Tantalize Every Sense With a Day Trip to Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya (in Nice) While Visiting La Peetch!
If you’d like to escape to a place that is rich with culture and history - as well as absolutely inspiring to be in - head to Nice for the day and surround yourself with greenery at the Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya. This stunning flower market in Nice has a robust, fresh collection of flowers and floral arrangements daily - and for over 100 years. It flows directly into the regular farmer’s market in a dreamy, picturesque area, creating a bit of a sensory overload. Overwhelming yet tantalizing. Located near the Old Port at the entrance to Old Town, Marché Aux Fleurs officially opened in 1897 and has been serving the community as a tourist destination and place to pick up remarkable delicacies and arrangements in the region ever since.
Because of its location close to the port, wholesalers from all around the countryside used to purchase their flowers directly from this location in the early hours of the morning before the shop opened up to the community. Floral shops tucked around France may owe their existence to this market, as they could procure non-regional beauties to dazzle their clients, communities, and regulars. Now, wholesalers purchase at a separate location - stocked to the brim with similar beauties, undoubtedly - allowing locals and tourists to head into the historic location for extended hours, taking it all in.
Marché Aux Fleurs’ location close to port continues to service thousands of community members, with delicious food options, fresh produce, and imported and fresh flowers, among other items. In fact, you might almost miss the flower aisles of the market because of everything else there is to do and see! (Go hungry before heading here…there are cafes and vendors abound!) But keep your eyes peeled and you’ll find the florals. (When all else fails, use your sense of smell to sniff it out!)
The market shutters its doors one day per week on Mondays to allow for a really cute antique market setup. From June to September, there is a night market with more arts and crafts options as well that we have yet to explore. However, the way Nice has an ambient glow to it in the summer months has had us out for hours in nearby streets.
If you’re planning a visit to Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya, keep in mind that the food area of the market closes at 1:30pm, and the floral area is open until 5:30pm, except for when it closes on Sundays with the food area. Taking in the sights that surround the port and enjoying a late breakfast at the market before strolling the aisles of vibrant and fragrant delights can be such a rewarding way to spend your day. With a scenic 40 minute drive between the property in Valbonne and this incredible setup, what isn’t to love?
