Best Markets on the French Riviera
The best markets on the French Riviera — the Cours Saleya in Nice, Forville in Cannes, the Provencal markets of Antibes, Menton and beyond.
Nothing captures the Riviera's everyday pleasure quite like its markets — trestles of flowers and sun-ripened produce, wheels of cheese and Provençal spices, antiques laid out under plane trees. Every town has its own, each with a rhythm and a speciality. Here are the best open-air markets to explore on the French Riviera.
Nice: the Cours Saleya
The Cours Saleya in the heart of Nice's Old Town is the coast's most famous market. Most mornings it brims with flowers and Provençal produce — olives, tomatoes, herbs, socca — under striped awnings, and on Mondays it turns over to a celebrated antiques and brocante market.
It is the perfect first stop for a taste of Riviera life, an easy walk from the Promenade.
- Flowers and produce most mornings
- Antiques and brocante on Mondays
- In the heart of the Nice Old Town
- Local specialities like socca and olives
Cannes and Antibes
In Cannes, the Marché Forville behind the Croisette is where the town's chefs shop — a covered hall of Provençal produce, fish and flowers. Along the coast in Antibes, the Marché Provençal on Cours Masséna spreads under a handsome iron roof, famous for its cheeses, cured meats and Provençal colour.
Both are working markets first and photogenic second, which is exactly their charm.
- Cannes — Marché Forville, a covered produce hall
- Antibes — the Marché Provençal on Cours Masséna
- Cheeses, fish, flowers and cured meats
- Where local chefs and residents shop
Village and Menton markets
Beyond the cities, the hill villages and Menton keep their own markets. Menton's covered Marché des Halles overflows with produce from its warm hinterland and nearby Italy, while village squares from Valbonne to Saint-Paul host weekly Provençal markets of crafts and local food.
Combined with a village lunch, a morning market makes one of the most relaxed days on the coast.
A market day by chauffeur
Markets run to their own morning timetable and the best ones are in different towns, so a private chauffeur is the natural way to string several together — with room in the boot for whatever you buy.
A driver drops you at the market square, waits while you browse, and carries you on to the next town or a long Provençal lunch.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous market on the French Riviera?
The Cours Saleya in Nice, with flowers and Provençal produce most mornings and a celebrated antiques market on Mondays.
Where is the best food market in Cannes?
The Marché Forville, a covered hall behind the Croisette where the town's chefs and residents buy produce, fish and flowers.
When is the antiques market in Nice?
On Mondays, when the Cours Saleya swaps its flowers and produce for a large antiques and brocante market in the Old Town.
Can a chauffeur take me between several markets?
Yes. A private driver links markets in different towns into one morning, waits while you browse and carries whatever you buy.
Ready to book your private driver on the French Riviera?
Tell us your route, dates and preferred service and we will recommend the right vehicle and booking format for your stay.
Continue planning your Riviera journey
Best Things to Do in Nice
From the Promenade des Anglais to Old Nice and Castle Hill, the best things to do in the Riviera's capital.
Best Things to Do in Cannes
La Croisette, Le Suquet, the Lérins Islands and the red carpet — the best things to do in Cannes.
Antibes and Juan-les-Pins Travel Guide
Old Antibes, the Picasso Museum, Port Vauban and the beaches of Juan-les-Pins — a visitor's guide to two Riviera favourites.