The Riviera Reporter has been critical of the Nice carnival in the past.

The first time I saw the Nice carnival seven years ago with some guests, we had great expectations based on Nice's reputation and that of the Côte d'Azur. Well, it was quite ordinary, even dowdy, and a let down for us all. I quite understand why you offered a similar opinion in your interview with M. Estrosi. In the following years I did not bother to go again and only built up irritation towards an event that caused disruption and inconvenience for the sake of what I remembered to be a mediocre event, at best.

This year I decided to go and have a look again together with my guests from the UK, South Africa, Jamaica and Australia. I held my breath a bit wondering how my “show-off” of Nice to these friends would be affected by the carnival. Well, it was marvellous! The floats were superb, it was well organised, particularly with the provision of huge video screens. The music was great and the atmosphere just said it all. Even the shiny new tram added to the ambiance of a world-class show. We were all impressed and I felt proud of my adopted city.

I feel sure this standard of event will enhance the reputation of Nice and contribute to its economy. Well done to our mayor and to everyone involved!

Suzie Nothard, by e-mail