The Saint Bartholomew Fair awaits visitors this Saturday, September 22nd, from 10 AM to 7 PM, at the Palais de Justice and Pierre Gautier squares. It is said about this celebration: “Summer takes its bow, autumn replaces it and offers us its fiery colors.”
From the Middle Ages to the present day, festivals, markets, and fairs have continued to mark the rhythm of life in our countryside and some of our cities.
As places of exchange and encounters par excellence, they were for centuries the only means for products to circulate between towns and countryside.
While markets create activity, fairs create events: some are general, others specialize in livestock, vegetables, fruits… Nice celebrated Saint Bartholomew (patron of butchers, tanners, and bookbinders) from August 24th to September 2nd. In 1913, this fair was still taking place near the great stone wall of the bastion that the tram excavations have brought back to light.
But once again, the Saint Bartholomew Fair is experiencing a renewed interest, a sort of renaissance. Celebrated on September 22nd, it contributes to the liveliness of the old town through its squares where crafts and expertise are honored.
A visit to the old town, through its narrow streets, still bears witness to the commercial activity that prevailed there since the Middle Ages and which continued until the 1970s. From the 16th century, we will remember the “Halle aux Herbes” square, a large vegetable market that was held there until the 19th century. From 1860, it was relocated to the Cours Saleya where it still stands. Initially established at “the Marina” near the shore, the fish market is nowadays on Place Saint François near the old Communal Palace.
*Niçoise buffet*
On this occasion, locals and tourists can discover the products of the County (oil, olives, honey…) as well as the productions of our cross-border friends. They can also taste local specialties such as “socca”, “pissaladière” or “pan bagnat”, all accompanied by the famous Bellet wine, cultivated on the hillsides above the Magnan valley.
