Nice isn’t just about the beaches and the Promenade des Anglais — it’s also a fantastic base for exploring some of the most engaging shopping and market experiences on the French Riviera. Whether you’re hunting for designer labels, fresh produce, or authentic local crafts, Nice’s diverse tours cater to every taste and budget. We’re particularly fond of the Italian Market Small Group Day Tour from Nice for its blend of scenic coastline, charming villages, and the chance to check off another country — Italy — from your list. Plus, the Food & Wine Lovers Tour of Nice Local Markets and Best Shops offers a delicious dive into regional specialties, perfect for foodies eager to taste and learn.
These tours offer more than just shopping; they provide a chance to experience local culture, scenic drives, and authentic flavors. Many include visits to vibrant markets, historic towns, and luxury boutiques, making Nice a prime spot for exploring French and Italian influences in one trip. Whether you prefer a full-day adventure crossing borders or a half-day tasting tour, there’s something that will fit your style.
What Types of Shopping & Market Tours Made the List?
We’ve curated a list of 13 top tours that cover a variety of interests: from border-crossing day trips into Italy, to local food and wine explorations, to private luxury shopping experiences. Some tours focus on gourmet tastings and regional specialties, like Food & Wine Lovers Tour, while others are all about sightseeing combined with shopping, like Private tour French Riviera Shopping & Lunch. Several options are perfect for those who want small-group intimacy, such as Italian Market Shopping Small Group Day Tour, ensuring personalized attention and insider tips.
Now, let’s explore each experience in detail so you can pick the best one for your trip.
1. Italian Market Shopping Small Group Day Tour from Nice
At number 1 on our list, this tour offers a perfect blend of scenic drives, market shopping, and charming Italian villages. For about $130, you’ll travel along the coast with a small group, limited to just eight people, ensuring a personalized experience. The tour includes visits to Bordighera, Sanremo, and Dolceacqua, with plenty of time to shop at Italian markets and explore local sights like the picturesque village of Dolceacqua. The highlight is crossing into Italy, checking off another country, and soaking in the beautiful Ligurian scenery. Reviewers love the guide Nora for her engaging stories, and many mention how the towns like San Remo and Dolceacqua have left lasting impressions. For travelers craving a full-day adventure across borders, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a small-group, hassle-free trip into Italy combined with shopping, sightseeing, and stunning coastal views.
2. Food & Wine Lovers Tour of Nice Local Markets and Best Shops
Sitting at number 2, this tour is perfect for foodies eager to sample the flavors of Nice and the surrounding region. For just under $98, you’ll visit the famous Cours Saleya market, alongside artisan shops, bakeries, and even a stop at Nice’s iconic opera house. Over approximately four hours, your guide, a fellow lover of good eats, will introduce you to 15+ local delicacies, including cheeses, wines, pastries, and meats. Guests rave about the personalized experience and the depth of culinary and cultural insights shared. The tour also offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere — perfect for those who want to eat, drink, and learn their way through Nice’s best.
Bottom Line: Best suited for culinary enthusiasts wanting an intimate tasting experience with expert local insights.
3. Wine Tasting, Provencal Market, Cannes and St Paul de Vence
At number 3, this full-day tour blends wine tasting, luxury shopping, and visits to stunning villages. For $164, you’ll explore Cannes, famed for its film festival, and the hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, loved by artists like Chagall. You’ll also visit the Provencal market in Antibes, where the local produce will tempt your senses. The tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive experience of the Côte d’Azur with a focus on culture and gastronomy. Reviewers appreciate the relaxed pace and engaging commentary, though some mention the wine aspect feels more like a history lesson than a dedicated tasting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to combine luxury sights, culinary exploration, and a taste of French Riviera glamour.
4. Italian Coast & Market: Full-Day Small Group Trip
Ranking at number 4, this tour offers a full day of exploring San Remo’s markets and the charming village of Dolceacqua. For around $123, you’ll enjoy a personalized small-group experience with visits to San Remo’s open-air market, the casino, and local sights. The highlight is crossing the border into Italy for shopping and sightseeing, making it ideal for travelers eager to experience both countries in one day. Reviewers mention the scenic drive, the informative guide, and lovely lunch in Dolceacqua as key highlights. The tour balances shopping, culture, and coastal scenery, making it a well-rounded choice.
Bottom Line: A great pick for those wanting a full-day border-crossing adventure with immersive market shopping and picturesque villages.
5. Italian Market and Dolceacqua full-day from Nice small-group Tour
This small-group tour at number 5 is just 7.5 hours long but packs a punch for lovers of authentic Italian markets. For $121, you’ll visit either Ventimiglia or San Remo, depending on the day, and then wander the streets of Dolceacqua. The reviews highlight the charming villages, local markets, and the personalized attention from guides like Thierry. Although the market in Dolceacqua is smaller, the tour’s strength lies in its intimate setting and the opportunity to pick up handmade leather goods and local cheeses.
Bottom Line: Excellent for small groups and those wanting to combine shopping with scenic village visits.
