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The two major Carnivals of France are the Nice Carnival and the Paris Carnival.

• The Nice Carnival was held as far back as 1294, and is still held annually, attracting over a million visitors yearly during the two weeks preceding Lent.

• The Paris Carnival occurs after the "Feast of Fools" and dates back to the 16th century or earlier, although it was not held between 1952 and 1957.

• But also, some of the towns in France closest to German-speaking countries have Carnival celebrations as well, where it's called "Fastnact" (for example, Sarreguemines, in the north of Alsace, near the Sarre River) with celebrations such as parades and costume balls.  As the party atmosphere continues, townspeople, in grotesque masked headgear, go in and out of each other's homes "incognito".  On Carnival Thursday ("Old Women Day" or "The Women's Day" - in commemoration of an 1824 revolt by washer-women) - women storm city halls, cut men's ties, and are allowed to kiss any man who passes their way. Farther south, closer to Southwestern Germany, Switzerland, and Western Austria, "Fastnact" traditionally represents the time of year when the reign of the cold, grim winter spirits is over and these spirits are being hunted down and expelled.

If you're thinking about planning a trip to France - maybe even for MARDI GRAS, I can help:  Janet Irwin (President, France Encore LLC) - 203.838.8632