Having the opportunity to enjoy a little sun in the Côte d’Azur is quite fabulous, but finding some great traditional flea markets in the streets of Nice vieille, well, that is even better. As I am a rather keen vintage shopper, I searched the web for some hot addresses before leaving ( www.vide-greniers.org is a wonderful source of tips and locations) and I discovered that there are vintage boutiques all over town. This allowed me not only to enjoy some shopping à la récherche of cool boho outfits and furniture pieces, but also to visit the city and explore its narrow streets filled with perfumes of spices. Here are a few tips from my recent three-day trip to the sun-filled city of Nice…

The first thing I did as soon as I arrived was to take a little walk along the Promenade des Anglais and had a quick, but tasty bite at the Lou Pilha Leva (10-13, Rue Collet 06300)–you absolutely have to taste their pizza à la diere, with onions and olives…d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s!I then entered the ancient city centre and enjoyed the enormous Marché aux Fleurs in Cours Saleya, where you can purchase flowers of any kind and color; lemon and orange plants and even some palm trees (for those who own mansions by the seaside, I suppose.)

Afterwards, as I strolled around (and almost got terribly lost), I discovered a little marché aux puces in Place Rossetti, filled with ancient books, postcards and vintage ads and affiches – I picked one up from an old French facial soap, in blue and pink.

When I arrived in Place Massena, I bumped into Jaume Plensa’s light sculptures and into the Gallerie LaFayette building (which I also had a little tour in), and then found another little flea market in the railway station area, filled with stands selling vintage clothes: exactly what I had been looking forward to since my arrival.

When I arrived in Place Massena, I bumped into Jaume Plensa’s light sculptures and into the Gallerie LaFayette building (which I also had a little tour in), and then found another little flea market in the railway station area, filled with stands selling vintage clothes: exactly what I had been looking forward to since my arrival.

And so, I picked up two dotted chemises for 6 euros, a Gap vintage denim dress, a Longchamp pink tote and a silk green skirt.

It’s easy to enjoy your vacation when the sun is shining, the place is beautiful, the food is tasty and you are carrying bags filled with gorgeous vintage and funky clothes.

Am I right or not?

Image © Jpmiss

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