The Flower Market in Nice, located on Cours Saleya, embodies the colorful spirit of the French Riviera. This site, listed as a Travelers’ Choice 2026 by TripAdvisor, offers visitors the chance to admire bouquets of flowers, of course, but also fresh local produce and handcrafted items. Tour Azur, your tour and transfer organizer on the French Riviera, will take you on a guided tour.
In a nutshell:
- Location: Cours Saleya, Rue Saint-François de Paule, 06300 Nice.
- Hours: Open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM (1:30 PM on Sundays).
- Access: parking lots, bus and tram lines nearby.
- Nearby: the Promenade des Anglais, Castle Hill, and the Lascaris Palace.
What is the Nice Flower Market?
A Brief History of the Flower Market
The Nice Flower Market is one of the oldest flower markets in the world ! (Source: France Culture)
At the end of the 19th century, Alphonse Karr launched the very first flower shop in downtown Nice. That’s right—this is where what would become the flower market all began!
Cours Saleya is, in fact, a place steeped in history:
- 1861: The market was established and became the commercial heart of the city;
- 19th century: site of the parade of floats for the Nice Carnival (which were later moved to the Promenade des Anglais and then to Place Masséna);
- 2021: The city of Nice and its heritage sites, including the Cours Saleya market, were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What can you find at the Cours Saleya?
Cours Saleya looks different depending on the day or time:
- From Tuesday through Sunday morning, it’s the flower, fruit, vegetable, and local produce market which brings the square to life. The market’s food section is usually open until early afternoon, while the flower stalls stay open longer.
- On Monday, it’s time for the flea market: a real treasure hunt featuring antiques, furniture, books, and all kinds of curiosities.
- The restaurants and cafes stay open all day long. The street comes alive as soon as the market opens, with outdoor seating where you can relax at any time of day.
💡Tour Azur’s tip: to enjoy a panoramic view of Cours Saleya, climb to the top of the Ponchettes stairs, located across from Place Pierre Gautier.
Hours, Directions, and Location
When is the flower market in Nice?
The Nice Flower Market brings the Cours Saleya to life from Tuesday through Sunday. Here are the detailed hours:
| Day | Market type | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Flea Market | 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday through Saturday | Flower and fresh produce market | 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM (flowers until 5:30 PM, food until 1:30 PM) |
| Sunday | Flower and fresh produce market | 6:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
Morning hours ensure a fresh supply of flowers and the best selection. According to TripAdvisor, this consistency attracts 90% of visitors looking to experience the Provençal spirit of Nice.
Would you like to visit Nice in one day ? Or in two days? Make sure to include the market in your itinerary for a full immersion in the local culture.
💡 Tour Azur tip: Bring some cash, as some vendors prefer to be paid in cash. Avoid peak hours, as the market attracts more than 10,000 visitors every week.
Here is a map showing the location of the flower market on Cours Saleya:
Access by bus and tram
The Flower Market at Cours Saleya is easily accessible by public transportation.
- Bus 98: “Quai des États-Unis” stop.
- Tram Line 1, Buses 8+ and 12+: “Opéra – Vieille Ville” stop.
Directions by car and parking
Option 1: Underground parking garages
Cours Saleya is one of the main pedestrian streets in Old Nice. In other words, you can park nearby, but not directly on the road:
- Parking Corvesy (3 rue Alexandre Mari).
- Courthouse Parking Lot (19 Rue Alexandre Mari).
- Saleya Parking Lot (36 Cour Saleya).
- Sulzer Parking Lot (103 Quai des États-Unis).
Option 2: Combine the Parcazur parking garage with the tram
This is the cheapest option: park in a parking lot Parcazur, also known as Park & Ride, or P+R. Each of them is connected to a tram line.
What's there to see at the flower market?
The Kingdom of Flowers and Plants on the Riviera
The flower market on Cours Saleya has managed to preserve its authenticity despite changes in the industry. Today, it is primarily artisanal florists who carry on this tradition.
The selection is wide and varied:
- Cut flowers : colorful bouquets, floral arrangements, or flowers sold individually;
- Mediterranean plants : miniature olive trees, potted shrubs, and herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or savory;
- Exotic plants : orchids, cacti, bonsai.
Certain local varieties hold a special place:
- The Provençal from Provence, sold fresh, in dried bouquets, or in scented sachets, remains one of the most sought-after souvenirs.
- The mimosa brightens the market stalls with its golden clusters.
- The jasmine, prized for its delicate fragrance.
As an added bonus, florists are happy to share practical tips on how to care for a bouquet, a houseplant, or a Mediterranean shrub.
