Markets in Cannes

14 August 2017

Think Cannes shopping, and your mind will likely arrive you at the luxury retailers and fabled fashion houses that align La Croisette and Rue d'Antibes. But away from these swanky streets, a charming-come-cost-effective world of retail, gastronomy and objets d'art await in the regions amazing markets.

Forville Market

Open Daily – 7am until 1pm

Situated at the foot of Cannes’ historic Le Suquet, Forville is revered as one of the biggest and best markets in the whole of Provence. After a quick meander through the pedestrianised zone, amid the marchés’ numbering stalls, it’s easy to see why.

Above all, food abounds at this culinary institution of Cannes; and market traders (many of whom have worked at Forville for decades) have no qualms in singing aloud the virtues of their bounty - not that you will understand them.

Instead, you will have to trust your senses - as smells of France’s southernmost region are afforded by the sea of stalls, selling everything from freshly caught seafood to fragrant cheeses; to sweeter smelling offerings of honey, verbena, and aniseed biscuits. Pictures of Provence are catered for by the kaleidoscope of seasonal fruit and vegetables, which are embellished further by beautiful displays of flowers, namely grown in the nearby region of Antibes.

Forville also houses a generous selection of wine and champagne outlets, where you can embrace the regions vinos in the accompaniment of briny oysters or slow cured charcuterie. Beyond the market, a bounty of bistros and bars are situated nearby; though a favourite pastime of locals and tourists alike is to stock up at the market, before retreating to Quai Saint-Pierre for an al fresco picnic looking out to the moored yachts and azure expanse of sea.

It is also worth noting that on any Monday, none of the above will apply; as Forville Market is instead transformed into a Marché Brocante (Flea Market). Here, you will find no end of antiques and bric-a-brac curiosities, which is certainly worth a few hours of rummaging to see what treasures you unearth!

Gambetta Market

Open Daily – 7am until 1pm

From the railway station, head east along rue Jean Jaures for a couple of blocks and you will eventually arrive at Place Gambetta. Here, an undercover market stocking an eclectic array of clothes, jewellery, curiosities, and of course culinary delights, await your discovery.

If you’re on the prowl for some wearable bargains, you’re in the right place. On any given day, fashionistas can be seen scouring the sundry stalls; many of which are chockfull with fine clothing from lovingly handmade attire, to vintage designer goods. However, leather goods in particular provide for bargains in abundance, as stacks of quality Italian leather shoes, belts, handbags (and occasionally trousers) fill the square, with pleasing price tags to boot.

Too, if you’re in the market for something sparkly, look no further than Marché Gambetta! From custom made brooches, to antique earrings, and necklaces of all shapes and sizes - you are assured to find some jewellery that wouldn’t look out of place on the red carpet of the prestigious Palais des Festivals (for a fraction of the price).

For less wearable snips, Gambetta Market is something of a haven for hoarders; with all manner of miniatures, trinkets, and impressive vinyl displays joining the collections of clothes. Once you’ve acquired a shopping induced hunger, frequent some of the fast food stalls selling local delicacies like socca - a delicious chickpea pancake. Alternatively, the adjacent pedestrianised rue Hoche also houses a generous range of bistros and bars.

Les Nocturnes du Quai Saint-Pierre Market

Every Thursday in July and August – 7pm until Midnight

For night owls, nothing beats the bustling evening market at Quai Saint-Pierre. Here, stalls are accompanied by stunning sceneries; as the milieu of moored yachts and the twinkling harbour, cater for archetypal views of the French Riviera at twilight.

If you’re yet to grab a souvenir for those back home, look no further than Quai Saint-Pierre. In particular, artisans flourish at this touristy market; and a stroll among the beautifully arranged stalls will acquaint you with a deluge of lovingly handcrafted curiosities - spanning jewellery, toys, trinkets, hats, and delicious local delicacies.

For more substantial keepsakes of your stay, this beauty spot also converts into something of a hangout for local artists; as they descend on the harbour to unveil their paintings - often depicting picturesque panoramas of the Cote d’Azur. Buskers and performers are also plentiful at quayside, supplying an eclectic mix of mellow and upbeat musical backdrops, to complement the already affable atmosphere of the marché.

After you’ve had your fill of the Quai Saint-Pierre Market, the harbour is one of Cannes’ choicest locales for a spot of wining and dining. While here, it would be scandalous not to indulge in some freshly caught seafood - subtly seasoned and served straight from the grill - accompanied by a crisp white, or of course, a famous Provence Rosé.

These markets are just a taste of the countless events taking place across Cannes this summer, all of which can be enjoyed when on a stay at charming Amarante Cannes. Check our Latest News page to see what’s in the pipeline, and don’t forget to have a browse at our Offers & Packages for a selection of money saving specials.

'Marché Forville Produce' © Bex Walton | CC License