I moved to Nice for love, but it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the city too.
Beyond Nice’s postcard-perfect promenade and sun-drenched pebble beaches, the ancient city has a long history of craftsmanship, agriculture, and trade, with a proud tradition of local production that you can still catch glimpses of today. Hidden in the old town, tucked away down residential streets or within the suburbs where tourists rarely venture, shopping in Nice is a matter of exploration. You must go into this with the right attitude; you must be prepared to hunt.
Although Nice has a few shopping malls, the most exceptional products are found in independent shops away from mass commercialization. The wider Alpes-Maritimes and Provençal regions offer a wealth of treasures, and I’ve narrowed it down to just five stores that highlight the essence of ‘le sud de la France’. Here you can discover everything from sweet honey sourced from Alpine bees to exquisite handmade leather sandals crafted by artisans just outside of St-Tropez.
Best place to buy a souvenir: Trésors Publics
So many souvenir stores in Nice look similar, featuring illustrated art-deco postcards, tiny hessian sacks of Provençal lavender, or freshly mixed herbs de Provence. However, if you’re looking for something truly traditional, stop by Trésors Publics.
This store showcases hundreds of products sourced from small local producers across France within a beautifully designed space located in an old Niçois building from the medieval period. Many items are handcrafted, preserving techniques passed down through generations. You’ll find hand-blown glass from Biot, woven straw hats – reminiscent of those once dyed by Coco Chanel – perfumes from the historic Parisian Maison Bienaimé, hand-stitched linen aprons (personalization available), and leather sandals from St-Tropez. Even local residents frequently visit this stunning store for unique finds. Prepare for your days strolling through town by picking up a pair of handmade espadrilles (starting at €30).
Best local design store: Ici Concept Store
A hybrid concept store and tea room, Ici is a sweet eco-conscious boutique. Here, a hand-selected array of ready-to-wear clothing, both timeless and trendy, is on display alongside elegant cutlery, cheese knives, platters, and coasters. The store features a perfume bar filled with cosmetics, furniture, art, and natural household cleaning products, all beautifully presented and locally sourced. It also includes a well-stocked épicerie with artisanal teas, spices, jams, and conserves. My personal favorite is the perfumes by Essential Parfums (€82 each). The Nice Bergamote scent, created by local perfumer Antoine Maisondieu, evokes the essence of summer along the coast. Additionally, the store provides a quiet co-working space, perfect for digital nomads or working vacations.
Best vintage store: Maison Pampille
Walking into Maison Pampille feels like stepping back in time to a more aesthetically pleasing era. The antiques here are carefully curated by owner Léa Renzini, who occasionally finds it difficult to part with her items. In this charming boutique, you will find rare books, bronze candleholders, classic gold-rimmed tableware, shimmering cut glass, and even a small selection of delicate handmade jewelry. The vintage charm makes it hard to leave without purchasing a piece or two.
For vintage clothing enthusiasts, right across the street is Caprice Vintage, a boutique offering a mix of high street and designer pieces that are tastefully curated and repaired on-site.
Best food market: Marché Libération
While Marché Cours Saleya may be the most popular market, I’d argue that Marché Libération, the largest open-air market in Nice, is the superior choice. Few tourists venture away from the train line, making this neighborhood a local sanctuary during peak season. The market operates daily except Mondays, from 6 am until 12:30 pm.
Here, you can find a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh-caught fish, olive oils, honey, flowers, cheeses, cold cuts, herbs, meats, and more. While not all vendors speak English, it provides a great opportunity to practice your French. Look for the brightly colored plastic or metal buckets at each stall; if they are within reach, you can handle the items yourself – though this rule may vary at other markets across France!
© Images supplied by Chloé Braithwaite
