If you are looking to explore outside the typical tourist destinations then head to the Liberation area! Restaurants, shops, and an amazing produce market are just a few of the highlights in the area for you to check out.
About the Area
Located North of Avenue Jean Medecin is the lively multicultural district of Liberation. You can get here by taking tram line one, walking from Jean Medecin or by various bus lines. The main Avenue Malaussena, which runs through the center of the area, is lined with a variety of shops, local businesses and cafes. Stroll along the wide sidewalks to discover the unique charm of the area.
This district continues North to the beautiful campus of Universite Cote d’Azur. You can take the tram the entire way or you can walk and check out all the shops along the way.
The Church of Sainte Jeanne D’Arc
One of the unique attractions in Liberation is the Church of Sainte Jeanne d’Arc. Built between 1926 and 1933 this Catholic church was built in honor of Saint Joan of Arc.
The futuristic and modern design of the church was very unique for the time when it was built. With its impressive 65m steeple, which resembles a flame, and its massive white domes this church is truly a one of a kind monument in this colorful city. Inside the church there are 25m high ceilings, and beautiful frescoes that cover the concrete walls. If you happen to be in the Liberation area, then this church is worth a visit.
Produce Market
The Liberation District is best known for its massive produce market! Taking place Tuesday to Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the end of Avenue Malaussena. Every day you will find vendors selling fresh flowers, local produce, olive oil and freshly caught seafood.
The Liberation market attracts a lot more locals compared to the Cours Saleya market and you will also notice a wider variety of produce being sold. As you wander around, you will notice that prices vary from each stall which is because the vendors travel time to the market and the demand of the item or considered when they determine the price. This, however, does not reflect the quality of the product; that is up to you to determine.
Take your time exploring and enjoying the busy atmosphere. If you are looking for something in particular wander around and you are sure to find someone who has it. In order to select your produce, you grab a plastic bowl and fill it whatever you are interested in buying. Then you bring it to the person at the scale who calculates your total. Be sure to bring cash because none of the stalls accept cards.
Gare du Sud
Gare du Sud is an absolute highlight of the area! Once an old train station is now a giant event venue and food hall. On the lower level, you will find a variety of restaurants serving everything from authentic Italian to Paella and Souvlaki. There is also a full-service bar that sells beer, wine and cocktails for great prices.
Ordering your food and drinks here are a little different than other restaurants. You first locate one of the ordering screens, which provides all the information for ingredients and allergens. Once you’ve made your selection and paid at the machine, you receive bills for each place you ordered from. You bring the bill to each, receive a buzzer which goes off when your order is ready. It’s a different process but easy once you know how it works.
Throughout the building there are different areas to check out. There’s the arcade games at the main entrance and upper level, the outdoor terrace with music and a bar and then there is the stage area on the main floor. Throughout the year you can watch major sporting events here, attend open mic nights and even events for children. Every Saturday the entire building turns into an insane nightclub too! Definitely worth checking out.
Restaurants and More
The entire Liberation District is filled with a variety of affordable shopping, restaurants and wine caves. Throughout the area you will find that the restaurants and cafes have a much more laid-back atmosphere compared to those in Nice’s Old Town. Liberation sees a lot more locals because it is further from the main tourist areas which means a more authentic charm and more affordable prices.
In terms of shopping, you will find everything from home decor to fabrics and clothing for the whole family. Liberation is a great place to go shopping in Nice during La Grande Braderie which is the one time a year smaller boutiques are able to sell their merchandise at cost. The shops set up tables on the streets, similar to a yard sale, and offer some incredible deals.
If you are looking for a relaxing activity while you’re in Nice then why not head to the cinema. There are a few around Avenue Jean Medecin, however, they do not show English movies. Behind Gare du Sud, you will find Pathe Gare du Sud which is the major cinema company in France. For most major movies there are showings in English, you just have to look for VOST when you check the show times.
If you are looking to explore Nice beyond the main tourist destinations then the Liberation District is a great place to check out. A massive produce market, Gare du Sud and so many restaurants are just a few of the reasons you should check out this bustling area of the city.