Irresistible Shopping on the French Riviera: Top 10+ Spots

Cours Saleya Market – Nice

This lively market in Nice’s Old Town bursts with flowers, produce, local delicacies, and Provençal charm every morning except Monday.

Cours Saleya is one of the most photogenic and vibrant markets on the French Riviera. Set in the heart of Nice’s Old Town, this market is a daily delight of fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, spices, and local specialties like socca and tapenade. It’s ideal for anyone looking to taste the flavors of Provence or bring home an artisanal souvenir. On Mondays, the market shifts to an antique and flea format—another chance to score vintage treasures. Arrive early for the best selection and lighter crowds. It’s perfect for casual browsing, street photography, and soaking up the Riviera’s market culture at its finest.

• ⭐ Great mix of food, color, and culture
• 🌍 Arrive before 10am for best selection
• 💶 Free to enter

"The smells, colors, and people—truly unforgettable!" – E.S., ★★★★★, Tripadvisor

Avenue de Verdun – Nice

Near Place Masséna, this elegant street is lined with designer stores including Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton.

If luxury shopping is on your Riviera wishlist, Avenue de Verdun delivers. Nestled near Place Masséna and parallel to the Promenade des Anglais, this elegant boulevard is lined with world-class boutiques including Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Chanel. Window shoppers can enjoy the refined atmosphere, while serious fashion fans can indulge in the latest Parisian trends. Cafés and patisseries are just steps away, offering perfect breaks between shops. This is a great stop for couples, fashion lovers, and travelers seeking a stylish Riviera day out without leaving Nice’s city center.

• ⭐ Upscale fashion and accessories
• 🌍 Combine with lunch at a nearby café
• 💶 Free to browse, luxe to buy

"Luxury shopping with Riviera flair!" – A.L., ★★★★☆, Google

Antique Market – Saint-Tropez

Held on Tuesdays and Saturdays in Place des Lices, this romantic flea market is perfect for vintage lovers and treasure hunters.

The Saint-Tropez Antique Market, held twice weekly in Place des Lices, feels more like a curated treasure hunt than a traditional flea market. Set beneath plane trees and close to the marina, the atmosphere is equal parts romantic and refined. You’ll find vintage linens, retro posters, rare books, glassware, and classic French homewares. Haggling is welcomed, so bring cash and don’t be shy to negotiate. Even if you’re not shopping, the vibe is worth the stroll. This market is especially popular with design lovers and collectors hunting for Riviera charm.

• ⭐ Unique finds with seaside ambiance
• 🌍 Bring cash; haggling encouraged
• 💶 Free to browse

"I found a vintage perfume bottle from the 1950s!" – L.V., ★★★★★, Tripadvisor

Polygone Riviera – Cagnes-sur-Mer

This open-air lifestyle mall combines high street brands, dining, art installations, and even a cinema for all-weather fun.

Polygone Riviera in Cagnes-sur-Mer blends open-air shopping with entertainment, dining, and art installations, making it a top choice for all-weather family outings. Brands like Zara, FNAC, and Sephora sit alongside restaurants and a cinema, while outdoor sculptures and fountains add flair. It’s stroller-friendly and offers free parking, making it easy for families to navigate. Whether you're dodging the summer heat or looking for rainy day fun, Polygone has it covered. Bonus: many shops stay open Sundays, unlike traditional French stores.

• ⭐ Shopping and entertainment in one
• 🌍 Free parking; open Sundays
• 💶 Free to enter; paid shopping

"Great spot for rainy days or when you need AC!" – T.K., ★★★★☆, Google

Marché Provençal – Antibes

Under the covered arches of Antibes’ Old Town, this daily market delights with cheese, olives, spices, and handmade goods.

Tucked into the arcades of Antibes’ Old Town, the Marché Provençal bursts with local flavor every morning. Vendors offer olives, cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and hand-spun lavender honey, alongside artisan soaps and crafts. Children love the sample-friendly environment, and parents appreciate the variety of picnic-ready bites. Arrive before noon for the best selection, and plan to pair your visit with a walk through the old town’s charming streets. It’s a great stop for foodies, families, and anyone looking for authentic Côte d’Azur flavors.

• ⭐ Local flavors and friendly vendors
• 🌍 Closed Mondays; best before noon
• 💶 Free entry

"The kids loved trying samples—great energy!" – J.B., ★★★★☆, Tripadvisor

Galeries Lafayette – Nice

This flagship department store offers everything from French fashion to gourmet treats—great for gifts or browsing local designers.

Galeries Lafayette in Nice is a one-stop destination for upscale shopping. From designer labels to gourmet foods and beauty products, it’s an air-conditioned oasis in the city center—ideal for hot afternoons. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace (if open), which offers a rare elevated view of the Promenade. Whether you’re picking up gifts or just enjoying the ambiance, this historic department store brings a refined shopping experience to travelers and locals alike.

