What better place to celebrate the winter months than the French Riviera? Known for its temperate climate and beautiful seascapes, the Côte d’Azur is also well-known for the various fêtes de l'hiver that are planned there every year. This year, February is the month to be in the Riviera. Travelers who happen to be in the area the weekend of February 11-13, 2005 will have the added bonus of being able to attend all three events!

The Mandelieu-La Napoule Mimosa Festival

The Mandelieu-La Napoule Mimosa Festival, February 4-13. Next year’s theme is “The Mimosa Circus”. Mandelieu-La Napoule is ideally located at the door to the Var region of Provence and just minutes away from Cannes, and is known locally for its majestic mimosa forest. The mimosa, which was imported from Australia by British botanists at the beginning of the 19th century, adapted quite well to its new environment and flourished as a staple of the area. It is known as “the flower of the winter sun”, and every February the city comes alive for this joyous celebration. Event highlights include an inaugural concert on the first night at the Chappelle Notre-Dame des Mimosas and a Gala Party at the Music Hall at which time the Mimosa Queen will be crowned. Prices for each event vary. A full schedule can be found at www.ot-mandielieu.fr.

Nice Carnival, 2005

Probably the most famous event to take place in the Riviera is the Nice Carnival, next year from February 11-23. The theme for 2005 is “King of the Deranged Climate”. All of the festivities will take place on the Promenade des Anglais and new events include a Grand Parade and an evening Flower Parade by torchlight. The Carnival processions will display over twenty decorated floats, 300 "big heads" caricatures, and 100 different troupes of entertainers. Entrance fees for each event vary. A special 10% discount is available for groups of 20 people or more who would like to attend the festivities next year, with one free admission offered to the guide or driver.

Lemon Festival, 2005

Not to be outdone by the Carnival taking place next door, many visitors to the South of France have become enamored with the Lemon Festival in nearby Menton. Next year the festival takes place February 11-27. The theme for next year is “Viva Espana”. All along the Promenade de Soleil on the seaside will be floats and sculptures in keeping with this theme. There are three daytime parades (all held on Sundays) and one nighttime procession on Thursday, February 17th. Prices vary for the parades – an individual ticket is 15€ in the seated section, and 8€ for standing room. Special group rates and children’s prices do apply. Many of the themed exhibitions are free, including the Orchid Exhibit in the Palais de l’Europe and the Arts & Crafts Show. Group packages can be purchased in advance.