One month down and two to go until winter's end. Although the afternoons in California have been pleasant, the mornings have been as foggy as my head is when the alarm sounds. The morning drizzle and barren branches, along with the more treacherous tease of a short afternoon sun, have me in countdown mode. I'm already dreaming of sunny scenes, sandy shorelines, picnics in parks and trees full of foliage. With these thoughts, my mind floats to the Mediterrenean and last summer's trip to Nice. Photos of the Cours Saleya market reminded me of warmer times and vibrant scenes, both of food and flowers.
Flower Market of Cours Saley
Palais Cais de Pierla - Building Overlooking Cours Saleya and the Third Floor Apartment Once the Home of Matisse
The Cours Saleya, both a flower market and a food market every day but Monday, is on the street of the same name. South of the maze of streets in the old town, the market fills the center of the large space that is Cours Saleya. On offer is the usual street market fare of France, seasonal fruits, vegetables, cheese, bread, etc. Mediterrenean flavors and those from the South of France are also in abundance: socca (a chickpea flour pancake), marinated olives, candied fruits (fruits confit), marzipan, calissons, lavender, soaps, spices, herbs, and salts. Perfectly located among cafes, bistros and shops that line each side of the market, and only one street away is the beach and the beachside Promenade des Anglais.
After our day at the market, we opted for a picnic high above the town. The Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill) east of Cours Saleya, is at the eastern end of the Quai des Etats-Unis. You can climb the 213 steps or, for only a few euros, take the elevator. The castle on the hill was dismantled in 1706 under Louis XIV, and later became a park in the 19th century. Besides picnics and wandering through the park, you can check out the observation deck for sweeping views of the Bay of Angels and Old Nice to the west, and on the port to the east. You will also find a giant man-made waterfall, along with small ones throughout the park, and the former castle's ruins. It was an ideal spot to enjoy our market fare with belle views of the city below and nature around us.
View of the Bay of Angels from Castle Hill (Colline du Chateau)
Overlooking the Cours Saleya from Castle Hill (Colline du Chateau)
After lunch, a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and a few laps in the sea were definitely in order. You know we had to make room in our bellies for dinner!
Benches along the Promenade des Anglais
Market Days and Hours:
Flower Market - Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 6am to 5:30pm - Wednesday, Saturdays & Sunday: 6am to 1:30pm
Fruit and Vegetable Market - Every day but Monday: 6am to 1:30pm
Antiques Market - Mondays: 7:30am to 6pm (except for holidays or eves of holidays)
Related Posts:
Sunday at the Bastille Market in Paris
Favorite Parks in Paris to Picnic or People Watch
French Pastries and 10 Top Patisseries in Paris
Cooking Classes for the Culinary Traveler in Paris
The Dish from France: Viennoiserie
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Okay, I'm drooling.
Posted by: Paula | January 26, 2011 at 06:19 PM
Gorgeous Kathy and love, love the pictures!
Posted by: NapoliUnplugged | January 26, 2011 at 11:05 PM
Love the calissons!
Posted by: Market day canele | January 27, 2011 at 02:15 PM
That view of Baie des Anges took my breath away and now you've got me craving calisson! Great photos as always :)
Posted by: Corinne @ Degustinations | January 27, 2011 at 05:46 PM
You have some really great shots here Kathy ..& oh how I love the Cours Saleya market. Been known to wander back & forth, sometimes not even buying anything, but just marveling at the beauty of the flowers, *sigh*...
We took that same "hike", and you're right - what excellent views! Bon weekend to you :)
Posted by: Tuula | January 28, 2011 at 04:09 AM
What beautiful lavender and hydrangeas. I love the calissons.
Posted by: Esme | January 28, 2011 at 07:39 AM
like being back home...
Posted by: Suzi Mikaelian | January 28, 2011 at 02:11 PM
Thank you everyone for the great comments. I didn't realize calissons were such a popular treat. Hummm....could be a calisson post in the future :-)
Posted by: Kathy | January 31, 2011 at 11:29 AM