Vieux Nice, the Old Town, is a tight grid of narrow lanes, ochre and terracotta facades and small squares between Castle Hill and the Promenade du Paillon in Nice, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. Its social centre is the Cours Saleya, a long, open pedestrian space lined with restaurants and hosting the daily market. From Tuesday to Sunday the stalls sell cut flowers, fruit, vegetables, olives, herbs, spices and local products, with produce stalls typically running from about 6:00AM to 1:30PM. On Mondays the space turns into an antiques and flea market from about 7:00AM to 6:00PM. Behind the market, the lanes of the Old Town hold bakeries, small shops and places serving Niçois specialities such as socca, a chickpea pancake, pissaladière and stuffed vegetables. Landmarks within a few minutes on foot include the baroque Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate on Place Rossetti, the Chapelle de la Miséricorde on the Cours Saleya, the Palais Lascaris on Rue Droite and the Place Saint-François, where a small fish market operates in the morning. Visitors typically spend 1.5 to 3 hours wandering, shopping and eating, and the quarter works well as a base for a self-guided walk with no fixed route. The best vantage point is the western end of the Cours Saleya, where the colourful facades and market awnings frame the view, and the stairs up to Castle Hill start from the eastern edge. The market is fullest and most photogenic before 10:00AM, while the evening brings restaurant crowds and busy terraces. Midday in summer can be very crowded and hot, and the lanes are easy to lose orientation in, though the sea and the hill are never far away. Visitors should keep bags secured in the busiest spots and treat restaurant seating on the Cours Saleya as a pricier option than the side streets.
| Admission | Adult Free (~$0) · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Flower and produce market Tuesday to Sunday, produce stalls about 6:00AM to 1:30PM; antiques and flea market on Mondays, about 7:00AM to 6:00PM. Old Town streets are open at all times |
| Typical visit | 1.5-3 hours |
| Best time | Tuesday to Sunday mornings before 10:00AM, when the stalls are fullest |
| Getting there | Tram T1 or T2 to Opéra-Vieille Ville or Cathédrale-Vieille Ville, then 3 to 5 minutes on foot |
| Address | Cours Saleya, 06300 Nice, France |
Location
Cours Saleya, 06300 Nice, France
43.6954, 7.2755 View on map
Highlights
- Cours Saleya flower and produce market
- Monday antiques and flea market
- Socca, pissaladière and other Niçois specialities
- Baroque churches and chapels within a few minutes' walk
- Maze of ochre lanes and small squares
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 10:00AM Tuesday to Sunday when the market stalls are fullest.
- Try socca from a local stall and eat it hot, standing or at a counter.
- Compare prices; terraces directly on the Cours Saleya are usually dearer than side streets.
- Keep bags and phones secure in crowded stretches.
- Use the stairs at the eastern end to continue up to Castle Hill.
When to visit
Tuesday to Sunday mornings before 10:00AM show the market at its fullest. Evenings are lively but busy with diners.
Accessibility
The Cours Saleya is flat and pedestrianised, but the Old Town lanes have uneven paving and some steps. Wheelchair users may find some side streets and church entrances difficult.
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Frequently asked questions
What days does the Cours Saleya market operate?
The flower and produce market runs Tuesday to Sunday, mostly in the morning, and Monday is given over to antiques and flea market stalls.
How long should visitors allow for the Old Town?
Between 1.5 and 3 hours is typical for the market, a few lanes and a meal, but a full day is easy to fill.
Is the Old Town suitable for kids?
Yes, the lanes are traffic-free and the market is lively, though the crowds in summer call for close supervision.
Is photography allowed in the market?
Yes. Photography is common, though it is polite to ask a stallholder before photographing them closely.