In Nice, the market is not an attraction, it is an institution. Each morning, in several of the city's neighbourhoods, producers set up their stalls of fruit, vegetables, flowers and specialities. To understand real Niçois life, nothing beats a morning stroll between the crates. Here are the markets to know.
Cours Saleya, the Most Famous
In the heart of Old Nice, the Cours Saleya market is the best known and most picturesque. Tuesday to Sunday, it is a flower and local produce market, mixing mimosa, roses, Provençal vegetables, olives, cheeses and candied fruit. Very touristy, it nonetheless stays authentic early in the morning, when restaurateurs come to stock up. On Monday, antique dealers and flea market take over.
Libération, the Niçois Market
This is where locals really do their shopping. The Libération market, around avenue Malausséna, is bigger, more popular and noticeably cheaper than Cours Saleya. Tuesday to Sunday morning, you'll find producers, a fish market, butchers and all the atmosphere of a real neighbourhood market. It's the address for those in the know.
The Saint-François Fish Market
A little secret of Old Nice, Place Saint-François hosts a tiny fish market every morning, the oldest in the city. The Port Lympia fishermen sell their morning catch directly. The atmosphere is raw and authentic, a world away from the polished stalls of Cours Saleya. Go early, around 7am, when the crates still arrive full.
The Neighbourhood Markets
Beyond the centre, several neighbourhoods have their human-scale market. The Mont Boron market, more confidential, serves a local clientele in a village atmosphere. The La Plaine market, near the port, mixes food and flea market. Each has its day and character, and it is by venturing off the beaten track that you discover real Niçois neighbourhood life.
What to Bring Back
Niçois markets overflow with specialities to take away. Nice olives and tapenade, regional olive oil, socca to eat on the spot, candied fruit of which Nice is the capital, courgette flowers, Provençal herbs and goat cheeses from the hinterland. Bring a shopping bag, plastic bags are becoming rare, and don't hesitate to taste before buying, the merchants love sharing their products.
