It’s called the Flower Market, but I saw much more food than flowers at this must-do market in Nice, on the French Riviera.
You’ll find it at Cours Saleya in the south-west part of Vieux Nice, and it flows up the middle of the street with two avenues of colourful stalls. This is worth a visit, even just to wander through the tight streets of old town Nice, particularly on the eastern edge, but you can also hunt for souvenirs in the many shops surrounding the markets. It came highly recommended by Trafalgar Tour Director Sarah, and just as she said, it was easy to find.
Discover the History of Nice’s Famous Flower Market at Cours Saleya
The Nice Flower Market, known locally as Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya, has been blooming with life since 1897 in the heart of the city’s old town. Once a trading hub for the region’s abundant floral harvests, the market became a vital part of Nice’s identity, especially as local growers supplied blooms for the international perfume industry in nearby Grasse. Over time, it evolved into a colourful daily ritual where vendors, locals, and tourists mingle among buckets of roses, lilies, and peonies, framed by ochre buildings and striped awnings. Though flowers remain the star, today’s market also features fresh produce, artisanal goods, and Provençal specialities, keeping the spirit of its history alive with every fragrant bouquet.
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How to Get to Nice, France: Your Gateway to the French Riviera
Nice, a sun-drenched gem on the French Riviera, is perched on the southeastern coast of France between Cannes and Monaco, with the sparkling Mediterranean Sea on one side and the rugged Alps on the other. Known for its palm-lined Promenade des Anglais, pastel-hued old town, and thriving art scene, Nice blends relaxed seaside charm with cultural sophistication. Getting there is a breeze—Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, France’s third busiest, welcomes direct international flights from major cities around Europe and beyond. From Paris, a high-speed TGV train whisks you to the coast in under six hours, while scenic drives from Italy or Provence make it a popular road trip stop. Whether arriving by plane, train or car, Nice is a seductive gateway to the glittering Côte d’Azur.
Plan Your Nice Trip
- Cheap flights
- Savings on accommodation from hotels to luxury hotels
- Affordable sightseeing tours and day trips
- Affordable car rental options
- Great destination touring options
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Oh, those marzipan fruits
I was amazed by the variety of goods on display.
There were wonderfully authentic marzipan fruits which were almost too realistic, flavoured and spiced salts, preserved meats and sausages. Some stalls featured fruits and vegetables from the surrounding countryside while others were stocked with Provencale-style pottery and food to eat straight away.
To shop here you put your selection in the silver bowls on the stall and the market stall holder will weigh them and charge you by weight. Obviously like items together please.
Buy a market painting at the Nice Flower Market
Amongst the stalls are artists who sell paintings of local scenes. They look original but once you get them home you’ll find the ‘watercolours’ are actually just prints. Still at 10 to 20 euros they make a souvenir that travels easily.
I would have loaded myself with a selection of the intriguing flavoured salts on offer, but the additional weight was not something I could put in my suitcase.
Finding the Nice Flower Market
The market is held Tuesday to Sunday morning, closed Sunday afternoon and Monday, from 6am to 5.30pm.
The market is just off the main boulevard, the Promenade des Anglais which runs along the shoreline. This is your chance to dip your toes or even swim in the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll need beach shoes to help you navigate the large pebble beach and into the water.
Top tips for the Nice Flower Market
Recommended for: Nice is a soft travel destination and an easy city to walk around with friendly locals.
Bottom line: I didn’t find Nice an expensive city to eat or travel.
Best tip: Nice makes a great base to explore local highlights and the French Riviera. The principality of Monaco, where things get seriously glam, is just next door. This was a Trafalgar tour.
My preferred way to travel to Europe is with a stopover at Hong Kong and a visit to Cathay Pacific’s The Pier.