Shopping in Nice

Fashion, food and drink are not pastimes in France - they are the foundations of life. The range of goods in the shops also reflects French elegance and discrimination. The influence of nearby Italy is noticeable from the smartly dressed people.

A weekend passes quickly in Nice, and shopping can easily be pushed aside. So if you are in a hurry, it is advisable to concentrate on just a few streets.

Notre-Dame-Jean-Médecin-rue de Paradis
First take a walk along the avenue de Notre Dame. You can find some labels at bargain prices for children in places like Bisque-Bisque Rage! At the Basilica, turn south along the avenue Jean-Médecin. This avenue cannot (and should not) be missed. This is where you will find many of the major brands like Zara, Spain's answer to H&M, Monoprix, Quick Silver and Virgin Megastore. In addition, there are a number of brasseries where you can take a break. Turn off onto the rue de la Liberté, (this is when the fashion thermometer starts to rise) and end up with the rue de la Liberté. This could be called Nirvana. It is hotter than hot here - you should be able to find everything that makes French fashion what it is - Kenzo, Chanel, Mont Blanc… End by going back to the place Magenta and turn left onto the designer street, the rue Buffa, and visit, for example, Halogène at number 21.

Rue St-François de Paule-Préfecturerue - rue Droite
At rue St-François de Paule, you can revel in tasting Alziari's world-famous olive oil (n° 14). Or why not enjoy the fragrance of Bruno, the truffle king's black fungi (n°11)? Not to mention the sweets at Maison Auers (n°7)! Take a look at Nice's pulsing heart, the ProvProvençal- scented flower market (marché aux Fleurs), then turn eastwards along the rue de la Préfecture. Don't miss either the Antic Boutik or one of the other stylish fashion shops (Asso, Habit Magique…). If the cours Saleya is Nice's heart, its main artery is the rue Droite. Walk along it. Look in on some of the many art galleries and souvenir shops, or stop and relax in a cafe.
Address: VIEUX NICE (OLD NICE)

Mamac- Gieffredo-Gubernatis - Masséna
After a visit to the Modern Museum (Mamac) and its souvenir shop, walk along rue Défly to rue Gieffredo. This houses an interesting range of everything from home furnishings (Du Côté de Chez Soi, number 39) to a milliner (n° 56). Take a peek at rue Gubernatis - if for no other reason than to stock up on wine bottles at nos. 16 and 17. If you still haven't found what you want, try the Galeries Lafayette department store.

Galeries Lafayette
This is France's Rolls-Royce of department stores. Here you will find many of the finest things that France has to offer in the way of clothes and souvenirs. It is also centrally located - even if slightly hidden behind its pillared arcades. Essential place to shop during the big sales in January and July.
Address: 6 av Jean Médecin
Phone: +33 4 92 17 36 36