• ⭐ Stylish and air-conditioned escape
• 🌍 Go during weekday mornings to avoid crowds
• 💶 Free to enter; paid purchases

"All the top brands under one gorgeous roof." – C.T., ★★★★☆, Google

Place du Marché – Menton

A historic covered market bursting with lemons, herbs, and Mediterranean produce—plus handmade soaps and souvenirs.

Menton’s Place du Marché is a covered market that’s bursting with regional pride—especially citrus. Expect piles of bright lemons, fragrant herbs, and locally crafted condiments. It’s one of the best spots to experience a slower, more traditional side of Riviera life. The market is small but mighty, and its welcoming vendors often offer tastings. Bring a tote bag and arrive in the morning. It’s perfect for travelers looking to support local producers and take a taste of Provence home with them.

• ⭐ Authentic, colorful, and local
• 🌍 Morning hours only; bring cash
• 💶 Free

"Best citrus I’ve ever tasted!" – R.D., ★★★★☆, Tripadvisor

Rue d’Antibes – Cannes

Just behind La Croisette, this street is packed with stylish boutiques, bakeries, and beauty brands—ideal for an afternoon stroll.

Rue d’Antibes in Cannes is where French fashion meets Riviera flair. With a mix of international boutiques, local designers, perfumeries, and cafés, it’s an ideal afternoon stroll just steps from the beach. While many shops break for lunch, there’s plenty to enjoy all day long. Stop for coffee at a sidewalk café, browse beauty stores, and pick up something chic to wear to dinner. It’s a well-rounded shopping experience that blends luxury with local charm.

• ⭐ Local and international fashion mix
• 🌍 Many stores close between 1–3pm
• 💶 Free to browse

"Loved hopping from shop to café—so chic." – A.G., ★★★★☆, Google

Biot Glassblowing Shops – Biot

This charming artisan village is famous for bubble glass production. Watch artisans blow and shape glass before browsing the boutique.

Biot is world-famous for its bubble glass, and watching artisans work in the village’s glassblowing studios is a highlight for visitors. Families and art lovers alike will be fascinated by the glowing furnaces and molten transformations. After the demo, browse beautifully crafted bowls, vases, and ornaments. Many shops offer international shipping, making it easy to bring a piece of Riviera craftsmanship home. A great cultural stop that doubles as a shopping experience.

• ⭐ Handmade souvenirs with heritage
• 🌍 Demonstrations available most days
• 💶 Free to watch; glassware priced accordingly

"Watching the glassblowing was mesmerizing for us all!" – N.P., ★★★★☆, Tripadvisor

Half-Day or Full-Day Itinerary Suggestion

Morning: Stroll through Cours Saleya Market in Nice and grab a pastry

Lunch: Head to Antibes and enjoy lunch after browsing Marché Provençal

Afternoon: Explore Rue d’Antibes or Polygone Riviera for shopping

Evening: Wind down in Biot with a glassblowing demo and local wine

Local Tips for Smart Shopping

Markets on the French Riviera open early and close by early afternoon—so plan to shop before lunch. Always greet vendors with a friendly “bonjour” before browsing. Prices at markets are often negotiable, especially at antique stalls or flea markets, so don’t hesitate to politely ask for a better deal.

Cash is still king at many open-air markets, especially in smaller towns like Biot or Menton. Carry small bills and bring your own tote bag or basket—plastic bags are often not provided. For food markets, tasting before buying is common, and vendors love to share their local pride through samples and stories.

In boutiques or high-end stores like those on Avenue de Verdun or Galeries Lafayette, credit cards are widely accepted. Summer sales periods (called “soldes”) are state-regulated and take place in January and July—perfect times to score designer discounts.

Whether you're on a treasure hunt or simply soaking in the vibe, shopping on the Riviera is more than a transaction—it’s part of the local lifestyle.

Best Souvenirs to Bring Home

Looking for something more meaningful than a fridge magnet? The Riviera is rich with artisan products and regional flavors that make perfect gifts. Local favorites include handmade soaps from Grasse, lavender sachets from Provence, and colorful ceramics from Vallauris. Foodies will love tapenade jars, olive oils, and herbes de Provence blends packaged in charming tins.

Markets in Nice and Antibes often have stalls selling traditional woven baskets, hand-stitched linens, and Provençal fabrics in sun-washed patterns. Don’t skip the stalls selling nougat, candied fruits, and local honey—packaged beautifully and easy to carry home. For something more stylish, try espadrilles made in France or cotton scarves from independent designers in boutique corners of town.

How to Spot Artisan vs. Mass-Produced Goods

In markets filled with color and charm, it's not always easy to tell what's handmade and what’s mass-produced. A quick tip: ask the vendor if they made the item themselves. True artisans will light up with pride and often share the process behind their work. Look for subtle imperfections, which signal handcrafting, and labels indicating “fait main” (handmade) or “artisanat local.”

