Outdoor markets are a part of everyday life in France, and the city of Nice is no exception to that rule.
Besides food, practically anything you can imagine can be found for sale in these neighborhood markets - crafts, antiques, flowers, artwork, etc. The key to finding the best of what you are looking for is to also go early before goods sell out.
The most popular of these outdoor venues is in historic Vieux Nice (Old Town), along the Cours Saleya and the surrounding area. Busy every day of the week, and offering a variety of food and goods, even the locals tend to come across things they weren’t expecting. This is where you truly see the community come into action and socialize.
The following are the days and hours (subject to change):
Flower Market, Cours Saleya, from 6 am - 5:30 pm. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 6 am - 6:30 pm. Wednesday and Saturday, and 6 am - 1:30 pm. Sundays and holidays.
Fruit & Vegetable Market, Cours Saleya, from 6 am - 1:30 pm every day but Monday.
Antiques Market, Cours Saleya, from 7:30 am - 6 pm on Mondays (unless they are holidays or the eve of holidays).
Flea Market (Marche au Puces), Port of Nice, Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 6 pm.
Arts & Crafts Market, Cours Saleya, from June 1 to Sept. 30, every day from 6 pm - midnight.
Fish Market, Place Saint-Francois, 6 am - 1 pm every day but Monday.
Used & Antique Book Market, La Place du Palais de Justice, every Saturday, 8 am - 6 pm.
Arts & Crafts Market, Place de Palais, second Saturday of the month, 8 am - 6 pm.
Antique Postcard Market, Place de Palais, fourth Saturday of the month, 8 am - 6 pm.
Evening Artisan Market, Cours Saleya, during the high season from mid-May to mid-September 6 pm to midnight.
Beyond Vieux Nice and the Port, there are a number of other outdoor markets with the Liberation District market just North of the train station being one of the most popular.
Each of the markets is open every day but Monday from 6 am - 1:30 pm.
La Libération, haut Malausséna, along the Jean Medecin Tram route.
Ray, place Fontaine du Temple
Saint-Roch, boulevard Virgile Barel
Ariane, place de l'Ariane
Pasteur, avenue Antonia-Augusta
Cimiez, place du Commandant Jérôme
St Augustin, bd Paul Montel
Caucade, place de Caucade
At any of these locations, there are restaurants and cafés around to take a break and people-watch, all making for a truly wonderful French experience.
For well over a decade now, the area surrounding the Nice Airport has gone through some dramatic and much-needed updates in order for a variety of new businesses to open, and most of all, a more streamlined way of going to and from the airport.
This recently included moving the Saint-Augustin train station 500 meters to the west of Nice, which increased the number of passengers from 2,900 to 7,000 per day with an expectation of 10,000 to 12,000 passengers daily from 2028.
With that, by 2028 the new "Nice-Aéroport Station" will open. It will link up the airport, train station, tram line to the city, cycle lanes, with a new bus station next to it, coaches, park and ride facilities and multi-story car parks with 700 spaces, all next door to each other including 900 bicycle parking spaces all planned just 200 meters from Nice Côte d'Azur airport.
The development will also provide accessibility for people with reduced mobility, and 1,500m2 of service and shops, plus 600m2 of waiting room.
It will also be the first bioclimatic station in Europe.
This station will showcase a huge triangular canopy with photovoltaic sensors, 4,200 m2 of gardens with 90 trees and 300 Mediterranean shrubs, and ventilated spaces for natural ventilation - that appear to be trying to integrate man and nature with the environment it creates.
Nice-Aéroport station, formerly Nice Saint-Augustin, which will extend over 4,000 m2, is preparing to become "the first bioclimatic station in Europe", in the words of the Mayor of Nice, also President of the Métropole and Deputy President of the PACA Region, accompanied by the Director General of SNCF Gares.
So what is a “bioclimatic” station?
“It is above all a garden station with open spaces where the rain will be collected,” underlines Raphaël Ménard, architect and president of AREP, a subsidiary of SNCF Gares et Connexions project management. "Roofs that are not solarized will collect rainwater. And on the canopy, the water will be collected by large gutters. The surface is made up of several layers with first a solar production system on the roof made up of panels photovoltaic and transparent membranes. Below will be a steel structure. Then a wooden braid will make the light filter." 600 megawatts/hour of electricity per year will be generated. “Perhaps we will be able to make this station self-sufficient. This is the challenge of creating positive energy mobility.” And promising,“carbon neutrality in seven years.”
The plan is for the multimodal architectural complex to be delivered in 2028.
