The best Christmas markets in and around Nice
6 December 2024
Whether you're looking for unique gifts, local specialities, or just the festive atmosphere, here's a selection of the best Christmas markets in Nice and the surrounding villages.
1. NICE'S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Located on the famous Place Masséna, Nice's Christmas Village is a must-see. This market, with its decorated wooden chalets, offers a multitude of craft products and culinary specialities. You'll find Local products: honeys, jams, scented soaps and lavender items. Crafts: Handmade jewellery, pottery, Christmas decorations and wooden toys. Culinary delights: Socca, doughnuts, churros, roasted chestnuts, spiced mulled wine and other treats. As well as the stalls, the Christmas Village also offers entertainment for children, including merry-go-rounds, an ice rink and Santa's house.
2. THE VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER CHRISTMAS MARKET
Just a few kilometres from Nice, the charming village of Villefranche-sur-Mer hosts a Christmas market on the harbour. The market is smaller but just as friendly, with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. Attractions include Crafts: blown glass, ceramics, textiles and Christmas decorations. Local specialities: Pan bagnat, pissaladière, seafood products. Entertainment: Christmas concerts, children's shows and pony rides.
3. ÈZE CHRISTMAS MARKET
The hilltop village of Èze, famous for its medieval streets and spectacular views, becomes even more magical in December. The Èze Christmas market is held in the gardens and squares of the village. You can discover :
Local crafts: Provencal fabrics, paintings, sculptures and wooden objects.
Gastronomy: Christmas biscuits, cheeses, charcuterie and home-made sweets.
Atmosphere: magnificent illuminations, choral concerts and guided tours of the village under the Christmas lights.
4. THE SAINT-PAUL-DE-VENCE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, famous for its artistic heritage, hosts a Christmas market showcasing local arts and crafts. In this picturesque setting, you'll find :
Works of art: Paintings, sculptures, photographs and unique objets d'art.
Gourmet products: Truffles, foie gras, local wines and fine chocolates.
Activities: Creative workshops for children, exhibitions and wandering fairy-tale characters.
5. MENTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
A little further afield, on the Italian border, Menton offers a Christmas market rich in tradition. Located around the Jardin Biovès, this market is renowned for its elaborate decorations and culinary specialities. Here you can sample
Local products: Menton lemons, liqueurs, jams and scented soaps.
Crafts: blown glass, silver jewellery, ceramic objects.
Delicacies: Lemon pie, fresh pasta, panettone and cannoli.
6. THE MONACO CHRISTMAS MARKET
Although not technically in France, Monaco's Christmas market is well worth a visit. Located on Port Hercule, this market offers a luxurious experience with elegant stands and high-quality products:
Crafts: luxury gifts, jewellery, fashion accessories and sophisticated decorations.
Gastronomy: Foie gras, caviar, fine pastries and exclusive wines.
Activities: Ferris wheel, ice rink, shows and concerts.
So put on your coat, grab a cup of mulled wine and set off to discover the Côte d'Azur's Christmas treasures !
1. NICE'S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Located on the famous Place Masséna, Nice's Christmas Village is a must-see. This market, with its decorated wooden chalets, offers a multitude of craft products and culinary specialities. You'll find Local products: honeys, jams, scented soaps and lavender items. Crafts: Handmade jewellery, pottery, Christmas decorations and wooden toys. Culinary delights: Socca, doughnuts, churros, roasted chestnuts, spiced mulled wine and other treats. As well as the stalls, the Christmas Village also offers entertainment for children, including merry-go-rounds, an ice rink and Santa's house.
2. THE VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER CHRISTMAS MARKET
Just a few kilometres from Nice, the charming village of Villefranche-sur-Mer hosts a Christmas market on the harbour. The market is smaller but just as friendly, with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. Attractions include Crafts: blown glass, ceramics, textiles and Christmas decorations. Local specialities: Pan bagnat, pissaladière, seafood products. Entertainment: Christmas concerts, children's shows and pony rides.
3. ÈZE CHRISTMAS MARKET
The hilltop village of Èze, famous for its medieval streets and spectacular views, becomes even more magical in December. The Èze Christmas market is held in the gardens and squares of the village. You can discover :
Local crafts: Provencal fabrics, paintings, sculptures and wooden objects.
Gastronomy: Christmas biscuits, cheeses, charcuterie and home-made sweets.
Atmosphere: magnificent illuminations, choral concerts and guided tours of the village under the Christmas lights.
4. THE SAINT-PAUL-DE-VENCE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, famous for its artistic heritage, hosts a Christmas market showcasing local arts and crafts. In this picturesque setting, you'll find :
Works of art: Paintings, sculptures, photographs and unique objets d'art.
Gourmet products: Truffles, foie gras, local wines and fine chocolates.
Activities: Creative workshops for children, exhibitions and wandering fairy-tale characters.
5. MENTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
A little further afield, on the Italian border, Menton offers a Christmas market rich in tradition. Located around the Jardin Biovès, this market is renowned for its elaborate decorations and culinary specialities. Here you can sample
Local products: Menton lemons, liqueurs, jams and scented soaps.
Crafts: blown glass, silver jewellery, ceramic objects.
Delicacies: Lemon pie, fresh pasta, panettone and cannoli.
6. THE MONACO CHRISTMAS MARKET
Although not technically in France, Monaco's Christmas market is well worth a visit. Located on Port Hercule, this market offers a luxurious experience with elegant stands and high-quality products:
Crafts: luxury gifts, jewellery, fashion accessories and sophisticated decorations.
Gastronomy: Foie gras, caviar, fine pastries and exclusive wines.
Activities: Ferris wheel, ice rink, shows and concerts.
So put on your coat, grab a cup of mulled wine and set off to discover the Côte d'Azur's Christmas treasures !