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Granville Carnival
Every year, the Granville Carnival attracts crowds from all over France to take part in a festival of colour and tradition. With over 150 years of history, this carnival is much more than a simple event; it is a genuine local institution listed as a UNESCO intangible heritage site. To make the most of this unique experience, Clévacances offers quality accommodation for those wishing to immerse themselves in the heart of this event.
The Granville Carnival: A unique celebration to experience with Clévacances
A tradition rooted in Granville's maritime history
The Carnaval de Granville was born n 1875 with the initiative of an organising committee. From its very first edition, this carnival made its mark with its music bands, colourful horse-drawn floats, and its benevolent dimension, as the event aimed to raise funds for the most disadvantaged. This tradition of solidarity was relaunched in 2003, a reminder of the festival's deeply rooted origins in local culture and values.
The roots of the Granville carnival also lie in maritime life. In the early 20th century, it marked the departure for the great fishing expeditions to Newfoundland and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, long and often risky expeditions. Carnival was used to brighten people's spirits before departure and to allay fears linked to the uncertainty of these voyages. Today, the Carnaval de Granville retains that festive, joyous spirit, paying tribute to its past while celebrating the present.
Granville Carnival 2025 programme: five days of uninterrupted celebration
The 151st edition of the Carnaval de Granville will be held from 28 February to 4 March 2025, with a programme packed with entertainment and events for young and old alike:
- Friday 28 February 2025: The pre-opening starts at 6:30pm with entertainment at l'Archipel, followed by a free opening concert at the Maison du Carnaval at 8pm. Tickets will be available on February 15 and 22 from the Granville tourist office.
- Saturday, March 1, 2025: The carnival comes to life from 10am with a lively market and musicians. At 2pm, the handover of the keys on the Demoiselles float kicks off the festivities, followed by the Children's Cavalcade and the Children's Ball. The day ends with "Ça tire, le parade" at 6.00pm and "Samedi en fanfares" from 8.30pm, a marching band parade through the town.
- Sunday, March 2, 2025: The day begins with musical aubades, and at 1:30pm, the famous Grande Cavalcade parades from the harbour. In the evening, the Carnavaliers' picnic brings participants together at the Maison du Carnaval, followed by a Light Cavalcade at 9pm.
- Monday 3 March 2025: This day is marked by the traditional "Bal à papa" and "Bal à maman", offering a festive and convivial atmosphere at the Maison du Carnaval and the Salle de Hérel.
- Tuesday, March 4, 2025: Carnival comes to a close in style with the humorous and satirical Cavalcade at 1:30pm, followed by the trial and symbolic execution of His Majesty Carnival. The festivities end with a Big and Little Confetti Battle, a joyous and colourful moment when participants come together in an explosion of multicoloured confetti.
A carnival listed as a UNESCO intangible heritage site
The Carnaval de Granville is much more than just a festival. Over the years, it has managed to preserve its traditions, in particular the Sunday Cavalcade and the symbolic execution of the Bonhomme Carnaval, attracting around 130,000 visitors each year. This carnival, recognised by UNESCO and listed as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity since 2016, is an integral part of the identity of Granville and its population, who wear it with pride and passion.
The strength of this event lies in its authentic character and deep roots in the town's maritime history. In 1923, the event made its mark by inviting the Republic of Montmartre, with artists such as Poulbot and Adolphe Willette, who added an unforgettable artistic and satirical touch to the carnival.
Book your stay in Granville with Clévacances
To take part in this unique event, Clévacances offers comfortable and certified accommodation, perfect for making the most of the Carnival in Granville. Whether you're looking for a house by the sea, a flat in the centre of town or a quiet gîte in the surrounding area, you'll find accommodation to suit your needs. Clévacances guarantees you quality rentals, checked and labelled, for a worry-free stay.
After a busy day vibrating to the rhythm of brass bands and parades, take advantage of your Clévacances accommodation to relax and share convivial moments with family or friends. A stay in Granville for Carnival is also an opportunity to discover this charming seaside town, its beaches, its heritage and its gentle way of life.
Experience Granville Carnival with Clévacances: an unforgettable experience
The Carnaval de Granville is a unique festive experience not to be missed, with its lively processions, traditional balls, and memorable confetti battles. Book your accommodation now with Clévacances to experience this event from the inside and immerse yourself in the unrivalled atmosphere of the town during these festive days.
This carnival, a genuine institution listed as an intangible heritage site, remains a not-to-be-missed event for lovers of traditions and popular festivals. With Clévacances, make your stay an unforgettable one, combining authenticity, conviviality and comfort, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the Carnival in Granville !
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