Sun-drenched and effortlessly stylish, Nice is the heart of the French Riviera — a place where azure waters meet charming old towns and open-air markets hum with local treasures. If you’re wondering what to buy in Nice, you’re in for a treat. From fragrant lavender to chic Provençal products, Nice souvenirs capture the essence of this coastal gem.
Here are 10 things you’ll want to bring home from your shopping adventures in Nice.
1. Provençal Lavender Products
Provence and lavender go hand in hand. In Nice, you’ll find an abundance of lavender-scented soaps, sachets, essential oils and perfumes. These products are a fragrant reminder of your time on the Côte d’Azur and make perfect gifts for friends or personal indulgences.
2. Olive Oil & Tapenade
Nice’s culinary traditions are steeped in Mediterranean flavors, and high-quality olive oil is a staple. Look for artisanal olive oils infused with herbs or citrus and grab a jar of tapenade — an olive spread made with capers and anchovies — for a taste of Provence at home.
3. Local Wines & Rosé
France is synonymous with wine, and the vineyards surrounding Nice produce some lovely bottles. Rosé from Provence is particularly popular, with its crisp, refreshing taste. You’ll also find local reds and whites that pair perfectly with Mediterranean cuisine.
4. Herbes de Provence
A must-buy for home cooks, Herbes de Provence is a fragrant blend of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano and lavender. This seasoning is used in countless local dishes and makes a practical, yet charming souvenir.
5. Traditional French Market Baskets
Those chic woven baskets you see locals carrying to markets are not just stylish — they’re practical. Market baskets made of straw or wicker are a quintessential Nice souvenir, perfect for beach days, picnics or stylish grocery shopping back home.
6. Socca Mix
Socca is a beloved Niçoise street food — essentially a chickpea flour pancake, crispy on the edges and soft inside. While best enjoyed fresh from a local vendor, you can bring home a socca mix to recreate this savory snack in your own kitchen.
7. Handmade Soaps From Savonneries
Handcrafted soaps, or savons, are a staple of the French Riviera. Often made with natural ingredients like olive oil, lavender and honey, these soaps are beautifully packaged and make wonderful gifts. Look for local brands at markets and boutique shops.
8. Perfume From Grasse
Just an hour from Nice, the town of Grasse is the perfume capital of the world. Many shops in Nice carry exquisite fragrances from Grasse’s perfumeries. Whether you prefer floral, citrusy or woodsy scents, a bottle of French perfume is a luxurious memento.
9. Niçoise Ceramics
Brightly-colored ceramics, often hand-painted with olives, lemons or lavender motifs, are a charming Nice souvenir. Think plates, bowls and decorative tiles that bring a splash of the Mediterranean into your home décor.
10. French Macarons & Chocolates
You can’t leave France without a sweet treat. Nice is home to several renowned patisseries and chocolatiers offering delicate macarons in a rainbow of flavors, as well as handcrafted chocolates. Pick up a box for a taste of elegance.
Discover Shopping Excursions in Nice
Want to combine sightseeing with the best shopping opportunities? These excursions are perfect for exploring Nice while hunting for souvenirs:
- A Day in Nice & Eze Discovery Experience the best of the French Riviera with a scenic drive along the Middle Corniche to the medieval village of Èze, where you can browse charming boutiques. Then, stroll through Old Nice with free time to shop at local markets and cafés on the elegant Cours Saleya promenade.
- Nice & Eze Medieval Village Enjoy guided tours of Nice’s palm-lined Promenade des Anglais and Baroque old town, followed by leisure time to shop in both Nice and the cliffside village of Eze. Explore artisan shops, quaint galleries and boutiques offering authentic regional products.
What To Buy in Nice?
When deciding what to buy in Nice, focus on items that reflect the region’s charm: lavender products, olive oils, local wines and hand-painted ceramics. Whether you’re stocking your kitchen, sprucing up your home décor or indulging in French luxury with perfumes and soaps, Nice souvenirs are the perfect way to bring the French Riviera back home with you.
Keep Exploring Nice, France
Want to learn more about this gem? Check out these guides to plan your next trip:
- Nice, France Shore Excursions - Uncover the best of Nice with shore excursions that take you on unforgettable adventures.
- What is Nice, France Known For? - Learn more about the city's seafront promenades, historic Old Town, and artistic heritage.
- When is the Best Time to Visit Nice, France? - Plan the best time for your perfect getaway.
