Carnivals are highlights of winter and early spring, when celebration, color, and conviviality take precedence over the gray skies. For motorhome owners, it's also the perfect opportunity to discover different regions, to the rhythm of brass bands, floats and local traditions. From Dunkirk to Menton, via Limoux, Nantes and Binche in Belgium, here is our selection of the most iconic carnivals to explore independently thanks to Camping-Car Park areas.
Why go there?
A veritable institution in northern France, the Dunkirk Carnival is an experience in its own right. Here, the party doesn't last a few days, but more than three months, punctuated by the famous "bands," wild brass bands, and legendary conviviality. Extravagant costumes, sing-alongs and the famous herring throwing create a unique, popular and intergenerational atmosphere. It's a carnival where you never remain a spectator for long: you participate, you exchange, you share. For motorhome travelers, it's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a lively, warm tradition deeply rooted in the region, while discovering the coastline and towns ofthe North.
📍Nearby areas:
CAMPING-CAR PARK area in Bray-Dunes
Saint-Omer MOTORHOME PARKING AREA
📅 Dates: January 1 to April 12
Why go there?
Listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Granville Carnival charms visitors with its authenticity and humor. Originating among sailors, it combines satire, creativity, and a festive spirit in an exceptional maritime setting. Colorful floats, confetti battles, and musical entertainment transform the town into a huge open-air theater. The atmosphere is both festive and family-friendly, perfect for a motorhome vacation on the English Channel coast. It's also an opportunity to extend the fun with walks along the coast or a visit to Mont-Saint-Michel, just a few miles away.
📍Nearby areas:
CAMPING-CAR PARK area in Carolles
Mont-Saint-Michel MOTORHOME PARKING AREA
Vivier-sur-mer MOTORHOME PARKING AREA
📅 Dates: February 13 to 17
Why go there?
The Mimosa Festival is a sunny interlude in the heart of winter. In Grasse, the world capital of perfume, this floral celebration marks the return of sunny days. Floats decorated with mimosa, elegant parades, and musical performances offer a colorful and fragrant spectacle. It is a gentle and luminous festival, ideal for RV travelers seeking tranquility, Provençal landscapes, and the first warm days of spring. The Grasse hinterland is perfect for a road trip, with its hilltop villages and scenic roads.
📍Nearby area:
CAMPING-CAR PARK area in Montauroux
📅 Dates: February 11 to 15
Why go there?
Unique in the world, the Lemon Festival transforms Menton into a magical world of giant sculptures made from citrus fruits. Every year, a spectacular theme inspires flower parades and nighttime processions. The contrast between the blue of the Mediterranean and the bright yellow of the lemons creates an unforgettable backdrop. For RV travelers, it's an ideal winter destination: mild climate, bright landscapes, and a refined festive atmosphere. An original carnival that combines creativity, tradition, and the Mediterranean way of life.
📍Nearby area:
CAMPING-CAR PARK area in Sospel
📅 Dates: February 14 to March 1
Why go there?
The Nantes Carnival is one of the largest in western France and stands out for its creativity and festive spirit. The floats, often humorous or politically engaged, parade in a friendly and joyful atmosphere. It is a popular event that attracts all generations to this dynamic and cultural city. In a motorhome, it is the perfect opportunity to discover Nantes in the spring, stroll along the Loire River, and enjoy a wide choice of parking areas where you can park peacefully while still having easy access to the city center.
📍Nearby areas:
CAMPING-CAR PARK area in Nantes, Petit Port
La Limouzinière MOTORHOME PARKING AREA
📅 Dates: April 4 to 18
Why go there?
The Mulhouse Carnival is a colorful and friendly celebration, rooted in Alsatian tradition. Parades, costume balls, and entertainment fill the city with a warm atmosphere. It's an excellent excuse to discover Alsace in a different way, between heritage, gastronomy, and vineyards. Mulhouse's strategic location, close to Germany and Switzerland, makes it an interesting stop on a European motorhome itinerary.
📍Nearby areas:
CAMPING-CAR PARK area in Fessenheim
Chavannes-sur-l'Étang MOTORHOME PARKING AREA
Vogelgrun MOTORHOME PARKING AREA
📅 Dates: February 18 to 22
Why go there?
With more than two months of festivities, the Limoux Carnival is the longest in the world. Every weekend, the streets come alive to the sound of traditional music, in an authentic atmosphere deeply rooted in the Occitan region. Here, there are no spectacular floats, but a lively, human, and rhythmic celebration. It is an ideal destination for motorhome enthusiasts who like to take their time, discover the vineyards of Limouxin, and the landscapes of the Upper Aude Valley.
📍Nearby areas:
CAMPING-CAR PARK area in Limoux
Quillan MOTORHOME PARKING AREA
Villasavary MOTORHOME PARKING AREA
Belesta MOTORHOME PARKING AREA
📅 Dates: January 10 to March 22
Why go there?
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Binche Carnival is one of the most impressive in Europe. The famous "Gilles," dressed in traditional costumes, set the pace for the festivities to the beat of drums and throw oranges to the crowd. Both solemn and joyful, this carnival offers a unique immersion in Belgian folklore. Easily accessible from France, it is an excellent international getaway by motorhome.
📍Nearby areas:
CAMPING-CAR PARK area in Erquelinnes
📅 Dates: March 2–4
Why go there?
The Stavelot Carnival is famous for its "Blancs-Moussis," mischievous masked characters who invade the streets in a joyful and offbeat atmosphere. Nestled in the Belgian Ardennes, the town offers an ideal natural setting for a motorhome vacation, surrounded by forests, valleys, and popular traditions. A carnival on a human scale, perfect for a festive and exotic getaway.
📍Nearby areas:
Hamoir CAMPING-CAR PARK area
📅 Dates: March 29 to 31
Popular carnivals, flower festivals, and UNESCO-listed traditions... these events are ideal stops on a colorful itinerary through France and Belgium. Thanks to the Camping-Car Parknetwork, travel in complete freedom with secure sites, comfortable services, and the option to book with Privilege Pack. Remember to activate your Access Card to easily access the areas and take advantage of offers from local partners. Get your costumes ready, plan your itinerary, and experience a different carnival every week, in the comfort of your motorhome!
