This vibrant 1960 original poster by the artists Jean-Luc and Peyrot was created to promote the famous Carnaval de Nice, one of the oldest and most celebrated carnivals in Europe. Held from 20 February to 3 March 1960, the event transformed the city of Nice into a spectacle of parades, music, costumes, and flowers.
The poster’s lively composition captures the playful spirit of the carnival through bold shapes, bright colors, and stylized figures. At the center appears a smiling masked woman surrounded by vivid flowers, while a whimsical carnival face floats above her. The graphic design reflects the optimistic visual language of the late 1950s and early 1960s, blending modern illustration with the festive traditions of the Riviera.
The Carnaval de Nice has been celebrated since the nineteenth century and is renowned for its elaborate floats, street performances, and the famous Batailles de Fleurs (Flower Battles) along the Promenade des Anglais. During these events, performers on decorated floats throw flowers into the crowds, filling the city with color and fragrance.
The year 1960 was particularly memorable for the city’s cultural life. Alongside the carnival festivities, Nice hosted the Nice Jazz Festival, welcoming legendary musicians including Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Their presence reinforced Nice’s reputation as an international center of music, culture, and celebration.
Tourism posters such as this one played an important role in promoting the French Riviera during the postwar boom in international travel. Displayed in railway stations, travel agencies, and hotels, they invited visitors from across Europe and beyond to experience the glamour and excitement of Mediterranean festivities.
Today, the 1960 Carnaval de Nice poster is admired not only as a historical advertisement but also as a striking example of mid-century graphic design, capturing the joyful atmosphere of one of the Riviera’s most iconic celebrations.
Original Poster
Show - France
Nice hosted Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington at its Jazz Festival this year
Printed by Meyerbeer in Nice
Good condition, creases visible
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