Chalair logo
Menu
BOOKING
MY TRAVELS
CHECK-IN CAR RENTAL
INFORMATION
CHARTER FLIGHTS
FR
BOOKING
Airline tickets Car rental Our destinations Our routes: the map Our partners
MY TRAVELS
My Chalair My booking Online check-in 48 hours before departure
INFORMATION
FAQ Luggage Info - Hazardous products Unaccompanied children - UM On-board service Travelling with pets Press releases Contact us
Home News 4 historic cafés in Old Nice where you can soak up the local atmosphere
Back
image article
Nice

4 historic cafés in Old Nice where you can soak up the local atmosphere

You explore Nice with your eyes, your legs… and very often with a cup in hand. In Old Nice, every square, every ochre-colored facade, every terrace seems to tell a piece of history. Between Cours Saleya, Place Rossetti, and Place du Palais de Justice, stopping for coffee isn’t just a break—it’s a way to immerse yourself in the city, feel its pulse, and slow down a little. Good news: some iconic spots let you combine culinary delights with historic charm. Here are 4 historic cafés to discover for a different take on Old Nice.
Published on April 27, 2026

1. Le Grand Café des Fleurs: The Spirit of Cours Saleya

Located at 13 Cours Saleya, theGrand Café des Fleurs is situated in one of the most iconic spots in Old Nice.Cours Saleya is known for itsflower and vegetablemarket, ranked among the most picturesque markets in France by the Metropolitan Tourist Office. In the evening, the atmosphere changes, but the charm remains intact:colorful facades, golden light, and terraces bustling with life.


The venue itself plays up its heritage. Several local publications describe the Grand Café des Fleurs as ahistoric landmark in Old Nice, relaunched in 2025 with a distinctly Riviera flair. As a result, people come here as much for the setting as for the feeling of treating themselves to a coffee in a setting that perfectly captures the essence of a postcard from Nice.

2. Le Café des Amis, for an up-close experience of Cours Saleya

Also located on Cours Saleya,Café des Amis boasts a prime central location, with a double terrace overlooking the historic boulevard. Its website describes it as a spot situated“right in the heart of Cours Saleya,” making itthe perfect place to relax andwatch the world go by in Nice.


What makes the experience so special is, above all, the setting. The Cours Saleya alone embodies much of Old Nice’s identity: the market, the Chapel of Mercy, the immediate proximity of the Opera House, and the ancient alleyways. In other words, here, having a coffee takes on analmost theatrical quality. You don’t just sit on the terrace: you settle into the heart of a living piece of heritage.

3. Bozzi, a stylish spot across from the Courthouse

Now let’s head to thePlace du Palais de Justice, another must-see in Old Nice. The official guide to Nice notes that the Palais de Justice was built between 1890 and 1892 in a neoclassical style featuring a colonnade and a grand staircase. It is precisely this setting that gives the square its unique, majestic, almost cinematic atmosphere.


On this square,Bozzi clearly emphasizes its local roots. The establishment bills itself as a brasserie located “in the heart of the old town,” with a terrace that adds to the charm of the place from morning to night, from morning coffee to dinner. For travelers who enjoyurban breaks in an authentic setting, this is probably one of the most beautiful stops in the area. Here, you don’t just visit the historic sites—you take them in from the comfort of your chair. And frankly, it’s a great way to sightsee without looking like you’re sightseeing.

4. Le Gaglio, a long-standing institution just outside the gates of Old Nice

OnPlace Saint-François,Le Gaglio is also worth a visit. Its website describes it as an institution: originally an iconic jewelry store in Nice, it later became a brasserie that sets the pace of life in the neighborhood on the edge of the Old Town. It is precisely this blend of commercial history and neighborhood life that makes it a noteworthy spot in a heritage selection.


Place Saint-François is itself part of the historic tour of Old Nice. Theclock tower overlooks this bustling square, and the former City Hall, built in the Baroque style, was constructed here in the 16th century. Coffee takes on a whole new flavor here: that of a break amidst historic surroundings, where you can still feel theheart of Nice beating.

Why do these cafés capture the essence of Nice so well?

Old Nice is more than just aseries of charming narrow streets. It is a neighborhood where religious heritage, historic squares, markets, outdoor cafés, and Mediterranean hospitality come together. The city of Nice also highlights the importance of thesesocial gathering places in the city’s heritage identity, recognized by UNESCO since 2021 asa winter resort town on the Riviera.

Choosing a café in Old Nice isn’t just about finding a good spot. It’s about extending your exploration of the city through a simple, accessible, and deeply local experience:sitting down, watching, listening, tasting, and letting the old town do the rest. In Nice, even a coffee break can be quite the experience.

→ Book a flight to Nice here

For more information:


Image created with Grok