The mythical Cours Saleya of Nice participates in the 7th edition of the most beautiful market in France competition.
The competition for the most beautiful market in France is back this year! Organized by TF1 since 2018, the competition aims to promote French terroir from all corners of France. Several hundred French markets are in the running. Among the selected is the legendary Cours Saleya of Nice, known for its diversity of local products and its friendly atmosphere, a symbol of the South.
Located between the Quai des États-Unis and Rue Saint-François de Paule (Old Nice), the market features over one hundred stalls. Here you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, plants, souvenir shops, and many other wonders. Basically, there is plenty to choose from. Such a diverse offer wouldn’t have been possible without the vendors. Every week, from Tuesday to Sunday, they uphold the reputation of this iconic place.
A source of pride for the people of Nice
You have until February 27, midnight, to vote and elect your favorite market in the department among the selection from Nice-Matin and TF1. To participate, click here. At the end of this first round, the winner will represent the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var in the regional competition on March 6th.
Meanwhile, the exhibitors are excited to compete with their neighboring rivals. Like Marie-Jeanne, a florist at the entrance of Cours Saleya. Her workplace exudes a fruity scent, pleasant in this season, attracting tourists and locals. They are welcomed with open arms by her colleagues. Faced with the news, Marie-Jeanne beams: “It’s a totally justified choice. It’s the Côte d’Azur, we have the sea right in front, there’s sunshine, breathtaking landscapes! It’s the reward for our work!”
A few meters away at the Terres de Feu stand, Madalena shares the same opinion: “It’s a great pride for the people of Nice. The Cours market is historic! It has existed for a very long time, and our products are locally made. It’s The place to be!”, she rejoices behind her artisanal souvenir items.
“Maintain this spirit of conviviality”
This market wasn’t chosen randomly for the competition. Its range of varied local products attracts people for its originality. Between soaps with the scents of the Côte d’Azur, stuffed cheeses, and Niçoise specialties, it’s hard to resist.
In the center of the aisle, on the fruits and vegetables side, it’s the corner for auction selling. Here, the greengrocers don’t hesitate to call out to passersby. Among them is Françoise with her beautiful stalls filled with fresh products. A vendor for 32 years, Françoise believes that “exhibitors must strive to make the market better in order to maintain this spirit of conviviality. It’s great that we are selected! But we need to participate more in the action because it’s the reflection of our image.”
Next to Françoise is Pia’s painting stand, another caller at the market. For her, the Cours ” truly embodies the charm of the old city of Nice. This place has a rich history that I have seen evolve over the years. It deserves its place in the ranking!”, explains the veteran painter of the area.
And the results?
At the end of the first departmental elections on March 6, 24 regional markets will compete until the end of April for the final. We’ll have to wait until June to find out the official ranking and which market will be elected the most beautiful in France.
