Located in the heart of the Old Town of Nice is the colorful Cours Saleya. This beautiful pedestrian only street is busy at all times of the day with markets in the morning and the many restaurants and bars in the evenings. With such a great location, you are sure to check out Cours Saleya while you are in Nice.
What Is Cours Saleya
Cours Saleya is most famously known for its beautiful flower market which once played a vital part in Nice’s economy. In 1897 Nice opened one of the first ever wholesale flower markets. Farmers from surrounding areas would arrive in the early morning to sell their flowers to wholesalers who would then transport the flowers to other parts of Europe by train.
Today many of the stalls have been taken over by fruits, vegetables and baked goods; however, you can still purchase a variety of beautiful flowers. The wholesale market no longer takes place on Cours Saleya; however, you can still find a wide variety of plants and flowers for very affordable prices.
The Markets
As I previously mentioned, the Cours Saleya is best known for its flower market which is from 6:00 a.m.-5:30p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 6:00 a.m.to 1:30p.m. on Sundays. In this market you will also find a variety of local products such as honey, seasonings and soaps; perfect for souvenirs. Here you can also try the traditional Niçois food, Socca. For this head to the “Chez Theresa” stall which has been a part of the market since the 1920s. Socca is a chickpea flatbread that makes a great snack and can only be found in Nice.
On Mondays the flower market is closed to make way for the sprawling antique market open 7:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. Here you will find everything from old books and collectibles to vintage jewelry and clothing. As a popular market for locals and tourists, I recommend you arrive early to beat the crowds. Take your time and wander through because you never know what unique things you may find.
From June to September, the Cours Saleya hosts an artisan night market; a great way to enjoy the warmer nights. Wander through the stalls to discover handmade clothing and candles, custom jewelry, and so much more. Open from 6:00p.m. to midnight you will have plenty of time to shop.
Restaurants
Apart from the flower market Cours Saleya was also known as the most popular social hub for the upper class and socialites along the Cote d’Azur! Today it is still a top destination for locals and tourists looking to socialize.
Whether you are looking for some place for a delicious meal, casual drinks with friends or a cozy wine bar you are sure to find it here on Cours Saleya. In terms of cuisine you will mainly find French, Italian and Mediterranean here which means there is a lot of competition between the restaurants.
My favorite place to eat on Cours Saleya is “La Favola” where you can enjoy large portions of delicious Italian dishes. Plan to arrive when they open because there is always a line; I promise it’s worth the wait. However, if you would rather not wait then you have a variety of other great restaurants to choose from. Both sides of the Cours Saleya are lined with great places to try.
For a casual wine night, I suggest going to “Cafe des Amis.” You may be overwhelmed by the wine selection; however, all the staff are very knowledgeable and can help you decide. They also serve a variety of sharing dishes, pizza and cheese plates but the real star is the incredible tiramisu so make sure you save room.
Conclusion
Cours Saleya has a great location that is central to some of the great sights of Nice. Located in the Old Town, you can easily wander and explore the maze of colorful streets. Also, a short walk from the flower market you will arrive at Promenade des Anglais; a great way to spend the morning.
Discover the colors and atmosphere of the city by visiting the Cours Saleya flower market; this beautiful market brings visitors and locals together as you wander the stalls of local products.