Terroir & gastronomy
Nice's terroir and gastronomy
A stay in Nice means opening the doors to a city that has preserved its terroir and culinary traditions. For an immersion in the land of flavors, discover the cuisine of Nice and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city's markets.
The cuisine of Nice
Savez-vous que la cuisine nissarde est inscrite à l’inventaire du patrimoine culturel immatériel en France ? Le label « cuisine nissarde » est attribué aux restaurants qui respectent un certain nombre de critères :
Did you know that the cuisine of Nice is listed as part of France's intangible cultural heritage? The “cuisine nissarde” label is awarded to restaurants that meet a certain number of criteria:
- Promotion of Nicoise cuisine
- Respect for recipes
- Quality of products used
Some thirty restaurants have already been awarded the label.
The cuisine of Nice has been enriched by the many influences of the Mediterranean region, from which it has drawn its ingredients. The city's turbulent political history has sometimes forced it to live in quasi-autarchy, contributing to the development of a unique identity, which is reflected in its recipes.
Some specialties of Nice
You've heard of pan bagnat, pissaladière and salade niçoise. Let us introduce you to a few typical dishes that you'll want to try.
- Socca is a large chickpea cake baked in a bread oven on large copper plates. It's best served with a little pepper.
- Daube niçoise is made with braised beef, red wine, sun-dried vegetables and mushrooms, which distinguishes it from daube provençale.
- Olives and anchovies play an important role in the cuisine. Pissalat, olive oil, tapenade, bagna cauda... you name it, they've got it.
- Dishes are served with Bellet wine, an AOC wine produced only in Nice
The Cours Saleya market
A veritable institution in Nice, the Cours Saleya market has existed since 1816. It sets the pace for life in the neighborhood, and some producers have taken over the stall from their parents... Take your time to stroll along the 107 stalls, compare prices and taste the flavors of the region's specialties. You'll find local produce, fish of the day, local fruit and vegetables, as well as local crafts... This is also where the flower market is held.
More than just a market, it's a living space, winding its way between majestic facades and sunny terraces. The Cours Saleya market is open from Tuesday to Sunday. The Conseil National des Arts Culinaires ranks it as one of France's outstanding markets. On Mondays, it's the brocanteurs who take over.
The flower market, a story from the heart
Nice's flower market was born of the passion of poet Alphonse Karr, who was the first to market the flowers he grew. In 1897, the Cours Saleya became the first wholesale flower market.
More than a century later, people still flock there for the pleasure of the eyes and the sensory journey it provides. The colors and scents of the flowers mingle with those of the fruit and Provencal specialties that line the Cours Saleya. Whether you're looking for fresh single flowers, bouquets or floral arrangements, you'll find a few must-haves:
- Lavender, in sprigs, bouquets or sachets
- Mimosa, jasmine, orchids
- Exotic flowers
- Aromatic herbs with the scent of Provence
We wish you a pleasant stroll through the land of colors.
