Nice isn’t just about glamorous beaches and beautiful vistas — it’s also a fantastic base for exploring local markets and shopping tours that showcase its culinary delights, artisan crafts, and nearby regions. Whether you’re into browsing vibrant outdoor markets, tasting regional wines, or shopping for leather in Italy, Nice offers a range of experiences that make the most of its proximity to France and Italy. We especially love the Italian Market Shopping Small Group Day Tour because it combines scenic drives, charming villages like Dolceacqua, and hassle-free logistics, making it an excellent way to add Italy to your itinerary. For food lovers, the Food & Wine Lovers Tour of Nice offers a delectable dive into regional flavors, while the Wine Tasting, Provencal Market, Cannes and St Paul de Vence blends coastal glamour with vineyard visits.
If you’re trying to decide which tour best fits your style, keep reading. Each offers a different slice of the region’s character, from gourmet tastings to Italian shopping expeditions, ensuring you find a memorable experience.
Quick Overview
Our list covers six of the best shopping and market tours in Nice. They include scenic day trips across the border to Italy, intimate food tastings around Nice’s streets, and full-day excursions along the French Riviera exploring glamorous cities like Cannes and Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Many tours emphasize small-group sizes for a more personalized experience, and cover everything from artisan markets and historic villages to luxury boutiques and coastal panoramas. For a full taste of what’s on offer, see the detailed reviews below.
1. Italian Market Shopping Small Group Day Tour from Nice
At number 1, this small-group day trip across the border to Italy is a standout. It’s perfect for travelers craving a mix of scenic coast drives, authentic Italian markets, and a visit to a charming village like Dolceacqua. The tour is limited to just eight people, ensuring plenty of personal attention from your English-speaking guide. The itinerary includes stops in Bordighera (Thursday), Sanremo (Tuesday and Saturday), and Dolceacqua — each offering free-market browsing, local crafts, and regional atmosphere.
What makes this tour special is its blend of beautiful vistas and culture. The drive along the coast takes in the stunning views of the French and Italian Riviera, and the visits are timed to maximize shopping and sightseeing. You’ll explore Bordighera’s market, wander the streets of Sanremo with its lively markets, and stroll through Dolceacqua’s picturesque alleys. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the flexibility of the schedule, even in rain. The added bonus is hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to relax and enjoy the day.
Bottom Line: If you want a full taste of Italy without leaving Nice, this tour’s combination of scenic drives, charming towns, and personalized service makes it a top pick.
2. Food & Wine Lovers Tour of Nice Local Markets and Best Shops
Number 2 on our list is the Food & Wine Lovers Tour of Nice, a delightful way to explore the city’s culinary scene. Priced at just under $98, this small-group tour offers a rich tasting experience in about four hours. You’ll meet your guide on the Promenade des Anglais before heading into Cours Saleya, the city’s most famous market, and the charming streets of Old Town.
This tour stands out for its focus on regional specialties like cheeses, wines, pastries, and charcuterie, with over 15 tastings included. Your guide provides historical context and culinary insights, making every stop educational as well as delicious. Highlights include sampling olive oils, chocolates, and freshly baked bread, with stops at local artisan shops and the city’s iconic opera house. Guests rave about the personalized attention and the relaxed pace that allows time for browsing and chatting.
The tour is ideal for foodies eager to enjoy Nice’s gastronomic culture. It’s a great way to discover authentic flavors and learn about the city’s blend of French, Italian, and Mediterranean influences, all while enjoying a casual, friendly atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you’re looking for a culinary immersion in Nice, with a mix of market visits, tastings, and cultural insights in a manageable four-hour format.
3. Wine Tasting, Provencal Market, Cannes and St Paul de Vence
Third on our list is the Wine Tasting, Provencal Market, Cannes and St Paul de Vence tour, a nine-hour adventure offering a full taste of the Côte d’Azur. For around $165, it combines coastal glamour with provincial charm. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and the day unfolds with visits to Antibes’s marina and local market, then across to Cannes, famous for its film festival and luxury hotels, and finally to St Paul de Vence, a hilltop village beloved by artists.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on coastal highlights and artistic history, with stops at places like Marc Chagall’s favorite village and the largest marina in the region. Guests especially enjoy the small-group feel, which fosters a more personal experience, and the stories your guide shares about each location. The market visits in Antibes are a highlight, showcasing fresh local produce and artisan crafts.
While some reviewers note the short time in Cannes makes it feel a bit rushed, most agree the combination of luxury scenery and cultural sights offers excellent value. The wine component is modest, but the overall experience is well-rounded for those interested in coastal cities, art, and regional flavors.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day of Riviera highlights, blending seaside glamour with artistic ambiance and a touch of wine culture.
