We have to hurry to catch the final weekend of the 2012 Carnaval de Nice. This is the 128th celebration of this world-famous festival that rivals those of Rio De Janeiro and Venice.
Parades, floats, flowers, bands, magicians, fireworks, presentations, and food … all this and more! Parades take place day and night for 15 days with a variety of themes and more than 1000 musicians and dancers. The enormous papier-maché configurations are spectacular. Gigantic balloon figures dominate the daytime spaces and breathtaking fireworks over the Mediterranean turn every evening into a pyrotechnical fantasy world.
Click here to see a video and other information and here for more detailed explanations about the floats. You’ll be entertained – I promise!
The theme this year is the King Of Sport and the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London are highlighted. Yes … I know some of you might find this hard to believe … but the French featured many floats about Britain and didn’t say anything nasty! Carnival is a time of love and harmony … flower fights, wine and food tasting, concerts from jazz to rock to classical and wild, crazy partying a long list of activities to suit everyone’s wishes. No question there is something for everyone!
Go to this link for more photos of hilarious and amazing floats. You’re going to want to book a ticket for next year!
I’ll leave you with this one last link to the Promenade Des Anglais Blog which gives tremendous information about the Côte D’Azur. That’s where this photo of a Flower Parade float is from. This particular post talks specifically about the Carnaval but, if you have the time, take a look at other videos that showcase the stunning city of Nice and it’s uniquely magnificent setting between the Maritime Alps and the Mediterranean.
I took this photo on the 20-minute drive to Nice from Antibes, one crisp clear May morning. To the east of Antibes the beaches are pebble (galets) . To the west they are sand. Take your pick. The rather noticeable buildings are the Baie Des Anges condos and marina which make up the only high-rise development on the Riviera. No others have been allowed, thank goodness.
I have to stop talking about Nice now as I feel a serious malaise setting in … I want to be there! Waaaaah …. sigh!
If you are finding winter long and dreary … go skiing! … seriously, I know winter sports don’t excite everyone … so take a look at some of these great options! If you can’t actually go to them, you can read about them and check out the photos. That can be fun too! Did any of you go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year? How about Ottawa’s Winterfest or Carnaval de Québec? Now’s the time to make some plans for next year!
Patricia Sands 
Great pics. Warm places…envy!
Thanks for stopping by! Are you all bundled up?
Pretty much! Waiting for spring. Warming my hands on the Carnaval pics.
Ah, France! You make me want to pack my bags and check it out. Thanks for this unique peek at so many places and celebrations.
Well at least we can visit these places on the internet these days!
Hi Patricia!
I’ve always wanted to go to the tomato throwing festival in Italy. Thanks for sharing the pics. I was invited on a river tour of France which starts in Nice later this month. Can’t go but I’m hoping to make it over there this fall.
Have a great weekend.
Haha – oh right, I’ve read about the tomato-throwing festival. I’ll go with you! Gosh, I hope you get to go to France in the fall – lucky you!
Ok I really want to BE that girl with the blue hair on the float!
I would love to see a carnival like this. What gorgeous colors!
Well, put it on your wish list – ya never know!
Hi Patricia! I need to keep these posts in mind on Friday. I have traveled to France several times and have been to Nice. Never for the carnival, but those are some awesome pics and wow, a lot of people. Thank Jenny Hansen for sharing your amazing post on Facebook. You just can’t stop that Jenny with all that blog love and all! Thank you Patricia and have a great weekend! 🙂
Jenny is awesome, that’s for sure! Glad to hear you are a lover of France too! If I didn’t have my big wonderful family here, I would live there … it just speaks to me in every way! Thanks for stopping by!
This was beautiful! I went to France a couple of years ago, but didn’t go anywhere near Nice. We stayed in the Northern part of the country. It sounds like such a wonderful place, though.
As partial as I am to the south of France, I think the entire country is wonderful and so diverse. I have not found one region that did not have its own distinct beauty.
I am packing my bags! Oh, I wish. Those parades & floats are amazing, can we please go??? Your picture is gorgeous, are those the Alps in the background?
LOL – I feel like packing too! Those are the Alpes-Maritimes by the Italian border. There are some small ski areas here and the driving is challenging with spectacular views. Fabulous hiking trails. I’ll post some photos later of a trip up there.
The Hautes Alpes (Chamonix and other major ski areas) are further north near Geneva, a good day’s drive.
It’s all beautiful though.
That looks like so much fun! We didn’t go anywhere this winter. I’d love to plan to go where it’s warmer next winter, though. I may never get to France, but I can enjoy it vicariously through your blog. Thanks, Patricia!
We’ve actually had a pretty mild winter in Toronto and very little snow. Imho, winter is more fun when you can get outside and do something active and snow makes that a lot easier. I’m glad you enjoy visiting France with me.
Suggesting doing a sport in winter is a great idea. If you can “use” winter for something, then it becomes fun. If you have to stay indoors all the time, you’ll find it boring.
My feelings exactly! The more snow,the more fun!
Oh my gosh, spectacular!!! I had no idea – the Carnaval de Nice sounds incredible and I just added it to my bucket list. The photos and the fun…squeee!!!!
Snow…well hubby and I took up snowmobiling this winter and I must admit, I am now doing little snow dances. Who would have thought the day would come when I’d pray for snow. LOL!!
Wonderful post Patricia – loved it!
I hope you make it there one day, my friend. You would love it!
Good for you and Scott taking up snowmobiling. I can just picture the two of you on some of those beautiful trails.