As someone who first visited Nice in 1990 before moving to the region in the 2000s. I’ve seen an immense amount of changes to the city during the past decades but one thing is for certain, it is one of the most remarkable and walkable cities in the Cote d’Azur.
At the height of every summer season, it’s not unusual to hear from visitors about how many steps they have walked, usually in the range of 20,000 to 30,000 per day, and they aren’t complaining as they feel they have been able to see and do so much while at the same time shedding some unwanted pounds.
In recent news, Nice was crowned as one of the most beautiful and walkable cities of continental Europe.
The study, conducted by the expert team at Preply analyzed a number of Europe’s most popular vacation destinations to find out which were the most pedestrian-friendly and Nice ranked within the top 10.
This dynamic seaside city in the Cote d’Azur has a fairly compact center core to it which allows for easy access with virtually unlimited places to explore safely on foot.
Areas such as Vieux Nice (Old Town) offer a colorful historic location that is picturesque and almost completely pedestrianized, filled with restaurants, cafes, shops, and the open market along the Cours Saleya with its flower and antique market days.
Next to and above Vieux Nice is the Colline du Château, a 92m high hill which was formerly a military citadel built at the top, it stood overlooking the bay of Nice from the 11th century to the 18th century. Now, it is a park on the grandest of scales, accessible a number of ways by stairs or elevator, and the location offers a waterfall, sports and play area, concession stands, and best of all, some of the most breathtaking, panoramic views of the city and sea from any number of vantage points.
And of course, there is the beach along the famous Promenade des Anglais, a 7km stretch enabling one to walk, cycle, jog, or just hang out with friends at any point of the beach that is also lined with numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Back at the core of the city is Place Massena, where again, there are many shops, and restaurants next to both the Promenade du Paillon (which is currently being expanded and just celebrated its 10-year anniversary), and off of Place Massena is an area called the Zone Pietonne (pedestrian zone). Also filled with lots of cafes, restaurants, and shops line this long street that starts near the Place Massena tram stop, in front of Gallerie Lafayette, and extends all the way to Rue de France.
In Nice, you will find the transit system is quite up-to-date and makes for quicker and easier access around the city, but many locals still choose to walk as part of their daily routine as there is always something to see, and with the community being small, it’s a chance to run into friends and family.
Walking around Nice is one of the best ways to get to know the city and take in much of its cultural and historical values.
Imagine waking up to the soothing sounds of the sea lapping up
against the shore as the morning sun glistens over the Mediterranean
Sea.
There is no better way to wake up and this is quintessentially part of being in the French Riviera.
Continually
enticing both visitors and locals year-round, whether it’s for a
holiday rental or a property purchase, the first thing many clients ask
about is waterfront properties as they offer an enchanting lifestyle
being at the water’s edge, along with opportunities galore on the
Mediterranean Sea with boating and swimming activities, or if you
choose, a sense of serenity.
With that, here is a small selection
of properties we have available directly at the edge of the sea or
within steps of the shoreline.
Theoule-sur-Mer Price: 5,490,000 EUR
Living Area: 330m²
9 Room(s)
6 Bedroom(s)
Land: 260m²
An
exclusive waterfront romantic residence with private access to the sea,
once owned by the band the Eurythmics, is on the market.
Come and discover this sublime home on the water's edge that offers privileged home comforts and luxury.
This
home enjoys privileged access to the sea accompanied by a large
sunbathing terrace and a jetty to dock your own boat. This secluded home
is hidden from view while overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
It offers a soothing panoramic view between the coves and the red rocks of the Esterel hills.
In
addition to the heavenly views, this spacious property is spread over
330m2. Including a living room, a dining room, and two kitchens -
including a summer kitchen close to the alfresco dining terrace.
There are 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. As well as a dressing room and a fitness suite complete this property.
There
is private parking, easy access to shops, and a few minutes walk from
the port. This recently renovated villa is fully air-conditioned
throughout the entire home.
This home is found 15
km from the shops and beaches of Cannes. And just 40 km from the Nice
airport. An exceptional place where the magic operates at first glance.
Cap d’Antibes Price: 10,500,000 EUR
A few minutes from the famous Garoupe beach, discover this beautiful waterfront villa with luxurious amenities.
In
an exceptional living environment, this single-story villa opens onto a
spacious terrace of around 309 m², with an infinity pool and direct
access to the sea, inviting you to enjoy special moments to the fullest
extent.
Inside, you'll find a spacious living room,
a fully equipped kitchen, and three elegant bedrooms, each with an en
suite bathroom and terrace access. There is also a superb spa with a
hammam followed by two showers. Plus, two parking spaces.
Anthéor Price: 18,000,000 EUR
Living Area: 625 m2
14 Room(s)
8 Bedroom(s)
Land: 4600 m2
Just
30 minutes from Cannes, between Theoule sur Mer and Saint Raphael, this
outstanding waterfront property is truly one-of-a-kind with its
exclusive access to the Mediterranean Sea.
Bask in complete
seclusion in this uniquely private and luxurious villa, located
conveniently between the city of Cannes and the glamourous port town of
Saint Tropez. Built to offer its owners an abundance and yet be at the
raw edge of nature having sole access to two private coves.
You
can enjoy the French Riviera by stepping onto a boat from your sea
entrance and sailing across the crystal clear waters of the Esterel to
Saint Tropez or jetting off to Monaco.
This south-facing
villa ensures that you enjoy every ray of sunshine that the French
Riviera is famous for with an abundance of outdoor relaxation and
entertainment space. You can dine alfresco style throughout the summer
with the large outdoor dining terrace and barbecue area overlooking the
Mediterranean Sea, and the large outdoor swimming pool.
With 8
bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, this enormous luxury villa is the perfect
oasis for entertaining your friends and family. Each room is a work of
art and designed to stay true to its provencal home. Throughout the
villa, we see terracotta tiles, exposed beams, and elegantly high
ceilings creating a beautiful welcoming atmosphere within the home.
On
the ground floor, and main entertainment and family space there is a
large open-plan living area, featuring a formal dining space and a
library, which open out to the alfresco dining area. There is also an
indoor swimming pool, fitness suite, bar, and wine cellar.
Moving
onto the second floor we find the primary bedroom, three other bedroom
suites, and a children’s room – all complete with their own bathroom and
balcony. Another intriguing feature about this floor is the additional
two patios and a secret garden with an outdoor shower area, which is
completely surrounded by Jasmine flowers.
Additionally, this luxury villa comes with an independent studio, another guest house, and a caretaker’s apartment.
Villeneuve-Loubet Price: 2,550,000 EUR
Living Area: 141 m2
5 Room(s)
4 Bedroom(s)
A unique and charming stone-built villa on the market with direct access to the beach and Mediterranean Sea.
This
fully air-conditioned and recently renovated villa is complete with
luxurious home comforts and is located in a safe and tranquil
neighborhood close to Marina Baie des Anges.
The villa is only 15 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur airport.
There are 4 bedrooms with their own bathrooms, large terraces, and a breathtaking sea view.
The
ground floor includes an entrance hall with exposed stone, a large
living room with an open-plan kitchen and living room, and three
bedrooms with their own shower room and toilet.
A beautiful designer
staircase provides access to the upper and lower levels.
Upstairs,
there is a magnificent terrace that offers a 180° sea view, as well as a
master bedroom. In the air-conditioned basement, there is a
cinema/playroom, a large cellar, and a laundry room.
The highly unique and privileged location of this villa ensures that the beach is right in front of the house.
New visuals of the future Palais des Congrès at the Port of Nice were unveiled at the city council meeting on Tuesday.
Offering wide sidewalks with terraces, more garden space offering panoramic sea views along with the planting of large Mediterranean trees, plus the development of an auction area for fishermen, and enhanced areas for commercial enterprises such as restaurants and cafes.
Here, it was announced a year ago that a rejuvenation of the port would take place with a new sleek building on the Quai Infernet of Port Lympia.
The project, resulting from broad consultation with the inhabitants and the professionals during which 710 proposals were collected, includes a scientific and technical cultural center of 5000 m2.
It will include a coral conservation city and offer immersive exhibits. “It is a major asset for the candidacy of Nice European Capital of Culture”, argues the elected official. “A unique positive energy dyke in the Mediterranean, producing local renewable energy thanks to the sea” is also in the cards. In short, a big change is announced. “I will not leave the port in this state when we have just obtained UNESCO classification”, justifies the mayor.
The Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, who broke the news of the new project in the port, has gone as far as to tell the local press that it was the UN who “insisted the summit take place in the port”.
More than 20,000 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the event over four days. The new congress center, which is currently without an official name, is promising an auditorium larger in size than the former Salle Apollon at the Palais Acropolis with an increase to 2,400 seats.
In total, nearly 10,000m2 of space on the port is to be fully redeveloped. According to Estrosi, the financial burden of the project will fall almost entirely on the UN, which he claims will soak up 90% of costs.
Already a hub of activity with the tramway and buses transporting people to and from the port, various, bars, restaurants, cafes, and other businesses are situated around the port, along with of course, the yachts and fishing boats which all help make this an ideal tourist and local spot.
