7 Gorgeous, Colorful Ways To See The French Riviera This Spring

29.01.2024 - 13:37 / forbes.com / Ash Wednesday

With its glittering seas, colorful harbors and beaches filled with primary bright umbrellas, the French Riviera is a visual treat most everywhere you look. For an even more vivid mise en scène, head to the Côte d’Azur in spring, when this ribbon of revered coastline hosts numerous spring festivals, and towns pull out the stops to celebrate a cherished local bloom or fruit.

The first flower fêtes take place in February; with its enviable, balmy climate, the Riviera gets an early jump on spring. Here are some of the celebrations, many in atmospheric villages, not to miss. (All dates are for 2024.)

MANDELIEU-LA NAPOULE: Mimosa Festival, February 14 to 18. Mimosa blossoms herald the start of all the floral happenings on the Riviera, a welcome sign that winter is finally on the wane. Located between Cannes and St. Tropez, Mandelieu-La Napoule toasts these early arrivals with a five-day extravaganza marked by flower processions, parades, fireworks, and a concert. New this year is the Sunday flower procession by the sea (on February 18.)

MENTON: Fête du Citron, February 17-March 3. This town, which boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year, once produced most of Europe’s lemon crop. And for good reason—the citrus grown here is known for its special flavor (sweeter than the typical lemon), shape and color. Come mid-February, Menton goes all out for its prized crop with two-weeks of festivities, including parades offering floats with lavish citrus decor; tours taking you to the town’s memorable historic spots; mimosa hikes; and many other events. You’ll also have the chance to savor the home-grown lemon in everything from pasta to tarts and ice cream.

Orchids are also showcased during this period, with a spectacular exhibit devoted to many varieties of the flowering plant held at the Palais de l’Europe.

NICE: Carnaval de Nice, February 17-March 3. A highlight of the winter season along the Côte d’Azur, the carnival, dating from the 13th century, is a grand spectacle—think Macy’s Day Parade teaming with flowers and two weeks of processions rather than one show. (Unlike the famous New Orleans and Rio carnivals, which kick off before Lent, the Nice celebration this year starts a few days after Ash Wednesday.) There are parades day and night— the inaugural pageant tales place on the afternoon of the 17th, followed at 8:30 PM by an illuminated version (repeated Tuesday and Saturday evenings during the carnival) with intricate floats interpreting an annual theme (for 2024, pop culture). The outstanding Flower Parades, scheduled on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, are also big draws, paying homage to the region’s horticultural prowess. Event representatives say that over 250,000 stems (among them roses,