Granville Carnival: France’s Only UNESCO-Listed Carnival – History, Traditions & Festivities 🎭
✔ France’s only UNESCO-listed carnival · ✔ Deeply local maritime roots
✔ Satirical floats & Bonhomme burning · ✔ Easy day trip from our gîte in Nicorps 🎭
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First published: November 2025
Last Updated : January 2026
Explore more about local customs, traditional festivals, and the heart of Normandy countryside life.
Granville is renowned for many things, but its carnival — the Granville Carnival — stands out not only for its history and traditions but also because it is France’s only UNESCO-listed carnival. This lively event brings together the community, celebrates the region’s rich culture, and creates an unforgettable atmosphere each year in the coastal town of Granville in Normandy.
This is not a polished, tourist-only spectacle. It is noisy, satirical, occasionally absurd, and unapologetically local. Granville Carnival feels like something that still belongs to the people who build it — which, frankly, makes it far more interesting than anything overly tidy.
The Origins of Granville Carnival: A Celebration of Sailors and the Sea
The origins of the Granville Carnival can be traced back to the late 19th century, with a strong link to the local maritime traditions. At a time when cod fishing was the port’s main activity, the Terre-Neuvas, or Newfoundland fishermen, would depart for the shores of Newfoundland around Mardi Gras. The carnival served as the last great celebration on land before setting sail for the long and challenging voyage. This festive moment was a way for sailors to enjoy themselves before braving the rough Atlantic seas and harsh conditions.
It’s said that the carnival grew out of the sailors' desire to have one last fun interlude before heading out to sea, and the tradition quickly became ingrained in the town’s cultural fabric. Over the years, Granville’s carnival has evolved, growing in scale and participation, while retaining its roots in these early maritime traditions. It was formalized as an annual event around 1875, and since then, has become a true reflection of Granville’s identity.
In 2016, Granville Carnival achieved global recognition when it was officially added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, cementing its status as a major cultural festival not only for France but for the world.
That UNESCO recognition isn’t about polish or perfection. It’s about living heritage — traditions that are still actively made, argued over, laughed about, and passed down. Granville Carnival qualifies on all counts.
Granville Carnival Today: A Legacy of Fun, Satire, and Community
Today, Granville Carnival is one of the largest and most vibrant festivals in France, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. At its heart is the Bonhomme — the symbolic “king” of the carnival. This giant effigy often depicts a public figure or cultural symbol and is paraded through the streets before being judged and burned, marking the symbolic defeat of winter and the hopeful arrival of spring.
Alongside the Bonhomme are the satirical floats. Around 40 are built every year by more than 2,500 carnivalists — local residents who spend months designing, building, painting, and occasionally disagreeing over every detail. These floats take sharp, playful jabs at politics, celebrities, and current events. Nobody is entirely safe, which is rather the point.
The carnival is not limited to parades. There are masquerade balls, brass band processions, dawn serenades, and the famous confetti battle, which has a remarkable ability to follow you home. The celebrations culminate with the burning of the Bonhomme in the port, watched by a crowd that knows winter may not be finished — but is willing to argue with it anyway.
Granville Carnival 2025: Celebrating 150 Years of Tradition
In 2025, Granville Carnival celebrates its 150th edition. That’s a century and a half of satire, craftsmanship, and community effort — an impressive achievement for an event that began as a sailors’ farewell and grew into a nationally recognised cultural institution.
Anniversary years tend to carry a little extra pride in Granville. There’s more attention to detail, more nods to the past, and more of the dry humour that makes this carnival feel distinctly Norman rather than generically festive.
Example Itinerary for Granville Carnival – 151st Edition in 2025
Planning to visit Granville during the carnival? Here’s an example of what you can expect at the 151st edition in 2025:
- Friday, February 28th, 2025
6:30 pm: Pre-opening of the Carnival with L’Archipel
8 pm: Opening concert, Carnival’s House. Free. Tickets available Saturdays the 15th and 22nd of February at the tourist office (9h – Lecampion Street, Granville). 2 tickets maximum per person. - Saturday, March 1st, 2025
10 am: Carnival’s Market with musical animations, La Poste parking lot
2 pm: Handing over of the keys at the Calvaire on the Carnival float of the Granville Terre et Mer Misses
2:15 pm: Beginning of the children’s cavalcade towards the Carnival’s House
3:30 pm: Children’s Ball, under the Carnival’s House
8 pm: «Ça tire, le défilé», Carnival’s House
9 pm: Brass bands’ parade all over the city (Beginning place at Carnival’s House) - Sunday, March 2nd, 2025
10 am: Dawn serenades in the city center
11 am: Drink of the officials
1:30 pm: Beginning of the cavalcade from the Port
7 pm: Picnic of the carnavaliers, Port and Carnival’s House
9 pm: Illuminated cavalcade beginning at the Port - Monday, March 3rd, 2025
12 pm: Drink of the carnavaliers and partners, Carnival’s House
7 pm: Daddy’s Ball, Carnival’s House
7 pm: Mummy’s Ball, Hérel’s hall - Tuesday, March 4th, 2025
2 pm: Beginning of the cavalcade from the Calvaire
4:30 pm: Judgment and execution of King Carnival, Port
6 pm: Battle of confetti, Port
Granville Carnival: The Perfect Excuse to Escape a Dreary February
Granville Carnival is the perfect excuse to escape a dreary February and experience Normandy at its most alive. From our gîte in Nicorps, Granville is around 40 minutes by car — close enough for full carnival days, far enough to retreat back to peace and quiet afterwards.
This part of Manche is ideal for combining a big cultural event with slower moments: winter beach walks, local markets in Coutances, and evenings that involve good food rather than crowds.
Practical Tips for Visiting Granville Carnival
- 📅 When to Visit: February or early March, depending on Easter.
- 🕒 Duration: Around a week, with the main events over the final weekend.
- 🚗 Getting There: Car travel is easiest from rural Manche; trains run from Paris.
- 🎟️ Tickets: Many events are free, some balls require booking.
Local advice: wear shoes you like, but not shoes you love. Confetti is persistent and emotionally unattached.
Final Thoughts
Granville Carnival is a celebration of life, history, and tradition, embodying the true spirit of Normandy. Whether you’re a local resident or a first-time visitor, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. From the colorful costumes to the burning of the “king”, the Granville Carnival is a vibrant event that perfectly captures the energy and joy of the region. It’s an essential part of Normandy’s cultural calendar. It’s creative, slightly chaotic, proudly local, and deeply rooted in its maritime past — and one that should not be missed!
If you’re planning a winter or early-spring stay in Manche, timing your visit with the carnival adds colour, humour, and meaning to your trip. And if you want to enjoy it without staying in the thick of the noise, our gîte in Nicorps offers a calm, comfortable base with Granville easily within reach.
Book early if you’re planning around carnival dates — this is one of those weekends that quietly fills up and then suddenly doesn’t. 😉
Our base rate comfortably covers up to 6 guests. Larger groups (up to 10) are welcome with a small nightly supplement.
Your total price is automatically calculated when you select your dates — no surprises.