Libération station market

Exploring the local markets in Nice has been one of the highlights of our time here! There are specific spots throughout the city set up for daily markets, and let me tell you, we are hooked. These markets are where locals get their groceries and seafood, and they feel worlds away from the markets we’re used to back in America.

One of our favorite spots so far has been the market at the Liberation tram stop, thus known as the Libération market. It’s at this bustling intersection with the train station just a block away, Tram Line 1 zooming by, La Gare du Sud looming nearby (more on that later!), and several bus lines converging. But the real star of this area is the massive open-air market—it’s the kind of place you imagine when you think of a traditional European market. Pedestrian streets filled with stall after stall, all selling the freshest vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat. No clothes, no knick-knacks, and no trendy cafés trying to sell you pre-made sandwiches—just pure, local food!

What really surprised us was the pricing. Back home in America, farmers' markets can sometimes feel more like luxury shopping with their inflated prices for organic or specialty produce. But here? Everything is so reasonably priced! We’re talking fresher-than-fresh fruits and vegetables for a fraction of what we’d expect to pay. No “organic” labeling craze, no overpriced “artisanal” branding—just good, honest food.

We couldn’t resist picking up some kaki (persimmons) while wandering through the stalls. And let me just say—they were delicious! Sweet, juicy, and a perfect snack to fuel our market adventures. Honestly, if we lived here, this would be our go-to market every single week. It’s open daily, except for Sundays and Mondays, from 8 a.m. until just after lunch, which is perfect for those who like to get their shopping done early and still have time to enjoy the rest of the day.

The energy of the market is contagious, too. It feels like everyone knows each other—people chatting, laughing, and haggling (just a little). It’s such a far cry from the more isolated, grab-and-go style of grocery shopping we’re used to. Living like a local is full of little adventures, and this market is definitely one of them!