In contrast, identical rows of souvenirs, especially plastic or novelty items, often come from wholesale distributors. These are fine for quick gifts but don’t carry the same Riviera charm. Seek out co-ops, artist-run stalls, or booths displaying the maker’s signature or business card for more authentic finds.

Shopping on a Budget: Hidden Gems

Luxury boutiques might steal the spotlight, but the French Riviera has plenty to offer for travelers shopping on a budget. The Brocante market in Nice (on Mondays at Cours Saleya) is a treasure trove of vintage jewelry, books, and quirky décor. Markets in Menton and Vence offer locally made products at more affordable prices than their counterparts in Cannes or Monaco.

Supermarkets like Carrefour and Intermarché also stock regional goods such as French wine, lavender soaps, and Provençal herbs—often at lower prices than tourist stalls. Visit local cooperatives and municipal markets for fair prices and authentic flavor. Early morning shopping can also lead to discounts and better selection before crowds arrive.

Seasonal Markets and What to Expect

Each season on the Riviera brings new market flavors and sights. In spring, markets burst with wild asparagus, strawberries, and floral displays. Summer showcases juicy peaches, heirloom tomatoes, and lavender everything—soaps, sachets, and oils. Autumn markets shift toward mushrooms, figs, chestnuts, and wine harvest celebrations, while winter brings roasted chestnuts, truffles, and festive decorations.

Holiday markets in December are especially magical. Cities like Nice, Monaco, and Antibes host elaborate Christmas markets with wooden chalets, hot mulled wine, craft vendors, and ice rinks. Many small villages also host weekend marchés de Noël with handmade gifts and seasonal treats like gingerbread and candied orange peel.

Family-Friendly Shopping: Tips for Parents

Shopping with kids on the Riviera can be fun—but it helps to plan ahead. Start early in the day when crowds are lighter and temperatures are cooler. Many markets have snack stalls where little ones can try fresh fruit, crepes, or pastries while parents browse. Promenade du Paillon in Nice is next to Cours Saleya, offering fountains and play areas for post-market playtime.

Bring a stroller or baby carrier for long walks, and pack sunscreen, hats, and water if visiting in summer. Some vendors offer child-friendly crafts or small toys, and larger markets often have cafés with kid-friendly menus and shady seating. Teaching children to say “bonjour” and “merci” adds a cultural touch to the experience—and often earns them a smile or sample from local vendors.

Riviera Shopping Etiquette

Politeness matters. Always greet shopkeepers and vendors with a smile and “bonjour” before asking questions or browsing. Haggling is not common in French retail shops but may be welcomed (gently) at flea markets or with artisans. Don’t expect big discounts, but it’s fine to ask if there’s a better price when buying multiple items.

In small boutiques, it’s customary for the shopkeeper to assist you—don’t start handling items without asking. In food markets, vendors usually hand you the produce after you’ve chosen, or they’ll pick it for you. Credit cards are accepted in most shops, but smaller markets may require cash, so keep small bills on hand.

Best Streets and Districts for Boutique Browsing

If you’re looking for charming boutiques beyond the main markets, the Riviera offers wonderful walking streets for window-shopping and discoveries. In Nice, wander through the cobblestone lanes of the Old Town (Vieux Nice), filled with perfumeries, local designers, and spice shops. Rue Catherine Ségurane is ideal for antiques and design finds.

In Antibes, head to Rue Sade or Rue Thuret for independent boutiques and handmade jewelry. Cannes offers upscale fashion and leather goods on Rue d’Antibes and Avenue de la Liberté. Meanwhile, Menton and Saint-Paul-de-Vence provide slower-paced strolls with galleries, pottery studios, and small-batch gift shops hidden among historic alleys.

Day Trip Shopping Itinerary: Markets & More

If you want to dedicate a day to shopping on the Riviera, combining markets with boutiques and scenic spots makes for an unforgettable experience. Start your morning at the Cours Saleya Market in Nice, where local produce, flowers, and artisanal goods fill the stalls. Grab a socca or fresh croissant and stroll toward the Old Town's spice shops and soap boutiques.

From there, hop on a quick train ride or drive to Antibes, where the Provençal market (open most mornings) offers a laid-back vibe and local cheeses, olive oils, and textiles. After lunch in the old town, browse boutiques along Rue Sade or visit the Picasso Museum for a creative break.

Wrap up your day in Cannes with a visit to Rue d’Antibes, known for its stylish boutiques, and catch the golden hour glow along La Croisette. End with a drink at a terrace café as you admire your Riviera finds and watch the Mediterranean sunset. It’s a perfect blend of shopping, sightseeing, and local flavor—all in one day.