Christmas markets in France<\/a>, including their locations, specialities, and opening hours, you’ll want to check out my guide.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nChristmas in Nice<\/h2>\n\n\n\nRegional Specialties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Socca<\/strong>: Originating from Nice, socca is a chickpea flour pancake. Typically cooked on a large griddle, it’s sliced into irregular pieces and served hot. If you want to try a local specialty, socca should be high on your list.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPissaladi\u00e8re<\/strong>: This dish is a local version of pizza, topped with caramelised onions, olives, and anchovies. Pissaladi\u00e8re holds a special place in the culinary landscape of Nice and is a common sight at the Christmas market.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPan Bagnat<\/strong>: Essentially a Ni\u00e7oise salad in a bun, pan bagnat is a fulfilling snack. The sandwich includes ingredients like tuna, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and olives, making it a hearty meal option.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCalissons<\/strong>: This sweet treat hails from Aix-en-Provence but is widely popular in Nice as well. Calissons are made from a smooth, pale yellow paste of candied fruit and ground almonds, set on a wafer and topped with royal icing.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRoasted Chestnuts<\/strong>: A traditional winter snack, roasted chestnuts are widely available at Christmas markets, including in Nice. Vendors roast them on-site and usually serve them in paper cones.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMulled Wine<\/strong>: While not a local specialty, mulled wine is an essential part of many Christmas markets. In Nice, you’ll often find it with a unique twist, sometimes including a splash of local orange liqueur.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChurros<\/strong>: Known in France as chichis, these fried dough pastries are crowd-pleasers. Commonly enjoyed with a sprinkle of sugar or a dip in chocolate sauce, they’re a satisfying snack as you explore the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTartiflette<\/strong>: Originating from the Savoy region, this dish combines potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons, and onions into a hearty casserole. Though not native to Nice, it’s often found at winter events throughout France, including the Christmas market here.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRaclette<\/strong>: This Swiss dish has made its way into French Christmas markets, Nice included. Raclette cheese is heated and then scraped onto the plate, commonly served with potatoes and pickles.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGingerbread<\/strong>: Although not a French specialty, gingerbread is often found at Christmas markets worldwide. In Nice, the gingerbread stalls add an international flavour to your experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSausages and Cured Meats<\/strong>: French saucisson and other cured meats are a staple at markets. Easy to eat while you wander, they offer a taste of French charcuterie that pairs well with mulled wine or a baguette.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCrepes<\/strong>: No French market would be complete without a crepe stand. Offering both sweet and savoury options, crepes are a versatile and beloved treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMacarons<\/strong>: These colourful, round cookies made of almond meal are usually filled with jam or buttercream. While not unique to Nice, they remain a popular choice at Christmas markets across France.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHot Chocolate<\/strong>: Often homemade and sometimes enriched with cinnamon or vanilla, hot chocolate keeps your hands warm as you explore the market. A universal favourite, it appeals to visitors of all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat to Buy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Handcrafted Olive Wood Items<\/strong>: Provence’s olive trees are famous for their fruit and beautiful wood, which artisans fashion into a range of items. You may find kitchen utensils, decorative bowls, or intricate ornaments, each piece unique due to the distinct grain of the wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\nProvencal Fabrics<\/strong>: Provence and the C\u00f4te d’Azur are known for vibrant, patterned fabrics. Look for tablecloths, napkins, aprons, and bags, all bursting with the colours and motifs typical of the region, like olives, lemons, and lavender. These fabrics make wonderful, practical gifts that bring a touch of the South of France to any home.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLavender Products<\/strong>: The lavender fields of Provence are iconic, and at the Nice Christmas Market, you can find a plethora of lavender products. Consider essential oils, soaps, or dried lavender sachets – perfect for infusing drawers or cupboards with this soothing, distinctive scent.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLocal Wine and Spirits<\/strong>: The South of France is renowned for its wine. Look for bottles from local vineyards or perhaps some Pastis, an anise-flavoured spirit popular in the region. Remember to check the regulations for transporting alcohol if you’re travelling internationally.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTraditional Christmas Decorations<\/strong>: A Christmas market without festive decorations wouldn’t be a Christmas market. Expect to find hand-painted baubles, wooden nativity figures, and handcrafted Advent calendars. Each one adds a special touch to the festive decor and can become a treasured keepsake for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThings to Do in Winter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n For up-to-date information on winter activities and current events in Nice, I recommend checking out Explore C\u00f4te d’Azur as an additional resource to enhance your visit. Here are some winter travel ideas<\/a> to get you started. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSustainable Travel Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Here are a few tips on how we can travel more responsibly in the French Riviera and Nice at Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use Renewable Energy<\/strong>: Several hotels in Nice prioritise using renewable energy sources. By staying in these places, you’re supporting initiatives that reduce reliance on fossil fuels.<\/p>\n\n\n\nReduce Food Waste<\/strong>: French culture highly values food, making it less common to see waste. Follow local customs – take home leftovers from your meal or ask for smaller portions at restaurants. At the Christmas market, only buy food you know you’ll eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEthical Consumption<\/strong>: At the Christmas markets, look for stalls selling local artisan products, which not only support the local economy but also reduce the environmental impact of transportation. The handcrafted olive wood items or the Provencal fabrics are just a couple of examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSustainable Diets<\/strong>: Opt for local, seasonal produce with a lower carbon footprint. The Christmas market is the perfect place to sample delicacies local to Nice, France, many of which are based on locally grown ingredients. The Socca or the Barbagiuan are prime examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSustainable Transport<\/strong>: Nice is a walkable city, and the Christmas market in Old Nice is easily accessible on foot from many parts of the city. For longer distances, utilise Nice’s extensive public transportation system, which includes trams, buses, and shared bicycles. Not only is this an eco-friendly choice, but it also allows you to experience the city like a local.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you want to leave a Nice Xmas Market review, comment below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Nice, France. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Nice offers a blend of Mediterranean climate and French Riviera elegance, attracting tourists year-round. The Nice Christmas Market adds a festive touch to the city’s palm-lined streets and turquoise sea backdrop. In this article, I’ll provide details on 2024 dates, opening times, locations, and local specialties in the South of France. Christmas in Nice envelops…<\/p>\n
Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":13701,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nNice Christmas Market 2024: South of France Village de No\u00ebl<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n