Shopping in Nice: the shopping districts and souvenirs

Updated on August 5, 2026

Shopping in Nice is all about contrasts: on one side the big names of avenue Jean Médecin, on the other the workshops and confectioners of the Old Town. And for Sunday purchases, the city has a secret card. Here is where to go, neighbourhood by neighbourhood.

Avenue Jean Médecin: the main shopping street

This pedestrian street that runs from the station down to Place Masséna is home to most of Nice's shopping: national and international brands, and above all the Nice Étoile centre (30 avenue Jean Médecin), with around a hundred shops over 19,600 m², open 7 days a week from 9:30am to 8pm (shops open on Sundays 11am-7pm), with a 2,200-space car park and a tram stop right in front.

The Old Town: crafts and historic houses

Shopping in the Old Town is nothing like the rest: perfumes, artisan jewellery, ceramics and confectionery follow one another along the alleys. Two historic houses not to miss: the Florian confectionery (14 quai Papacino, a house founded in 1921, candied fruit and chocolates, open on Sundays) and the workshops of the rue Droite, the busiest shopping street in the neighbourhood.

Boulevard Victor Hugo and the golden quarter

Between Place Masséna and the sea, the boulevard Victor Hugo is lined with high-end boutiques and premium brands, in a Belle Époque setting. It is the district for «treat» shopping and elegant shop windows; see also the parallel rue de France, which is more accessible.

Cap 3000: the large centre open on Sundays

Ten minutes from Nice, the Cap 3000 centre (Saint-Laurent-du-Var) is the largest in the region: 135,000 m², more than 300 shops and 50 restaurants, 15 of them with a sea view. Its advantage for tourists: it is open on Sundays (11am-7pm), when the city centre is quiet. Easy access: Saint-Laurent-du-Var SNCF station is a 5-minute walk away, bus 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 local specialities: a bag of socca for the journey, herbs and spices from the Cours Saleya;
• Provence soaps and cosmetics: the Old Town 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 markets of Cagnes and Antibes are also worth a detour for fabrics and local crafts.

Galeries Lafayette Nice Masséna: the city centre's department store

Opposite the west entrance of Place Masséna, at 6 avenue Jean Médecin, the Galeries Lafayette Nice Masséna occupies 13,000 m² over 5 floors, with around 600 brands represented (fashion, beauty, home, watches) and a luxury area on an upper floor. The department store is open on Sundays: a precious exception in Nice. On the 4th floor, the Bella Bay restaurant and tea room offers a direct view of Place Masséna.

Indicative 2026 hours: Monday to Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-8pm (hours may change, so check before you go). Nearby: avenue Jean Médecin, the Carré d'Or brands and the Cours Saleya market for souvenirs.

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