The 4 Best Flea Markets In Nice France

The French love to spend a morning or afternoon walking around the flea markets or “vide grenier” (which basically means to “empty your loft”). Nice has a few secondhand/antiques markets, set in wonderful locations, where you can find all sorts of old treasures and bric-a-brac – everything from Louis Vuitton bags to first editions of French classics.

1. Antiques Market, Marché aux Fleurs (Flower Market)

Market, French

Six days a week, the flower market in Nice attracts both tourists and locals with delicious fruit, vegetables and homemade produce. On Mondays, however, you can find a wonderful assortment of antiques, knick-knacks and other interesting gems. Take the time to browse around under the brightly coloured awnings and people-watch in one of the adjacent bars and cafés. The market opens at around 7.30am and will stay open until late in the afternoon.

Antique stores, Puces de Nice

Down by the Old Port, there’s an open-air collection of lots of little antique stores, grouped together under the same name, where you can just as easily find old jugs and plates as vintage clothes. Generally the stores stay open from 10am to 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday, closing on Monday and sometimes staying open until 7pm in summer.

Monthly antiques market, Place Garibaldi

On the third Saturday of every month, antique sellers congregate in the Place Garibaldi to sell their best trinkets and bric-a-brac. Take advantage of the beautiful square and stop for a coffee while you watch the people, hunting for a bargain.

Secondhand books and antique postcards, Palais de Justice

If you are looking for books, then head to the Palais de Justice on the first and third Saturday of the month to browse the various stalls. If you want to have a look at the interesting antique postcards on sale, then go on the fourth Saturday of the month (arts and craft stalls will be there on the second Saturday).

Unlike French food and drink markets, it is common to haggle for a bargain at the flea markets. Prices can be quite steep initially. Go later in the day for the best deals, just before they close.