Seven Top Carnivals to Visit After Your Move to France

After undertaking house moves to France, many expats like to attend some of the main carnivals as a way of getting to know their new country and immersing themselves in the culture. There is a strong carnival tradition across the nation, with many famous festivities being organised on and around Mardi Gras, in February or March each year.

With costumed parades, fireworks, songs and dance, these colourful events are entertaining for all the family, and involve a lot of fun for children in particular. They also bring fun and excitement to the winter months.

As experts in organising both business and household removals to France, at Hamiltons we have a detailed knowledge of French culture and lifestyles. Here we look at some of the leading carnivals which you may want to visit following your move from the UK to France.

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1. Nice Carnival: France's biggest carnival is staged on the Riviera for a fortnight in February, leading up to a spectacular parade on Mardi Gras itself. The carnival in Nice dates right back to the 13th century, but the modern event – which attracts a million people annually – was created in the 1870s. One of its most famous features is the Battle of Flowers, with thousands of specially grown blooms being thrown from colourful floats to the crowds lining the streets. Musicians and street entertainers from around the world join in the main processions, led by the “Carnival King”, and there are also parades of lights after dark. The last night sees a bonfire and a massive firework display.

2. Paris Carnival: Many British expats relocating to France set up home in Paris. They discover a wealth of culture there, including the major carnival held each February, which draws hundreds of thousands of people. Paris Carnival is an ancient celebration which was popular as far back as the 1500s, but it disappeared for many years in the 20th century and was only revived in the 1990s. The main highlight is “the parade of the fatted ox”, a huge procession led by an ox in a red robe. The carnival features people in an amazing variety of masks and costumes, as well as live music, jugglers and theatrical performers. Each year's event has a different theme.

3. Dunkirk Carnival: Dunkirk might be a relatively small city, but it holds one of France's biggest carnivals. First held in the 1700s, the carnival runs from late January right through to March, and features a whole series of weekend parades and fancy dress balls. Bands of musicians in yellow fishermen's raincoats march through the streets, and kippers are thrown to them from the town hall at the end of the parade as a reward. This carnival has an especially friendly atmosphere and aims to get both locals and visitors involved in the fun.

4. Carnival of Two Banks, Bordeaux: More than 35,000 people line the streets of the city for this annual carnival, usually held in early March. Just as its name suggests, it is held on both banks of the river Garonne. The big parade is full of people wearing elaborate costumes and masks. As well as the procession, there are also many workshops over the weeks running up to it, plus children's activities, concerts and other events. The carnival aims to celebrate cultural diversity and takes a special theme each year.

5. Carnival of Limoux: Proclaiming itself as the “longest-running carnival in the world”, this event covers an even longer period than Dunkirk's. Running for three months from January to March, it sees bands playing traditional music and costumed characters, including the Pierrot, performing every weekend. Parts of the festivities are traditionally conducted in the ancient language of Occitan. At the end of the carnival, a straw figure of King Carnival is ceremonially burnt in the main square.

6. Strasbourg Carnival: Dozens of floats and more than 3,000 people in costume take part in this annual extravaganza, usually held over a weekend in March. Carnival is a big tradition in the Alsace region, celebrating the end of winter and arrival of spring. After a major procession through the city and live musical entertainment, there is more merrymaking at clubs and bars into the night.

7. Chambery Carnival: Children are encouraged to create their own colourful costumes for the annual carnival in this Alpine city in Savoie, usually held in March. Around 20,000 people line the streets for the procession, with music, dance and circus performers all taking part, and an emphasis on gourmet food.

About Hamiltons Removals

Hamiltons has extensive experience of organising house moves to France, and provides a weekly removals service to the country. Our expert service includes professional packing and unpacking if required and we can also advise you on all paperwork. If you need to arrange shipping to Paris or any other area of France, we will ensure the whole process goes smoothly.

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