When I first set foot in Nice, I expected shimmering seas, golden light across pastel facades, and sun-drenched afternoons wandering the Promenade des Anglais. What I didn’t expect was how much shopping shaped my experience of this Mediterranean city. From glitzy modern malls to timeless open-air markets, Nice’s shopping scene is a reflection of its dual personality: cosmopolitan yet traditional, French yet very much influenced by its Italian neighbor.
I’ll take you through four modern shopping centers I personally visited and then introduce you to two traditional markets that stole my heart. Along the way, I’ll share stories of purchases I made, favorite finds, and even a few lessons learned about bargaining, crowds, and where to find the best deals.
- Nicetoile Shopping Center: The Heart of Modern Retail
Location: Avenue Jean Médecin, central Nice
Best for: International brands, easy access, indoor comfort
Nicetoile is Nice’s flagship modern shopping mall, and it was one of the first places I explored. Located right on Avenue Jean Médecin, the city’s main shopping street, it’s practically impossible to miss.
My Experience
Walking inside, I felt an immediate relief from the midday Riviera sun. The mall is fully air-conditioned, clean, and spread across multiple levels. I was pleasantly surprised by the mix of shops: recognizable international names like Sephora, H&M, Zara, and Fnac (a French electronics and books chain), alongside local boutiques.
I ended up buying a linen shirt at Massimo Dutti for €59, which quickly became my go-to for dinners out in Nice. What I appreciated most was the ease of shopping—stores are grouped logically, there’s plenty of signage in both French and English, and even the restrooms were spotless (a detail that matters more than we often admit).
Services & Perks
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the mall
• A cinema on the upper level (perfect for rainy days)
• Several mid-range eateries like Paul bakery and Amorino Gelato, where I had a pistachio cone for €4.50
Pros
• Central location—easy to walk from Old Town or take the tram
• Wide variety of shops, from budget to mid-range
• Air-conditioned (great in July and August)
Cons
• Lacks luxury flair compared to other Riviera malls
• Can get crowded, especially weekends after 4 pm
• Not ideal if you’re looking for artisan souvenirs
Verdict
Nicetoile is practical, modern, and efficient—a reliable stop when you need essentials or a mid-range fashion fix.
- Galeries Lafayette Nice Masséna: French Elegance Under One Roof
Location: Place Masséna, near the Promenade des Anglais
Best for: French luxury brands, designer shopping, perfume
If Nicetoile was convenience, Galeries Lafayette Nice Masséna was pure French indulgence. Located just steps from Place Masséna, this department store feels both historic and glamorous.
My Experience
I stepped into the fragrance section, and immediately the scent of Chanel No. 5 hit me. Galeries Lafayette is famous across France for its beauty and fashion offerings, and Nice’s branch did not disappoint.
I purchased a small bottle of Fragonard Eau de Toilette (a local perfumery from Grasse, just inland from Nice) for €38—a perfect souvenir that felt both luxurious and authentically Riviera.
The clothing section was equally impressive, featuring French designers like Sandro, Maje, Claudie Pierlot, alongside international brands. I couldn’t resist trying on a silk scarf, priced at €95, though I eventually left it behind (still slightly regretful).
Services & Perks
• Tax-free shopping desk for non-EU visitors (minimum €100 purchase)
• Free personal shopper service if booked in advance
• Rooftop café with partial views of Place Masséna
Pros
• One-stop-shop for luxury and French labels
• Helpful multilingual staff
• Perfect location between Old Town and the beach
Cons
• Prices are high—this is not a budget stop
• Can feel overwhelming if you just want a quick souvenir
• Limited dining options compared to larger malls
Verdict
Galeries Lafayette is iconic French retail at its best. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth stepping inside just to experience the atmosphere.
- Centre Commercial CAP 3000: Riviera’s Shopping Giant
Location: Saint-Laurent-du-Var, near Nice Airport
Best for: Big brands, food hall, riverside views
A short bus ride west from Nice, CAP 3000 is one of the Riviera’s largest shopping centers. It sits right by the Mediterranean, giving it a rare combination of shopping and seaside scenery.
My Experience
Getting there was easy—I took bus 200 from central Nice, which dropped me off in about 25 minutes. CAP 3000 is massive, and I spent nearly half a day exploring it.
What stood out most was the gourmet food hall, which had everything from sushi counters to Provençal delicacies. I had a Niçoise tart for €6.50 that was honestly better than some restaurant versions I’d tried.
I also visited the Apple Store, where I picked up a new pair of AirPods (yes, slightly extravagant, but they were €20 cheaper than back home thanks to a summer sale).
