Shopping in Nice: the shopping districts and souvenirs
From department stores to Old Nice's small workshops: the best districts to shop in Nice, Sunday-open centres and souvenirs worth buying.
Shopping in Nice rhymes with contrast: the big chains of Avenue Jean Médecin on one side, the workshops and confectioneries of Old Nice on the other. And for Sunday purchases, the city has a secret card. Here's where to go, district by district.
Avenue Jean Médecin: the main shopping axis
The pedestrian artery running from the station to Place Masséna concentrates most of Nice's shopping: national and international chains, and above all the Nice Étoile centre (30 Avenue Jean Médecin) — about a hundred shops over 19,600 m², open 7 days a week from 9:30 am to 8 pm (shops Sunday 11 am-7 pm), 2,200-space car park and a tram stop right outside.
Old Nice: craftsmanship and historic houses
Shopping in Old Nice has nothing to do with the rest: perfumes, artisan jewellery, ceramics and confectioneries follow one another in the alleys. Two historic houses not to miss: the Florian confectionery (14 Quai Papacino, house founded in 1921, candied fruit and chocolates — open on Sundays) and the workshops of Rue Droite, the district's most commercial street.
Boulevard Victor Hugo and the golden square
Between Place Masséna and the sea, Boulevard Victor Hugo lines up high-end boutiques and premium brands, in a Belle Époque setting. It's the district of "pleasure" purchases and elegant shop windows — see also Rue de France, parallel and more accessible.
Cap 3000: the big centre open on Sundays
10 minutes from Nice, the Cap 3000 centre (Saint-Laurent-du-Var) is the region's largest: 135,000 m², more than 300 shops and 50 restaurants, 15 of them with sea views. Its asset for tourists: open on Sundays (11 am-7 pm), when the city centre sleeps. Easy access: Saint-Laurent-du-Var SNCF station 5 minutes' walk, buses from Nice, A8 exit 49.
Souvenirs worth buying
- Candied fruit and confectionery: the Florian house (Quai Papacino), an institution since 1921;
- Olive oil and Nice olives: the Cailletier, at Alziari (mill and shop) or at the market;
- Socca and specialities: a bag of socca for the journey, herbs and spices from the Cours Saleya;
- Provence soaps and cosmetics: Old Nice shops are full of them.
Market shopping
The Cours Saleya on Mondays (flea market) and the Saint-François market complete the offer: second-hand finds, crafts and local produce at market prices. The Cagnes and Antibes markets are also worth the detour for fabrics and local crafts.
FAQ
What is the best district for shopping in Nice?
Avenue Jean Médecin and the Nice Étoile centre for big chains, Old Nice for crafts, Boulevard Victor Hugo for high-end.
Are shops open on Sunday in Nice?
The Nice Étoile centre opens its shops on Sunday (11 am-7 pm) and the Cap 3000 centre in Saint-Laurent-du-Var is open all day Sunday.
Where to find typical Nice souvenirs?
Florian confectionery (candied fruit), Alziari (olive oil), Old Nice stalls (soaps, crafts) and the Cours Saleya market.
Is there a big shopping mall near Nice?
Yes, Cap 3000 in Saint-Laurent-du-Var: 300 shops, 50 restaurants, open Sunday, reachable by train or bus from Nice.
Where to shop under cover when it rains?
Nice Étoile (covered centre), the Galeries Lafayette on Avenue Jean Médecin and Cap 3000. See our "Nice in the rain" guide.
Are Nice's markets good for shopping?
Yes: the Monday flea market at the Cours Saleya, the crafts markets, and the Cagnes and Antibes markets for local produce.
