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Cours Saleya markets – a colorful insight into local life

Cours Saleya markets – a colorful insight into local life

In the heart of Nice’s old town you’ll find the lively markets of Cours Saleya, where the famous Marché aux Fleurs (Flower Market) in particular attracts locals and visitors alike. Since 1816, this place has been at the heart of the city’s pulse and is now recognized by the French National Council for Culinary Arts as an extraordinary market.

Flower market in Nice
The Nice Flower Market is one of the most popular markets on the Côte d’Azur – ©cityxee.com

The markets on Cours Saleya in Nice

Cours Saleya is the heart of Nice’s old town – a colorful and lively pedestrian street where the atmosphere is as intense as the scents of lavender, sun-ripened tomatoes and freshly baked socca. Here you’ll find some of the city’s most beloved markets, offering everything from flowers and fruit to crafts and antiques.

Marché aux Fleurs – the city’s iconic flower market

The most famous market on the Cours Saleya is the Marché aux Fleurs, which has been a fixture of city life since the 1800s. It takes place Tuesday to Sunday and is much more than just a flower market – it also sells fresh fruit, vegetables and local specialties.

Flowers on display at the Flower Market at Cours Saleya in Nice
The flower market is one of the four markets held in place Cours Saleya

The flowers, however, are the stars: you’re greeted by an explosion of colors and scents from roses, mimosa and lavender. It’s not without reason that the market is recognized by the French National Council for Culinary Arts as an extraordinary place.

Food, atmosphere and local charm

Cours Saleya isn’t just for shoppers – it’s also for foodies. The many stalls tempt you with homemade delicacies, cheeses, spices and olives from the surrounding Provence. Sit under one of the striped awnings with a café crème and watch it all go by – you’ll experience a true southern French atmosphere up close.

More markets on the same street

In addition to the flower and food market, Cours Saleya also houses two other popular markets:

  • Marché à la Brocante – a charming flea market that only takes place on Mondays. Here you can hunt for antique finds and curios.

  • Marché Artisanal Nocturne – an atmospheric evening market during the summer months where local artisans sell jewelry, ceramics, textiles and more.

All the markets are located side by side on the same street, creating an experience not to be missed when visiting Nice.

Cafés, baroque architecture and cozy alleyways

The area around Cours Saleya is bustling all year round. You’ll find plenty of cozy cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating where you can enjoy a local dish or just a glass of cold rosé. In the middle of the market is Chapelle de la Miséricorde, one of the world’s most beautiful baroque churches, almost hidden behind the colorful flowers.

Course-Saleys-in-Nice-at-night
Atmospheric evening hours on Cours Saleya, where the lights and life of the cafés create a magical setting for the old town charm.

At the eastern end of the street begins the oldest part of Nice with its narrow alleys and historic buildings. Here you can experience Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate and the beautiful Palais Lascarisas well as pastry shops, specialty shops and fresh pasta shops.

The four markets on Cours Saleya

Cours Saleya hosts four different markets:

  • Marché aux Fleurs – flower and food market, Tuesday to Sunday

  • Marché aux Fruits et Légumes et Marée – fruit, vegetable and fish stalls, integrated into the daily market

  • Marché à la Brocante – flea market, garage sales

  • Marché Artisanal Nocturne – evening market with handicrafts during the tourist season

3 nearby attractions

  • Promenade des Anglais
    Just a few minutes’ walk from Cours Saleya is the famous promenade where you can enjoy views of the Mediterranean or take a dip in the azure waters.

  • Colline du Château
    A short walk from the market is the Colline du Château hill. From here you get one of the most beautiful views of Nice – and plenty of great photo opportunities.

  • Place Masséna
    Nice’s main square is known for its beautiful buildings, black and white tiles and modern art installations. It’s a great place to stroll, shop and enjoy an ice cream in the sun.

By Tommy Sverre – updated 2025

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Marché aux Fleurs Tuesday-Saturday 06.00-17.30 & Sundays 06.00-13.30, closed Mondays

Marché aux Fruits, Legumes et Mareé Tuesday-Sunday 06.00-13.30, closed Mondays

Marché a la Brocante only Monday 07-18.00

Marché Artisanal Nocturne 18.00-00.30 Tuesday-Sunday in high season (May-September). Closed Mondays

Google Maps - Cours Saleya

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