The Nice Carnival

16 FEB—2 MARCH

With an unofficial motto to “mock everything at everyone’s expense”, the ridiculous and the sublime take to the city streets for next month’s spectacular Nice Carnival. Each year, the normally chic capital of the French Riviera lets its hair down completely with a comically themed parade of nearly 200 gigantic caricatures (or big heads); dozens of wildly imaginative floats and Europe’s most unique flower parade. The theme for this year’s crazier-than-ever festivities is King of Bats, Cats, Rats and other legendary creatures. www.nicecarnaval.com

WHAT
WORD OF MOUTH What’s everyone talking about this month? News, gossip and trends from our European correspondents.	RELATIVE VALUES Which are the best ski chalet bargains and how much will a ski pass cost you this season?
BOOK AHEAD The Nice Carnival promises a spectacle for the eyes and the imagination.	TASTEBUDS Five new foods to tempt your tastebuds in the new year.
CALENDAR Music, art, dance… which events to look out for on your travels this month.	MUST-HAVES How to look cool, ski safe and keep warm on the slopes.
CINEMA SCENE The small Romanian film that was a big hit at Cannes, the Coen brothers back on form, and more releases.	STYLE FILE Our selection of wonderful winter clothes will make you the coolest cat on the après-ski scene.
WHO
FACE TO FACE Celebrity chef Bill Granger talks cookbooks, food markets and why Amsterdam and Barcelona are high on his travel list.	FIRST PERSON How to offend Valencian barmen and how a little wax in your ear can work wonders for a good night’s sleep.
SOUNDBITES French DJ David Guetta talks Ibiza clubs and entrepreneur Greta Corke introduces her energy electricity gadget.	THE BIG DEBATE Do big city-based events make financial sense?
PROPERTY SHORTS Ex-music Producer Larry Levene explains the lure of Switzerland, plus our expert property tips.	PROPERTY FOCUS Three couples try their luck with new lives abroad: in Chamonix, Costa Calida and Marrakesh.
PROFILE Three students discuss the allure of studying for an MBA.
WHERE
BOOK AHEAD A snapshot of Madeira, your next destination stop.	OFF-PISTE SKI With expert guides and a little local knowledge, there’s a world of fresh powder waiting.
PICTURE THIS Morocco’s stunning Atlas Mountains have an irresistible appeal for adventurers.	MOROCCO ESCAPE The town of Mirleft is an oasis of perfect surfing, local berber culture and the ideal escape for some winter sun.
RESORT ROUND-UP Showcasing easyJet’s network of ski resorts.	SOFIA AFTERHOURS The capital comes alive when the sun goes down.
CITY FOCUS Serre Chevalier in the heart of France’s ski resort country provides stunning nightlife.	WORTHY ADVENTURES Take part in a volunteer holiday for an experience to remember.
TOP THREE The best gondola views include the panoramas over Gibraltar and the Matterhorn.	EASTERN PROMISES How Romania and Bulgaria have adapted a year after their admission into the EU.