Must-see shopping in Provence & the Côte d'Azur

  • La Maison du Pastis

    Marseille

    A bit touristy, perhaps, but if you’re keen to sample some of 75 different varieties of Provence’s favourite aperitif – the aniseed-flavoured firewater…

  • Savonnerie Rampal-Latour

    Pays d’Aix

    Rampal-Latour's century-old factory recalls the time when soap-making was big business in Salon (now the real manufacturing is done elsewhere, on modern…

  • Poissonnerie du Port

    Bouches-du-Rhône

    In a prime position just back from the quai, Poissonerie du Port sells plats aux coquillages (shellfish platters), red mullet, racasse or whatever's been…

  • Compagnie de Provence

    Marseille

    For cosmetics and artisanal soap, au naturel or scented with olive oil, fig or wilder Provençal fragrances, hit this iconic savon de Marseille (Marseille…

  • Cité Marchande Docks de la Riviera

    Nice

    One of Nice's most traditional covered markets is this local-focused indoor affair in a brick building near the heart of Libération. Meat, fish, cheese,…

  • Navette des Accoules

    Marseille

    Baker José Orsoni specialises in making the city’s signature biscuits, the orange-perfumed navettes de Marseille, as well as macarons and canistrelli …

  • Distilleries et Domaines de Provence

    Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

    In business since 1898, this friendly distillery makes its own pastis and absinthe. Look for the sign marked ‘Espace Dégustation’ and the antique still…

  • Les Docks Village

    Marseille

    This vast mid-19th century complex of shipping warehouses, derelict by the 1990s, has been redeveloped and now includes shops, boutiques and galleries.

  • Marché des Capucins

    Marseille

    Located one block south of La Canebière, this multicultural market has around 30 stalls selling fruit, veggies, fish and dried goods.

  • Librairie Le Bleuet

    Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

    A lovely little bookshop just off the village square, with lots of Provençal books and postcards. It also host literary events.

  • Librairie de la Bourse

    Marseille

    A true trove of maps – whether it's local plans you need, or something more far-flung.

  • Le Dépôt

    St-Tropez

    Since 1999 this chic boutique has sold secondhand and vintage designer clothes and accessories.

  • Nice Étoile

    Nice

    This enormous shopping mall spans a city block and hosts the usual fashion franchises.