Last chance to enjoy Nice carnival this weekend

The 113rd Carnaval de Nice draws to a close tomorrow evening with the final Corso Carnavalesque Illuminé - the colourful grand parade of floats and performers - beginning at 21.00.

This final, spectacular show closes the two-week carnival and follows the Bataille de fleurs (flower battle) in the afternoon (the weather forecast is good) and concludes with the traditional burning of the carnival King, who this year represents the theme of ecologically sound energy sources. The Corso parade lasts about 90 minutes.

Politicians are also to the fore in this election year, so see which of the big-headed big names you can spot represented as amusing, four-metre tall caricatures.

Anyone attending is advised to not drive into the city centre as traffic restrictions are in place, while strict security is in force at all entry points - so early arrival is advised.

This year’s carnival takes a shorter, more restricted route away from the Promenade des Anglais following last summer’s terror attack but attendees have reported that security has been well managed and reassuring. City authorities put in place 200 extra security agents, 120 municipal police, extra gendarmes and 50 video surveillance cameras.

Tickets for a seat in the tribune (stand) at Place Massena cost €26, and €12 to stand, while it is only €5 to stand in Zone B on Avenue Felix Faure and Boulevard Jean Jaurès.

Visit the Carnaval de Nice website to reserve tickets, which can be collected at ticket offices on the night. You can also buy tickets tomorrow at the tourist office at Jardin Albert 1er.

Watch a video of this year’s event highlights so far below: