Cours Saleya Markets, Nice (must see)

A trip to Nice absolutely must include a stroll around the Cours Saleya. This incredible area used to be the city square in the days gone by. It is now an open-air market that has many different vendors available throughout the week. The sights, sounds, smells and the people are sure to be one of the highlights of any trip.

Every Monday morning there is an antique market, where the perfect bit of Art Deco or that one unique souvenir may be purchased. If you love antiques, do not miss coming on Mondays. Tuesday through Sunday, the market is devoted to fresh, colorful flowers and fruits of all kinds. Of course, it really depends upon the time of year one visits as to what produce will be available, but whatever is being sold, it will be fresh.

Be sure to arrive early at the market; the stalls open at 6 am, so try to get there as soon as possible after that. For early birds, this place is a real treat. Reusable bags to carry home purchases are absolutely necessary as well as plenty of small bills and change. The vendors will have enough customers that they don’t need to worry about fussing with making huge amounts of change for one customer.

For those who have cooking facilities where they are staying, do not miss the fresh fish market. There is no comparison of taste in fish that went from the water to the table in just a few hours. What a delight, especially when accompanied by fresh herbs, bread, veggies and paired with an incredible wine.

During the summertime, the Cours Saleya turns into a craft market on the warm evenings. It is possible to go to the market in the morning to pick up fresh flowers, a bit of fruit, cheese, olives and bread for the day and then return in the evening to buy some delightful craft product to remember the trip by. The area is also home to several cafes and restaurants. What a way to spend a summer day in Nice!

Tip:
Be there around noon – that's when they fire a cannon after an old habit of the Duke of Nizza that tried to get his shop-a-holic wife home for lunch this way.