The Saint-François clock tower above Nice’s Old Town
Nice · Food and markets

Cours Saleya and Old Nice: a market morning with socca

Make Cours Saleya the centre of a Nice market morning, then walk into the Old Town. The trading day matters: Monday brings antiques rather than the usual flower-market plan, and the socca stop has its own service days.

01

Check what is trading

Start at Cours Saleya for the market and surrounding façades. The tourist office says the flower market gives way to antiques on Mondays. That remains a worthwhile outing if browsing vintage objects interests you; choose another day when flowers and food are the main reason for coming.

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02

Choose a named socca stop

We recommend Chez Marie-Thé – Socca du Cours for socca while you are already at the market. The 2026 listing gives Wednesday–Sunday service, so do not plan it as a guaranteed Monday or Tuesday lunch. Carry some cash: the listing names cash and cheque payments.

For a booked alternative, compare the Nice Old Town food walk. Check current tastings and dietary needs. The operator chooses stops; this does not guarantee the guide’s named socca venue or include other attraction entry.

03

Keep the food plan flexible

Socca makes a useful snack before continuing the walk rather than obliging you to book a large lunch immediately afterwards. Check the stall’s actual service when you arrive. If it is closed, keep this named place for another visit and choose a currently trading market counter, or move the café pause to the Old Town.

04

Walk towards Place Rossetti

Continue through the narrow streets to Place Rossetti and Sainte-Réparate Cathedral. The square, fountain and Baroque church exterior are clear anchors for the walk. Church interiors follow worship and visitor arrangements, so keep a square-and-streets version available when entry is restricted.

05

Finish before the hill becomes a compulsory extra

Use Place Garibaldi or the Promenade du Paillon as the longer finish if you want more walking. Castle Hill is worthwhile too, but it adds ascent and exposed time; save it for another outing when a market lunch is the priority. Pack closed shoes for paving and keep water accessible in hot weather.

Check before you go

Opening arrangements and visitor rules can change. Check the official information before your trip.

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