At the heart of the Cote d’Azur, the city of Nice exudes glamour and style, with many of its streets lined with enticing retail opportunities.
Sitting on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges, the city has long since attracted visitors from across the world who flock her for the sunshine, elegant architecture, fine cuisine and unmistakable Riviera charm – not to mention the world class shopping. Below is a run-down of the city’s best streets for picking up everything from enchanting souvenirs to high-end fashion items.
Avenue Jean-Médecin
Stretching from Place Masséna to Nice-Ville station, Avenue Jean-Médecin is one of Nice’s busiest and most prominent shopping thoroughfares. The wide, tram-lined avenue attracts a mix of locals and visitors, with its department stores, international fashion names and boutiques catering to almost every budget and taste. Galeries Lafayette anchors its southern end, while the NICETOILE shopping centre is also nearby. Among the more distinctive retail outlets are women’s fashion boutique Carla B, contemporary clothing store SHAN and second-hand specialist (re)shop.
Avenue de Verdun
Running through Nice’s upscale Carré d’Or district, the polished façades and immaculate window displays of Avenue de Verdun give the street an ultra-exclusive look and feel. Anyone with an eye for designer fashion, jewellery and fine accessories will be in their element perusing this prime address for luxury shopping, where famous names like Hermès and Cartier sit alongside smaller speciality stores such as historic jeweller Valer & Barichella and women’s fashion boutique Addict.
Rue Alphonse Karr
A quieter alternative to Nice’s grander shopping streets, Rue Alphonse Karr is also in the fashionable Carré d’Or, where its relatively compact scale and smart storefronts make it a favourite with shoppers seeking independent labels, contemporary fashion and pieces less likely to be found on the main high streets. Highlights include Momoni, renowned for its bohemian-chic collections featuring printed silks and pieces made in Italy; and Mon Envie ME, a boutique specialising in high-end designer clothing with a boho-meets-sporty aesthetic.
Rue Longchamp
Completing the trio of famed shopping streets that make up the Carré d’Or’s district is Rue Longchamp, an avenue whose charm more than compensates for its modest size. Boasting an eclectic combination of fashion boutiques, accessory shops, and specialty stores, the street is an ideal spot for picking up a memorable gift or souvenir to take away from your Nice adventure. Some of its more unconventional stops include Coutellerie Laguiole, which sells expertly made French knives among other things; artisanal French leather goods shop Maroquinerie Renouard; and Mis En Scène, where sculpted furniture and decorative pieces bring an artistic touch.
Rue Bonaparte
Departing from the glamorous boutiques of Carré d’Or, Rue Bonaparte delivers a slightly different shopping experience. Set within the Port via Place du Pin district and extending out to the port area, the street brings together fashion-loving locals and tourists with its distinctly bohemian atmosphere. When it comes to unique shops, Mon Oeil, an innovative concept store offering modern fashion combined with vintage and pre-owned items, stands out from the crowd, while Les Ateliers Magali, an atelier-boutique which sells ceramic products handcrafted on-site, has also built a loyal following.