Cours Saleya market
A vibrant square at the centre of Nice's old quarter
This vibrant square sits in the centre of old Nice and hosts markets every day of the week.
From breakfast through until dinner there are stalls selling flowers, fruit and veg, local cheeses, honey, saucisson, olive oil, local crafts, artwork and more. On Mondays it turns into a busy antiques market where you can find anything from genuine collectibles to kitsch bric-a-brac.
The square is overlooked by grand old buildings with huge ornate facades in bright yellow and orange ochre - Henri Matisse lived in one of them during the 1930’s.
Restaurants surround the square and are open all day and late into the evening, it’s a great spot to dine if you enjoy being in the thick of it. If you haven’t tried the local dish yet, look out for the stall selling hot fresh socca straight from the pan. There are a few bars that stay open late and you are not far from the nightlife of the old town.
Cours Saleya is the pulse of old Nice; loud and lively, the stalls brimming with lush colourful produce underneath stripy awnings; the restaurants all have tables outside, many tucked in between the crowded market stalls; ice cream stalls and fresh fish counters display their wares and waiters dash in and amongst the crowds. It’s chaos, but it’s fun!
A visit to Cours Saleya is a must, whether you buy anything or not.
