Those folks on the French Riveria really know how to make us northern Europeans envious of their benign climate – February witnesses a whole series of festivals (Menton Lemons, Nice Flowers & Carnival, Mimosas) – and they hold them outside, whereas we dare not venture outside without hat, gloves, overcoat, scarf and thermal undergarments!
At Villefrance-sur-Mer (06 Alpes-Maritimes, Provence) they celebrate with a Battle of the Flowers on water (Combat Naval Fleuri) – in the Port de la Sante (which literally translates as Health Port) 19 February 2024
Traditional fishing boats (“pointus”) decorated with local flowers (carnations, mimosas) arranged in different motifs are in the harbour and a flower battle ensues between the boats whilst there are various other attractions on the quayside.
Villefranche is a pretty little coastal port with a natural deep harbour – the town feels more real than some of its bigger and more glitzy Riviera neighbours.
see https://cotedazurfrance.fr/
The local tourist office website is not one of the best I have seen and clearly someone has translated from the French into English using a dictionary word for word –
“You will make stop-over at Villefranche-sur-mer, in the south of France and Europe, in a village in the heart of the Cote d’Azur ( between Cannes and Monaco). This village knew to keep the charm of Provence and the prestige of the Riviera.Villefranche is equipped with a mediteranean climate; soft in winter and heat in summer. Brood in the heart of one of the most beautiful roadstead of the world, Villefranche sur-mer welcomes you in his haven of peace. Created in 1295 by Charles II d’Anjou, it knew to keep its picturesque charm with the wire of the centuries: the hot colors of the mediteranean frontages, the small steeped streets with the paces of yesteryear, his citadel, the rare works of Cocteau, Volti ou Goetz are as many richnesses as you will discover in this village with the first impression of paradise! “
What a weekend – Nice Carnaval, Menton Lemon Festival and a waterborne battle of the Flowers (Combat Naval Fleurie) at Villefranche!
In Villefranche-sur-mer there is a great hotel right on the seafront in the old port area – The Welcome Hotel, with air-conditioned rooms, many with a balcony overlooking Cap Ferrat Bay – and a wine bar, which has a terrace with panoramic sea views
for more info and to check availability at this seafront hotel see The Welcome Hotel
other holiday accommodation in Villefranche-sur-mer
see our Top 30 vineyard B&Bs in France
find cheap flights and plane tickets from Booking.com
somewhere to stay, a ferry, a train or car hire?
stay on a French vineyard – over 250 vineyards featured across France – hotels, B&B, self-catering 
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