6. Private tour French Riviera Shopping & Lunch in St Paul de Vence
Number 6 is the only private tour, costing around $856 for up to 8 people. It’s tailored to your interests, with a luxurious vehicle and personalized service. This tour includes visits to Cannes, Polygone Riviera shopping center, and the medieval Saint Paul de Vence, where you can explore art galleries and dine in quaint restaurants. Reviewers love the flexibility and bespoke experience, especially those celebrating special occasions. It’s best suited for travelers who want exclusive service and a customized itinerary.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for luxury travelers or groups seeking privacy and tailored shopping and sightseeing.
7. French Riviera, Wine tasting, Provencal market, and Countryside
Ranking at number 7, this tour emphasizes regional wine, Côte d’Azur highlights, and local markets. For $165, you’ll explore Antibes, Cannes, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, with stops for wine tasting and strolling in luxury boutiques. Reviewers note the engaging guide and the scenic drives, although some felt the wine tasting was somewhat brief. It’s perfect if you want a balanced day of culinary delights and sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Suitable for wine lovers who want a full-day tour combining culinary and cultural experiences.
8. Nice: Italian Market, Eze, and Turbie Tour
At number 8, this 10-hour tour offers a comprehensive view of the Riviera, starting with Italy’s vibrant markets, visiting the perfume town of Eze, and ending at Turbie for panoramic views of Monaco. The tour features leather shopping and medieval village explorations. Reviewers appreciate the full-day coverage and the insider tips, though some mention the long duration. It’s suited for travelers wanting a diverse experience in one day with a focus on shopping and scenic views.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a longer, full-day immersive experience with a mix of shopping, culture, and panoramic sights.
9. From Nice: Full-Day Italian Market, Menton, & La Turbie Tour
Number 9 offers a balanced day exploring Italy, the French Pearl of Menton, and stunning views over Monaco from La Turbie. At roughly $156, this tour suits travelers eager for diverse scenery and regional flavors. The itinerary includes market browsing in Italy, Menton’s old town, and photo stops at La Turbie. Reviewers mention the scenic drives and mild pace, making it great for those who prefer relaxed exploration.
Bottom Line: Ideal for view-seekers and culture connoisseurs wanting a comprehensive day.
10. Italian Market, Menton, Turbie – Shared & Guided Tour from Nice
Number 10 is a shared small-group tour focusing on border-crossing and market adventures. For $184, you’ll visit San Remo’s markets, explore Menton’s old town, and enjoy a photo stop at La Turbie. Reviewers highlight the informative guide, and many appreciate the flexibility. It’s perfect for travelers who want a full, culturally rich day with personalized insights.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for independent explorers who enjoy small-group camaraderie.
11. From Nice Italian Market San Remo, Menton & La Turbie
At number 11, this tour emphasizes shopping in Italy, Menton’s old town, and a scenic viewpoint. Costing about $160, it provides a relaxed pace and focus on local markets and scenic views. Reviewers mention the informative guide and the opportunity to explore at your own pace.
Bottom Line: Suited for those who want a flexible, scenic, cultural day with plenty of shopping.
12. Italian Market and Menton
Ranking at number 12, this luxury-focused private tour covers Sanremo’s market and Menton’s charming streets. For around $520, it’s best for small groups or couples seeking high-end comfort. Reviewers note excellent guides and careful planning, though it’s more expensive than others. This is ideal if personalized attention is a priority.
Bottom Line: Tailored for luxury travelers who want an exclusive, curated experience.
13. Italian Market San Remo, Menton & La Turbie
The last spot is reserved for a more budget-friendly option with less detailed reviews but still offering market visits and scenic stops. It’s great for independent day-trippers comfortable with a longer, self-guided feel.
Bottom Line: Suitable for adventurers looking for affordable, flexible exploration, especially if you’re comfortable with a more DIY approach.
How to Choose Your Perfect Shopping & Market Tour
When selecting your experience, consider your budget, interests, and time constraints. For example, if crossing into Italy to shop at Bordighera and Sanremo sounds appealing, the Italian Market Small Group Day Tour is a top pick. Love local tastings? The Food & Wine Lovers Tour offers a flavorful bite of Nice’s culinary scene. For private luxury experiences, the Private Tour French Riviera Shopping & Lunch provides exclusivity and flexibility.
If your goal is to cover multiple highlights like Cannes, St Paul de Vence, and Antibes, then tours like Wine Tasting, Provencal Market, Cannes and St Paul de Vence can maximize your day.
Final Thoughts
Nice offers an impressive array of shopping and market tours tailored to every traveler. From border-crossing cuisine and artisan markets, to luxury shopping and cultural excursions, there’s a perfect fit for your style and interests. Two standout options are the Italian Market Small Group Day Tour for its scenic coast and small group intimacy, and the Food & Wine Tour for its insider tastings and local flavor.
As with any popular experience, booking early is wise, especially during peak season. Think about what you most want to experience — a relaxing shopping day, a culinary adventure, or an exclusive private tour — and choose accordingly. Whatever you pick, these tours will deepen your appreciation of Nice’s vibrant culture and French Riviera’s diverse charms. Happy exploring!
