Ирина Мацанова
French markets are a special attraction. In any city, it is not just a market, but an exhibition of the achievements of the national economy. If you want to feel the true spirit of France, come early in the morning, before the arrival of curious tourists — the locals are already pondering the main question of the day: “What are we going to have for dinner today?”
Marché aux Fleurs and the market on the street called Cours Saleya are the most iconic markets in Nice. They were even included in the list of the “Exceptional Markets of the Country”, compiled by the National Council of Culinary Arts (yes, this country has one).
If you are not a fan of flowers, no need to be disappointed — peonies, tulips, roses, and anemones occupy only half of the market. If you want to see how sellers put artichokes and asparagus in neat rows, take a look at the second half of the market, just behind the Palace of the Dukes of Savoy. Everything on display has been grown by the sellers themselves. If you don't believe this, you'll be convinced by the abundance of flavors and the splash of colors.
As the evening approaches, the market turns into an open-air restaurant within half an hour. The cafes on Cours Saleya set up tables where there were flowers and sacks of spices. On Mondays, this place turns into a flea market with vintage ornaments and other antiques.