4. French Riviera, Wine tasting, Provencal market and Countryside
Number 4 offers a full-day, nine-hour experience focused on the beautiful countryside and culinary delights of Provence. At $165, it’s slightly more expensive but covers more ground, including visits to Antibes’s market, the Cannes boulevard, and a wine tasting session. The tour also visits Côte d’Azur’s luxury boutiques and explores Vineyard estates.
What makes this tour different is its mix of rural and coastal scenery. Highlights include the local Provençal market in Antibes, the walk along Cap d’Antibes, and a visit to a wine estate in the countryside. The guide shares insights into Provençal traditions, and guests enjoy tasting local wines and regional foods. The experience is suited for those who want a rundown of Provence’s diverse landscapes.
Some reviews mention that the wine tasting could be more extensive, but most appreciate the combination of shopping, sightseeing, and tasting. The small group size ensures an intimate atmosphere, making it ideal for enthusiasts of regional culture.
Bottom Line: A good pick for travelers seeking a balanced day of wine, markets, and scenic countryside with a hint of luxury and regional charm.
5. Nice: Italian Market, Eze, and Turbie Tour
Coming in at number 5 is the Nice: Italian Market, Eze, and Turbie Tour, a 10-hour experience that combines French Riviera exploration with a flavor of Italy. For about $101, your guide will pick you up and take you to the famous open-air market in Italy, where you can browse leather products and Italian specialties. Then it’s off to Eze, a medieval village with breathtaking panoramic views and a guided tour of the Fragonard Perfumery.
The highlight for many is the visit to Turbie, where you can see the famous Auguste Trophy and take in sweeping views of Monaco. The tour’s strength lies in its well-rounded itinerary, blending shopping, scenic views, and cultural insights. Guests appreciate the longer duration and the opportunity to see multiple sights in one day.
While reviews note that some found the wine aspect underwhelming and the timing tight, most agree it offers good value for seeing key Riviera highlights with an expert guide.
Bottom Line: A solid choice if you want to combine market shopping, medieval villages, and spectacular views of Monaco in one day.
6. Italian Market San Remo, Menton & La Turbie
Our sixth pick, with mixed reviews, is the Italian Market San Remo, Menton & La Turbie tour. It’s an 8-hour trip focusing on leather shopping in San Remo and the beauty of Menton, known as the “pearl of France”. The tour includes a photo stop at La Turbie and visits to local markets.
The main appeal is the leather shopping experience and the chance to explore Menton’s citrus-rich streets. However, some reviews mention that the market experience might feel rushed and that the overall value is less consistent. It’s best suited for those who want to combine shopping with scenic views, particularly if they’re interested in leather goods and citrus.
Because of mixed feedback, this tour is worth considering if you prioritize shopping and scenic stops over in-depth culture.
Bottom Line: Good for travelers who want a shorter, shopping-focused day with some photo opportunities but may not be as comprehensive as others.
How to Choose Your Perfect Shopping & Market Tour in Nice
When selecting a tour, consider your interests, budget, and time constraints. If you’re eager for a border-crossing experience with scenic villages, the Italian Market Shopping Small Group Day Tour is hard to beat. For food and wine enthusiasts, the Food & Wine Lovers Tour offers a delicious inside look at local flavors. Those after a full Riviera sightseeing day might prefer the Cannes and Saint-Paul de Vence trip, combining coastal glamour with art.
If you want to explore Provence’s countryside and vineyards, the Wine Tasting, Provencal Market, and Countryside tour provides a scenic and tasty day. For a blend of shopping and scenic views of Monaco, the Nice: Italian Market, Eze, and Turbie Tour fits well. Finally, if leather shopping and citrus markets appeal, the Italian Market San Remo, Menton & La Turbie might be your best bet.
Remember to book early, especially in peak season, and choose a tour that aligns with your interests and energy level. For a detailed look at each experience, visit the associated links, and plan your trip to make the most of your time in Nice.
Final Thoughts
From half-day tastings to full-day explorations, Nice offers a wide variety of shopping and market tours that cater to different interests. For a taste of Italy, the small-group border crossing tour is a standout. For food lovers, the Nice local market tour delivers regional flavors directly to your palate. If you have more time, combining coastal cities and Provençal countryside can give your trip depth and variety.
No matter your choice, early booking is wise, and these tours promise an enriching addition to your Nice holiday. Whether you’re after artisan markets, gourmet tastings, or glamorous city views, there’s a perfect match waiting for you.