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| Area (sq km): | 547,030 | |
| Population: | 64,102,140 | |
| Nationality: | French | |
| Local Name: | France | |
| Language: | French | |
| Time Zone: | +1 GMT | |
| Currency: | 1 euro = 100 cents | |
| Rate: | www.xe.com | |
| Capital: | Paris | |
| Dialling Code: | +33 | |
| Electricity: | 230V/50Hz | |
| Internet Code: | .fr | |
| Religion: | Roman Catholic | |
| Climate: | Mediterranean, Marine West Coast |
|
| Government: | Republic | |
| Inoculations: | None | |
| Driving: | Right | |
| Int'l License: | Not Required | |
| Banking: | M-F 9.00-17.00 | |
| Major Airports: | Biarritz(BIQ), Bordeaux(BOD), Dijon(DIJ), Marseille(MRS), Nice(NCE), Paris(CDG), Toulouse(XYT) |
Nice apartment - Mardi Gras & Nice Carnival
Carnival is celebrated in so many countries around the world, and Nice Carnival too, is spectacular. Parades of flamboyant and sometimes grotesque costumes fill the towns, wine flows freely, people dance in the streets, bonfires are set alight, music plays on for 10 days leading up to Mardi Gras and you can see it all from apartment rentals in Nice.
This much loved modern celebration, which you can witness from apartment rentals in Nice, is as old as the 11th century. Giant galas were held for the aristocracy in which they covered their faces in bold and colourful masks and behaved in a manner not at all accepted by the church.
The people vivaciously party in celebration of the rich food and drink they must give up for the 40 days of Lent. Not only do they eat and drink in the culmination of Mardi Gras and Lent, but their behaviour is raucous and borders debauchery!
Apartment rentals in Nice - Carnival
All of France takes time to enjoy Carnival, but no town does it to the extent of Nice on the French Riviera. For 10 riveting days this city is out of control! The parades held everyday feature people adorned in brash and wild costumes, all masked, all magical and mysterious. The costumes are beyond colourful with loads of sequence and feathers, and are themselves a sight to behold.
Bataille de Fleurs (Battle of the Flowers)
The most amazing parade is the Bataille de Fleurs (Battle of the Flowers) taking place on the Promenade des Anglais that separates the beach from the city. The entire city is draped in flowers and along the Promenade 20 flower covered floats glide down the walkway carrying costume clad folks.
From the floats they throw out an estimated 100,000 locally grown floral varieties. The city seems to radiate energy and the crowds go wild! Fireworks light up the sky and the beaches are packed with bonfires casting a soft dancing glow.
The streets are packed with festival participants enjoying the music and booze. Food is everywhere and drink is even more prevalent. Nice truly comes alive during Carnival and this is one event that is an absolute must do!
Mardi Gras & Carnival dates
Typically Carnival begins in mid-February, but always depends on the date of Easter, so check the caledar before booking French villas. Officially, the festivities begin on the Saturday 10 days prior to Mardi Gras. Book apartment rentals in Nice now before they sell out!