Mardi-Gras – Pancake Tuesday

Mardi-Gras, known as Fat Tuesday in French, marks the beginning of Lent. It is synonymous with carnivals, colours, masks, confetti and parties! Discover our Top 7 places to go in France to celebrate it!

1.    Carnival of Nice

Flowers battles of mimosa and lily flower!

Nice, lovely city located in the department of the Alpes-Maritimes in the region of Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur. The carnival of Nice is considered as the greatest carnival of France but also one of the most known of world. This year, the carnival of Nice is celebrating its 131st year! From the 13th till the 28th of February. On the Place Massena, you will be told the history of the “Kings of the Media” with the parade of 18 floats. Come to walk through the Promenade des Anglais and to see the elegant flowers battles which are one of the components of the carnival of Nice.

2.    Carnival of Paris

On the 7th of February 2016  the 19th edition of the Carnival of Paris will be launched! It is going to start at 2pm from the Avenue Gambetta to Menilmontant to arrive Place de la Republique at around 5 or 6 pm. Take time to walk through the Champs Elysees to fully enjoy your time in Paris.

3.    Carnival of Nantes

Nantes is a lovely city situated in the department of Loire-Atlantic in the Pays de la Loire region. The city celebrates the carnival for three days, from the 3rd to the 9th of April. On the 3rd of April (Sunday) there will be a parade leaving the Gloriette Island at 2:30 pm and then will continue on the fabulous Place Graslin. At the same time you can go visit the Hangar a Bananes (banana warehouse), the Place Royale and see the famous Machines de l’Ile. The giants will be walking through the city during the parade.

4.    Carnival of Dunkirk

Dunkirk is a French city situated in the department of the North in the region Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie. The carnival of Dunkirk is one of the most favourite carnival of French students! It is starting from the 9th of January and ending on the 14th of February. Smocked herrings are going to be launched over balconies of the town Hall at 5pm, do not miss it! Also, everyone has to take part in the carnival: everybody is in fancy dress and wears masks!

5.    Carnival of Annecy

Annecy is a nice city in the department of Haute-Savoie in the French Alps. The city is proposing a Venetian style carnival. Starting from the 16th and ending the 21st of January, the carnival is celebrating its 20th birthday. The parade of the masks is starting on the 19th February. Some people spend hours creating their costumes and masks.

6.    Carnival of Bordeaux

Bordeaux is city a situated in south-west of France in the department of Gironde in the Aquitaine region. The Bordeaux parade starts on the 28th of February. Named the “Carnaval des deux rives” (Carnival of 2 river banks). It will start from one side of the Garonne and cross to the other side.  It is inspired by the carnivals of Nice and Rio.

7.    Carnival of Mulhouse

Mulhouse is a French city situated in the department of Haut-Rhin in Alsace. With the Samba theme, Mulhouse is going to celebrate its 63rd carnival. Organized by the city of Mulhouse, it is going to start on the 12sd of February 2016 at 7pm at Rue du Moulin to end on the 14th of February.

Choose the carnival you want to go to and do not forget to disguise yourself and to wear a mask!