💡 If you love flowers and plants, our guests recommend a visit to the botanical garden in Eze and the exotic garden in Monaco. The neighborhood Cimiez in Nice is also worth a visit.
Cuisine and local specialties
The market is also a food lover’s paradise, where you can sample:
- Fruits fruits and vegetables , fish, poultry, meat.
- The socca, a crispy chickpea pancake.
- A selection of aged cheeses and artisanal charcuterie from the Alpes-Maritimes.
- Some black black or green, fragrant , herbes de Provence.
- Fresh bread and homemade pastries.
Fast-food stands let you enjoy these Nice specialties outdoors, such as the pissaladière, a delicious tart with caramelized onions and anchovies.
Market produce inspires and complements the cuisine of Nice, renowned for its diversity and authenticity. Local restaurants prioritize fresh market produce, making this place a true haven for the authentic Nice culinary experience.
💡 We often read that the Nice Flower Market is ranked among France’s most exceptional markets by the National Council of Culinary Arts. That was true, but it should be noted that this institution has not existed since 2000.
👉Tour Azur’s tip: While the flower market on Cours Saleya remains the region’s most iconic attraction, other markets are worth a visit, according to feedback from our customers:
- In Menton, the Maâme Market offers a explosion of colors with its giant citrus fruits.
- In Cannes, the Forville Market offers a mix of Mediterranean and local products.
- For a taste of Provence in the Nice area, the market in Vence, surrounded by ramparts, delights with its organic specialties and local wines.
Local crafts and authentic souvenirs
The craft stalls are all vying for attention: soaps scented with lavender, pottery glazed with Mediterranean motifs, fabrics embroidered with Provençal motifs.
The lotions with citrus scents and dried lavender sachets are perfect for extending the olfactory journey at home. Fans of unique items will appreciate the jewelry made of semi-precious stones or handcrafted ceramics handcrafted ceramics.
💡Tour Azur’s tip: look for “Made in Nice” labels and avoid the “Made in China” products scattered throughout the selection.
What is there to do in Nice near the flower market?
Nice is easy to explore on foot, if you’re up for it! To make sure you don’t miss out on the city’s history and must-see sights, you can join the Walking Tour of Old Nice offered by Tour Azur.
Accompanied by a private guide, you’ll wander through the picturesque streets of the old town and discover its iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Saint Reparate, Place Saint-François, Place Garibaldi or even the Courthouse.
The tour also includes a walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais, as well as an immersion in cuisine of Nice through local specialties.
This tour is a great way to extend your visit to the flower market while exploring Nice’s heritage, architecture, and lifestyle.
Booking your tour with Tour Azur is quick and easy. Our team is available 24/7 and is committed to responding to you within 24 hours to finalize all the details. Please feel free to contact us.
FAQ
Is there a connection between the flower market and the Battle of Flowers in Nice?
Yes ! Every winter, during the Nice Carnival, the Promenade des Anglais becomes the setting for the Battle of Flowers.
Flower-covered floats are a staple of the Carnival. Actresses dressed in traditional costumes take their places on these flower-covered floats and shower the crowd with colorful petals.
It takes 3,000 stems of fresh flowers to decorate each float. In addition, 80% of the flowers used come from local growers. The first Battle of the Flowers took place in 1876 on the Promenade des Anglais, on the advice of… Alphonse Karr, who himself founded the flower market!
💡The show, which will run from February 11 to March 1, 2026, is presented on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons at Place Masséna, and lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. As with any Carnival-related event, it is necessary to reserve a seat (approximately €30 for adults and €10 for children).
What are the market days and hours in Nice?
The days and locations of the markets in Nice listed below are provided for informational purposes only. We’ve selected the most iconic markets in Nice for you, though there are other neighborhood markets as well:
- Saleya Market – Produce: Tuesday through Sunday, in the morning.
- Cours Saleya – Flowers: Tuesday through Saturday all day, Sunday morning.
- Cours Saleya – Flea Market: Monday, all day.
- Toja Square – Fish Market: Tuesday through Sunday, in the morning.
- Place du Palais de Justice – Book Market: Saturday, all day.
- Garibaldi Square – Craft Market: First Sunday of the month, all day.
What is the most beautiful market in Nice?
The most beautiful market in Nice is the Cours Saleya, in Old Nice. Renowned for its colorful stalls With its wide selection of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and local specialties, it is considered one of France’s finest markets. Its unique setting, just a stone’s throw from the sea and surrounded by Baroque facades, makes it a must-see.
Where is the largest flower market located?
The world’s largest flower market is the Aalsmeer Flower Market, in the Netherlands. Other major flower markets include:
- Rungis (France), France’s main wholesale flower market;
- Hyères (France), one of the country’s leading centers for horticultural production and trade.
