Discovering Nice: 5 Shops for Handmade, Artisan, and Vintage Finds

I relocated to Nice for love, and soon I found myself enchanted by the city as well.

Beyond Nice’s picture-perfect promenade and sunlit pebble beaches lies a city rich in history, craftsmanship, agriculture, and trade, boasting a proud tradition of local production that still shines through today. Tucked away in the old town, down quiet residential streets or in the suburbs seldom explored by tourists, shopping in Nice becomes an adventure. Approach it with the right mindset; be ready to seek out hidden gems.

While it's true we have a few shopping malls, the finest treasures are found in independent shops that stand apart from mass commercialization. Although Nice—and the greater Alpes-Maritimes and Provence regions—offer a wealth of options, I’ve curated a list of just five stores. These selections provide a delightful taste of what le sud de la France has to offer, from sweet honey sourced from alpine bees to beautifully crafted leather sandals made by an artisan near St-Tropez.

Top Spot for Souvenirs: Trésors Publics

Many souvenir shops in Nice seem interchangeable, featuring art-deco postcards, small hessian bags of Provençal lavender, and freshly mixed herbs de Provence that are popular among travelers. However, if you're seeking something authentically French, make sure to visit Trésors Publics.

This beautifully curated space, located in a historic Niçois building typical of the medieval era, showcases hundreds of products sourced from small local artisans across the country. Many items are handcrafted or created using techniques passed down through generations. Picture hand-blown glass from nearby Biot, woven straw hats—once dyed black by Coco Chanel and turned into an icon—from one of the last master hat makers in Tarn-et-Garonne, perfumes from the renowned Parisian Maison Bienaimé, customizable hand-stitched linen aprons, and stylish leather sandals from St-Tropez. These exquisite examples of French craftsmanship can be surprisingly hard to come by. As a local, I often drop by, and visitors definitely shouldn’t miss this remarkable shop. Prepare for your strolls around town with a pair of handmade espadrilles starting at €30.

Premier Local Design Store: Ici Concept Store

A charming blend of a concept store and salon de thé (tea room), Ici is a delightful eco-friendly boutique. It features a thoughtfully curated selection of ready-to-wear clothing—both timeless and fashionable—along with accessories, art de la table (cutlery, cheese knives, platters, coasters, table decor, and linens), and a perfume bar stocked with cosmetics. Locally sourced furniture, art, and natural household cleaning products are elegantly displayed, complemented by a well-stocked épicerie (specialist grocer) offering artisanal teas, spices, jams, and conserves. There’s something for everyone at Ici, but my personal favorite is the Essential Parfums (€82 each). The Nice Bergamote scent, crafted by local perfumer Antoine Maisondieu, evokes memories of summer by the coast. The store also includes a serene co-working space, ideal for digital nomads or working vacations.

Top Vintage Store: Maison Pampille

Entering Maison Pampille feels like stepping into a beautifully curated past. The antiques here are all carefully selected by owner Léa Renzini, who once shared her struggle to part with some of her finds. The collection includes rare books, bronze candleholders, classic gold-rimmed tableware, sparkling cut glass, Chinese porcelain, and a selection of delicate handmade jewelry, capturing the essence of old-world elegance. You’ll likely find it hard to leave without purchasing a vintage treasure or two.

For vintage clothing, just across the street lies Caprice Vintage, a boutique featuring both high street and designer pieces that are tastefully curated and repaired on-site.

Top Food Market: Marché Libération

While Marché Cours Saleya is the most famous, I’d argue that Marché Libération, the largest open-air market in Nice, is the superior choice. This market is less frequented by tourists since it’s located beyond the train line, offering locals a peaceful escape from the peak season crowds. It operates daily except on Mondays, from 6 am to 12:30 pm.

Most of the produce comes from local sources. You’ll discover a wide array of seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as fresh fish, olive oils, honey, flowers, cheeses, cured meats, herbs, and more. Not all vendors speak English, making it a great place to practice your French. Pay attention to the brightly colored plastic or metal buckets at each stall; if they’re within reach, you’re welcome to handle the items yourself—though this isn’t always allowed at markets across France!

Top Bookstore: Read The Room English Bookstore & Coffeeshop

A fresh addition to Nice’s café scene, Read The Room is a delightful mother-daughter-run English bookstore and coffeeshop located near Garibaldi. With a light brunch menu, in-house made pastries, a charming kids' corner, and a wide-ranging (and inclusive!) selection of English books, it has quickly become a favorite among locals. I especially enjoy visiting on rainy days, savoring a coffee (starting at €2) alongside a fresh croissant (€3) and a new book. Before RTR, we had to travel all the way to Paris for a similar atmosphere!

If the book you want isn’t available, the staff will happily order it for you. Generally, delivery takes just a few days, so it’s best to stop by early in your visit to avoid any letdowns.

© Images provided by Chloé Braithwaite