Services & Perks
• Free shuttle service from Nice Airport (seasonal)
• Wide selection of over 300 stores
• Seaside terrace dining options
Pros
• Huge variety of shops, including luxury and tech
• Spacious, modern, and well-organized
• Nice mix of shopping and dining
Cons
• Not walkable from Nice center—you’ll need a bus or car
• Can be overwhelming due to sheer size
• Touristy in high season
Verdict
If you want a full-day shopping excursion, CAP 3000 is unbeatable. Just be sure to budget both time and money.
- Polygone Riviera: Outdoor Shopping Meets Art
Location: Cagnes-sur-Mer, 15 minutes west of Nice
Best for: Open-air shopping, art installations, cinema
Unlike traditional malls, Polygone Riviera is an open-air lifestyle center combining shopping, dining, and contemporary art.
My Experience
Walking through Polygone Riviera felt less like a mall and more like a Mediterranean village. Sunlight streamed across walkways lined with palm trees, and between shops, I stumbled upon art installations—including a giant contemporary sculpture by Sacha Sosno.
I bought a pair of sneakers from Nike for €79 and enjoyed a leisurely lunch at La Cantine des Grands, where I had grilled sea bass for €18. The vibe was relaxed, with families, couples, and tourists all blending together.
Services & Perks
• 150+ shops, from Primark to luxury brands
• Multiplex cinema and casino
• Shuttle buses from Nice and Antibes
Pros
• Beautiful outdoor design
• Combination of shopping and culture
• Less crowded than CAP 3000
Cons
• Slightly further from Nice (20–30 minutes by car)
• Outdoor format isn’t ideal on rainy days
• Some shops close earlier than expected (check schedules)
Verdict
Polygone Riviera is perfect for those who want shopping mixed with leisure and art. I left feeling I’d spent a day out rather than just a day at the mall.
Traditional Markets of Nice
Now, let’s move to the part of shopping that truly defines Nice: its traditional markets. These places aren’t about big brands or glossy interiors; they’re about scent, sound, and authenticity.
- Cours Saleya Market
Location: Old Town, near the seafront
Best for: Flowers, produce, local specialties
Cours Saleya is the heartbeat of Nice’s market culture. I visited it three mornings in a row, and each day brought a slightly different rhythm.
• Day 1: I bought a small bag of lavender (€5) that perfumed my hotel room for the rest of the trip.
• Day 2: I couldn’t resist fresh socca (a chickpea pancake, €3 a slice), hot and crispy from a street vendor.
• Day 3: I took home olive oil infused with basil (€8 for 250 ml), which remains one of my favorite edible souvenirs.
Pros
• Wide variety of goods: flowers, spices, oils, produce
• Vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by cafés
• Perfect for gifts and edible souvenirs
Cons
• Very crowded after 10 am
• Prices slightly higher than suburban markets
• Some stalls very tourist-oriented
Tips
Arrive before 9 am for the best selection, and note that Mondays are antiques day, turning the market into a treasure trove of vintage finds.
- Liberation Market
Location: Place Charles de Gaulle, near Gare de Nice Ville
Best for: Local produce, everyday life
While Cours Saleya is for visitors, Liberation Market is where locals shop. Located further inland, it’s less touristy and more affordable.
I visited early one Saturday morning and watched elderly Niçois women bargain fiercely over tomatoes. I bought cherries (€4 per kilo) and a wedge of Reblochon cheese (€7) that I later paired with a baguette from a nearby boulangerie.
Pros
• Authentic, local vibe
• Lower prices than Cours Saleya
• Great for fresh produce and cheese
Cons
• Limited souvenirs (more practical groceries)
• Opens early, so late risers may miss out
• Less English spoken among vendors
Verdict
Liberation Market gave me a glimpse of daily life in Nice—not polished, not touristy, but wonderfully real.
Shopping as a Window into Nice
Shopping in Nice is not just about purchases—it’s about immersion. At malls like CAP 3000 and Polygone Riviera, I experienced the city’s modern, cosmopolitan side, with international brands and airy spaces. At markets like Cours Saleya and Liberation, I touched the city’s soul: lavender, socca, olives, and the rhythm of daily life.
If you want souvenirs that carry the essence of Nice, I’d suggest lavender sachets, Fragonard perfumes, Provençal olive oils, and maybe even a bottle of rosé from a market vendor. For bigger shopping sprees, the malls deliver both variety and comfort.
Whether you’re splurging on a silk scarf at Galeries Lafayette or buying €3 socca from a market stall, shopping in Nice connects you to the city in its own unique way. And for me, those moments—balancing the modern with the traditional—are what travel is truly about.