Thinking of Nice in Feb - just read that Carnival is then too - questions
 

Could anyone share their experience about going to Nice, France in the winter. I see Carnival will be held Feb 12 - 28 2016 and thought that might be a fun time to be there.

Is there a particular area(s) we should stay in to make it easier to get to Carnival events?
Any hotel recommendations in those areas for 150 - 200 euros a night? (We could go higher but would prefer not to). If off season has lower rates (probably not applicable during Carnival, but thought I'd throw it out there), that would even be better if you have suggestions.

Would those areas also be convenient to train stations if we wanted to take day trips?
Should we consider renting a car instead of train if we would want to visit Vence or the Maeght Foundation (for example)? I know trains are good along the coast.

If we would not be there the entire 2 weeks, would you recommend any particular group of days during the 2 weeks of Carnival? First week, middle of the two weeks, end of the time?
Do you buy tickets to events? If so, are there any you particularly recommend as can't miss?

Any basic tips I should think about (other than going at a different time of year - we will be going to Paris in the fall so wanted some other area of France for this trip.)

We just saw a Turkish Air airfare of $597. Pretty thrilled about that.

Forgot to add that an apartment is not out of the question if anyone has suggestions, but my husband needs to have some heavy things delivered in advance so that might make a hotel more reasonable for us this trip.

Did you see the website for the Carnival? That may help yo with some of your questions http://www.nicecarnaval.com/en/index.php

Meant to add I would expect hotels to book up early for it, same with apartments, so you need to decide asap.

Thanks for the website info hetismij.

I see ticket sales begin in November. If we want to sit in the stands, do you recommend buying tickets in advance, or wait until there and see what the weather is? Do the stands book up in advance?

It seems that a hotel along the eastern end of the Promenade des Anglais or within walking distance of the Place Messena would be the best location, at least based on the parade route from 2015. Does anyone know - do the parade routes change from year to year or is it a fixed route every year?

I believe that Menton also has its lemon festival in February, so while you are in the neighbhorhood you might want to check that out as well.

Thanks Sandralist - that definitely seems like something I would like to do! Have you been to that? Is it convenient to take the train from Nice?

It is very convenient to take the train from Nice to Menton, which I have done several times, but I have not been to the lemon festival itself (although I have eaten lemons from Menton, and they are very good).

http://www.tourisme-menton.fr/Lemon-Festival.html

We've been several times to Menton, there is a place with some 'statues' made of lemons in the center of town and an exposition of flowers in a museum just next to it.

We liked it quite well, there is also a carnival with musicians and (forgpot...) We liked it.

We went to Nice for the carnival and I hated it, it was relatively cold, not a lot of people, noise but not so much 'ambiance'.
I'm much more used to carnivals from northern France Belgium or Germany and it doesn't compete...

Just my opinion.

I have reservations for 3 nights in Menton for the lemon festival and 2 nights in Nice - not specifically for the carnival but plan to visit some hill towns. Was in the area in May 2013 so this trip isn't for swimming - but I do hope it isn't too cold. Hotels are very reasonable at this time of year, but yes, probably best to book early.

Nice Pebbles is a reliable apartment rental agency. I would guess that your husband could ship his things to their office.
You can take a direct bus to St-Paul de Vence and the Maight Foundation.