Rach V.
Yelp
Lovely market, easy to find! My family visited the flower market on a Sunday morning in early September 2014. I was looking forward to buying socca, having a cappucino and purchasing sweets. We arrived mid-morning and the market was packed. The crowds weren't really a problem or concern, I think it's pretty standard that the flower market will be crowded. We were warned about pick pockets, and that they may be well-dressed people who approach in pairs and offer help of some sort. We encountered nothing like that.
It was the beginning of our first full day in Nice, and we were just getting accustomed to greeting every one we meet. One of the first vendors we encountered ignored us because we did not say bonjour, but thankfully we found other vendors who were friendly and helpful. We purchased socca (kind of plain, very fresh and hot), marzipan (the vendor was kind, his marzipan products were beautifully made), souvenir beverage coasters, soap, lavender honey, ceramic pieces, and candied fruit. The honey vendors were a husband and wife, the wife spoke excellent english and taught me a few french words and told me about their business. They sell honey and jam.
We came to the market to shop, and stayed for more than an hour. There are multiple vendors selling the same products, you can compare prices between them, but I wouldn't assume (like we did) that you'll find a cheaper price somewhere else. If you want it, buy it. I've seen other reviews that describe this market as expensive, but markets in Arles and Antibes sold similar products at a more expensive price.
The mid-morning sun became too much and my father purchased a hat. This was the one item we negotiated for, and the vendor lowered his price and gave my father some helpful fashion advice. We did see vendors become impatient with the tourists, one woman resorted to yelling at a pair of bewildered German tourists who were trying to figure out how an herb grinder worked.
We stopped for a cappuccino, to rest in the shade and people-watch. I recommend making a visit to the flower market when you're in Nice. Say bonjour, bring your hat, don't mind the crowds!
