High in colours and scents, the local markets are unmissable events for locals who stock up on good produce as well as for visitors who discover the local products. Fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, cheeses, socca, olives, flowers; they are an ode to the French Riviera and an invitation to gluttony.
Marché du cours Saleya in Nice
The Cours Saleya fruit and vegetable market, established in 1816, is a real institution. It is one of the liveliest squares in Old Nice where you can taste local products, drink a coffee and stroll between the striped stalls. Zucchini flowers from Nice, pissaladière, socca, olive caviar with truffles, fish and other Mediterranean products appeal to young and old alike. At lunchtime you can sit at one of the many terraces bordering the square and enjoy the spectacle offered by this colourful market.
Where? Cours Saleya.
When? Tuesday > Sunday, from 06:00 to 17:30.
The little extra: The Cours Saleya is busy in summer and winter!
Marché de la Libération in Nice
Advice to lovers of fresh and quality products; at the Marché de la Liberation you’ll be satisfied! From Tuesday to Sunday, as soon as day breaks, market gardeners, fishmongers and other producers from Nice are busy preparing their stalls. This local meeting place, which extends over Place du Général de Gaulle, Avenue Malausséna, Rue Clément Roassal, Rue Joseph Garnier and Rue Veillon, attracts all kinds of gourmet visitors; epicureans in their thirties, families in pushchairs, elderly people chatting over a coffee & croissant… In this good-natured atmosphere fresh vegetables and fruit rub shoulders with cheese, sausage, freshly caught sea urchins, rock fish, olives and bouquets of colourful flowers.
Where? Place du Général de Gaulle.
When? Tuesday > Sunday from 7 to 13:00.
The little extra:don’t miss the Halles Gourmandes de la Gare du Sud, located on avenue Malaussena, right next door.
Marché aux fleurs in Nice
On the flower market,in Cours Saleya a whiff of scents and colours await you. The florists exhibit their most beautiful creations – bouquets of flowers, dried bouquets, exotic flowers and floral compositions – before the amazed eyes of passers-by. Ephemeral or long-lasting “treasures” (cacti, olive trees, palm trees) all intended to bring joy to your home or garden. So why deprive yourself?
Where? Cours Saleya, dans le Vieux Nice.
When? Mardi > dimanche de 06.00 à 17.30.
The little extra:The prices are more than fair (€25 for a large cactus, €30 for a medium-sized lemon tree).
Marché provençal d’Antibes
Every morning – except Mondays – people from Antibes stroll under the arcades of this covered market in search of fresh local produce: charcuterie and mountain cheeses, crispy socca cooked over a wood fire, tapenades, spices, bouquets of dried flowers, pistou, traditional soaps and freshly caught fish. Once your shopping is done it is good to go to one of the many cafes and restaurants that line the square. The improvised terraces overflow onto the market and bring together regulars and tourists around the tomato-olive focaccia, a strong coffee or a glass of rosé. Isn’t life beautiful?
Where? Cours Masséna.
When? Tuesday > Sunday from 06:00toà 13:00 (June, July and August open everyday until 13:45).
The little extra:in the afternoon painters, sculptors of all kinds, ceramists and other artists exhibit in the shade of the Cours Masséna hall.
Marché Forville in Cannes
The people of Cannes are not mistaken when they go to get their fresh fish, coming directly from the boats of the last Cannes fisherman-owners, at the Forville Market. A scent of thyme, verbena and basil floats in the air under this small hall, which allows you to discover the products and dishes of the region in Old Cannes. But it’s the atmosphere and popular banter that will please visitors the most; far from the bling too often associated with the city.
Where? 6 Rue du Marché Forville
When? Tuesday > Sunday from 07:30 to 13:30
More info? Here
The little extra: the bars and restaurants that line the Forville market allow you to enjoy good company in the sun.
Marché de Cagnes-sur-Mer
Avenue des Oliviers, 8:00 a.m. The Cagnois and Cagnoises flock to the market. We are not kidding with this neighbuorhood meeting! Local beers, “homemade” citrus fruit jam, chard, green asparagus, olives, fish, meat, local olive oil, multicolored tomatoes… The air of Provence blows around here. The hardest part is choosing; all the fresh products are beautiful and you’ll want them all. On the price side, there are no excesses to report. In short, we are conquered.
Where? Avenue des Oliviers and Place Léon Béranger.
When? Le mardi et jeudi de 08.00 à 13.00.
The little extra: The merchants are friendly and take the time to tell you the story and the origin of their products.
Marché de Menton
Between the Bastion and the pedestrian street, this superb market hall with Belle Epoque architecture typical of the Riviera is a gem. The heart of the city where everyday life is in full swing between the colourful and tempting stalls that attract locals and tourists. The market smells of basil, socca and lemon from the Mentounasc country.
Where? 5 Quai de Monléon 06500 Menton
When? Every day from 8 to 13:00
More info? Here
The little extra:Many stands are held by local “figures” such as Jean-Mario Médecin, 85, known for his good humour, his big silver mustache and his citrus fruits.
Marché de Villefranche-sur-Mer
The Villefranche market is located along the sea road, near the François Binon garden. More than 100 exhibitors gather in this market which sells fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, meats and charcuterie, clothing, plants, vintage utensils, antique furniture and other non-food products. Be careful though, the number of stalls and products fluctuates according to the season.
Where? Jardin François Binon.
When? Le samedi et mercredi de 08.00 à 13.00.
The little extra:the breathtaking sea view and the cafés/ice cream parlours bordering the market.
Marché de Beaulieu
This small local and traditional market smells of the Côte d’Azur. It is located north of Boulevard Marinoni, next to the railway line. About thirty exhibitors sell fruit and vegetables, fish and seafood, cheese, meat and charcuterie. The majority of products are local and of organic origin. Other non-food products (flowers, plants, clothes) are also offered to residents. Be aware that the number of stalls and products depends on the season!
Where? Place Marinoni (also called Place du Général de Gaulle).
When? Saturday morning all year round and Sunday morning during the summer seasone.
The little extra:Many bars and restaurants line the market.
By LB and EF
