Nice Carnival & Old Town: History, Traditions and Local Secrets
Discover Nice as Carnival approaches! Explore the history, legends and traditions behind this iconic celebration, from giant caricatures to flower battles. Wander through the colourful Old Town, uncover Nice’s Italian heritage and discover its unique language, local heroes and culinary delights. With fascinating stories, hidden gems and a taste of socca, experience the authentic spirit of Nice with a local guide!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Place Massena
- Let’s meet at Place Masséna, next to the Fontaine du Soleil (Fountain of the Sun), in the heart of Nice and the iconic setting of the city’s Carnival celebrations.
Cours Saleya
Stroll through the lively Cours Saleya, famous for its colourful flower and food market. Discover the connection between Nice’s floral traditions, its Mediterranean lifestyle and the iconic Carnival Flower Parade.
Ruelle du Malonat
Wander through this charming, narrow street in Old Nice and discover the stories, legends and hidden corners that reveal the city’s authentic character.
Eglise du Gesu
Admire the Baroque façade of this beautiful church and discover the Italian influences that shaped Nice’s architecture, religious traditions and cultural identity.
Place Rossetti
Explore one of the most picturesque squares in Old Nice, surrounded by colourful façades and dominated by Sainte-Réparate Cathedral. A perfect place to discover local life, history and traditions.
Rue Droite
Follow one of Old Nice’s historic streets, where art galleries, old façades and hidden details tell the story of the city’s rich past and Mediterranean heritage.
Place du Palais
Discover the historic heart of Nice around the Palace of Justice and hear the incredible story of the “Robbery of the Century” — one of the most audacious and talked-about crimes in French history!
Promenade du Paillon
Enjoy this green urban oasis connecting Old Nice with the modern city. As Carnival approaches, discover how Nice transforms its public spaces into a vibrant stage for celebrations and cultural events.
Ending Point
Place Massena
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/114799/5bb897a6-be68-45e8-b3c3-c954da0dad18.png)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Public transportation, food and drinks
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves walking (soft pace), so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Important message from the supplier
I offer different types of tours. Some require booking at least two days in advance, as they involve a little more preparation and logistics, while others can be booked as little as two hours before the tour starts.
Feel free to send a booking request, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible to confirm my availability.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Benoit B.
Passionate about heritage, history and the human stories that bring a destination to life. With a strong tour guide and experience creator in Paris & the Loire Valley, I am doing it again on the French Riviera, and turn local culture, history and unexpected anecdotes into engaging, memorable experiences.
My 20+ years in Marketing & Communication add a strong customer-experience and storytelling mindset.
$24/ per person
More tours by Benoit B.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/25914/b5858777-e132-45c0-b82f-44f57c7295ff.png)
Paint & Taste the Riviera: A Historic Walk with Watercolor & Local Flavors
Discover Nice through history, art and gastronomy. Explore the colorful streets of Old Nice with your local guide Benoît, then head to the port for a watercolor workshop with a professional artist. All materials are included, and you’ll take home your own painting. Enjoy a tasting of authentic local specialties and a glass of wine or prosecco, while admiring one of Nice’s most beautiful views.
Paint & Taste the Riviera: A Historic Walk with Watercolor & Local Flavors
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/25832/8563859e-cb24-4137-977a-7de3f0fbdf73.jpg)
The Secrets of Nice: A Journey Through Legends & History
Discover another side of Nice—beyond the postcard. From Old Nice to the sea, uncover hidden stories, mythology, medieval legends, ancient rituals, local superstitions and forgotten secrets. Read the symbols hidden in the city’s streets and hear tales of passions, intrigues, strange events and darker chapters of its past. An immersive journey between history and imagination, revealing the fascinating side of Nice that most visitors never see.
The Secrets of Nice: A Journey Through Legends & History
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/25915/ff66b7b4-ebde-4a52-bdc8-ee10da2e61b8.jpg)
Guided Tour & Petanque Lesson in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Discover Villefranche-sur-Mer with a local guide! Explore the charming old town, hidden gems, the famous Rue Obscure, Saint-Pierre Chapel and the historic citadel. Then meet François, a local pétanque player, and learn to play this iconic Provençal game on a beautiful pétanque court overlooking the citadel. A fun, authentic experience combining history, local life and French culture.
Guided Tour & Petanque Lesson in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Nice
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/25832/8563859e-cb24-4137-977a-7de3f0fbdf73.jpg)
The Secrets of Nice: A Journey Through Legends & History
Discover another side of Nice—beyond the postcard. From Old Nice to the sea, uncover hidden stories, mythology, medieval legends, ancient rituals, local superstitions and forgotten secrets. Read the symbols hidden in the city’s streets and hear tales of passions, intrigues, strange events and darker chapters of its past. An immersive journey between history and imagination, revealing the fascinating side of Nice that most visitors never see.
The Secrets of Nice: A Journey Through Legends & History
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/114799/5bb897a6-be68-45e8-b3c3-c954da0dad18.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/10665/152528.jpg)
Eze & Saint Paul de Vence + wine tasting - 8hrs Full Day Private Tour
Eze & St Paul de Vence with Crémât Domaine in Nice, this tour mixe the nicest eagle nest and perched village with a discovery of our local gastronomy and history of the wine making of Nice
Eze & Saint Paul de Vence + wine tasting - 8hrs Full Day Private Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/42888/ab429399-82bb-4fae-9c83-eebfd5aaa85b.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/10666/152538.jpg)
Perched Villages of the French Riviera - 8hrs Full Day Private Tour
A romantic step among the historic villages of the country side of the French Riviera, a succession of some of the most beautiful villages of the past, in an authentic and preserved scenery.
Perched Villages of the French Riviera - 8hrs Full Day Private Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/42888/ab429399-82bb-4fae-9c83-eebfd5aaa85b.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22555/95bda358-ec6d-4d62-bc62-062504e5912c.jpg)
Nice Old Town Private Walking Tour - Hidden Gems
Walk with me on a private, easy-paced tour of Nice Old Town that goes beyond the standard highlights. We will explore hidden streets and local corners most visitors miss, while still seeing key landmarks—then uncover the stories behind the facades, churches, doors, and traditions that shaped the neighborhood. Along the way, we will get simple, engaging context, real anecdotes, and a few authentic local spots that help you feel the true soul of Vieux Nice (old Nice).
Nice Old Town Private Walking Tour - Hidden Gems
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/54760/9627ed0e-3b43-43a7-a467-38e93ec81424.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26099/a189bf99-9f2c-486a-96dc-54d2b0b064ad.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26099/4e070510-4f6c-43f4-8a45-8ce32a3a76fb.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26099/36ed28ef-03a0-49a2-8fb3-019b3e921aa7.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26099/e45ad651-a356-4de5-a244-6a638a84b90e.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26099/8ced484d-afe3-405d-890e-d4ce6e899c4e.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26099/d9f039b8-70bf-441a-9184-f0b93fabc59d.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26099/08d51acf-e70c-4066-9941-45a4b501dde2.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26099/2c1ef781-adfd-4a56-b50e-00c624b1b9e6.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26099/3bd6e564-0d66-4b70-815f-2c1594a160cc.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26099/b3c724f1-87b6-4576-96f1-a009b6bd0ab9.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26099/c145f30e-39c2-4d9f-82bd-37abf95f1370.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26099/601575f3-e685-413b-a4d3-8012fdedb357.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26099/a2ecc2e8-47e0-4eb3-8ab8-4ca8a0d7b383.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26099/b0c1e452-2dd0-4290-962b-9ee6b80b6b9d.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/26099/38a21a2e-320f-4b10-b586-b74d4783a92d.jpg)