Here’s a historical tidbit, the port, especially near the phare used to be a well-known gay cruising spot back in the day. The city has been selected for this list for the quality of its landscape, the protection of its most beautiful buildings, the enhancement of its heritage, and the local lifestyle. Working on a tight deadline, it is hoped that Port Lympia will be redeveloped by 2025 in time for the UN One Ocean Summit.
The numbers keep coming in and it looks like France still holds the distinction of being the most popular tourist destination in the world.
In the past three decades, France has consolidated its reputation as the global leading travel market thanks to an incredibly rich tourism offer, ranging from the world-famous attractions of Paris to the picturesque towns in the Alps and of course, the French Riviera.
Aside from the strong contribution of domestic visitors, generating around two-thirds of travel and tourism spending in France, the country is known for being the most visited global destination by inbound tourists.
Despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, France maintained the top spot in the ranking of countries with the highest number of international tourist arrivals worldwide, with arrivals bouncing back to nearly 80 million in 2022. And so far in 2023, there have been 90 million tourists who have visited France according to its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Although there is a regional feeling the rush of people the last two years has been due to Covid-19 restrictions being lifted and that 2024 might be a calmer, “back to normal” year, France’s popularity is unlikely to wane according to GlobalData, a respected London-based analytics and consulting firm, as they predict a 12% jump in international arrivals from 2022 to 2025 that could equal a mind-blowing 94 million people each year.
In a recent International Tourist Satisfaction Survey organized by the French government, the country scored highly for its warm welcome, accommodation options, cultural and leisure facilities, and, of course, gastronomy.
With that in mind, we have been telling anyone planning a trip here to book your chalet or villa rentals as early as possible before you travel. As a benefit to you, booking early means a wider selection of properties in the location you are interested in and with better rates. Because as an area continues to book up, the requirements you desire may have to become lower and rate wars can even begin to happen due to owners being inundated with requests during the same time requested. And we want only the best rates for you for your vacation.
As a side note, while there are many places to enjoy and discover throughout the Cote d’Azur and Monaco. Every year we encounter visitors who are trying to cram in as much as possible in their itinerary.
Frankly, it's not a good way to travel, not only in France but in any other country. We see people who have tried to cover every base during their trip here looking exhausted from taking public transit, waiting in lines, and staring at their phones the whole time as their guide instead of taking in the local scenery while rushing to get from place to place to then only having enough time to take a couple of photos so they are at least able to tell people back home they’ve been there.
By the end of it all, it seems to become a blur and they don’t recognize where they might have been.
What I am trying to say is, that when planning your trip, we are here to help guide you by learning what your interests are before your arrival. The French Riviera offers so much to see and do, that it’s best to pick a few prime locations to visit and build upon your trip once here.
Take the time to see how the locals live in each area, taste the food, relax on a beach, swim in the sea, hike the mountains, and experience as much of the culture as possible.
For your first visit here, it’s best to take your time to truly get a feel for the region. Then you will have real stories to tell friends and family back home. The Cote d’Azur seems to linger within one even after you are gone, enticing you back to discover even more about the region and it’s not going anywhere soon, so we hope you will visit again.
The rebirth of an iconic property is about to take place as the Société des Bains de Mer recently announced that the new Café de Paris will open its doors later this month on Tuesday, November 14th.
Known worldwide, the legendary brasserie, located at Place du Casino, will be able to accommodate a total of 500 guests, both indoors and outdoors.
Strategically situated as the place to see and be seen, the renovation project was originally scheduled to last just over a year, but delays added more than a few months to the original deadline.
The €55 million renovations and refurbishment, which have necessitated a complete closure of the historic eatery since March 2022, have been extensive, to say the least.
On the website of the Société des Bains de Mer, Éric Gorjux, the establishment's director, gives details of what you'll be able to discover. "In each of our reflections, we kept in mind the establishment's past, while projecting ourselves into the future. A real exercise in style! More than a simple renovation, we're rebuilding the building, with additional floors," he explains.
Société des Bains de Mer's flagship brasserie will be spread over two levels. The interior of the restaurant will seat 300 people. The outside terrace will be able to seat another 200 people. All this, "from breakfast until late at night", adds Éric Gorjux, "to keep pace with the Casino Café de Paris next door." At the helm of this major transformation are two great architects, Monegasque Alexandre Giraldi and Frenchman Alain-Charles Perrot. Above the Café de Paris, the Amazonico restaurant will eventually open its doors. This will take place in spring 2024.
Locals and visitors alike will not have to wait long now to discover what will surely be the next and longstanding hotspot in Monaco.
