Italy Street Market!
It was a scorching Friday morning when I arrived at the majestic train station in Nice (designed in the 1800s in the majestic Louis XIII style).
The platform was already packed, and I ended up having to squeeze in and remained slammed up against a mob of other tourists and locals with every square inch of standing room taken up as we headed east on the train to Monaco and beyond.
From time to time, through a crack in all this humanity, I would catch a satisfying glint off the sparkling turquoise water of the Mediterranean as our coach raced along the coast.
Italy Street Market on the Italian/French border
Barely an hour later thankfully, the train ended its route just seven kilometres on the other side of the French-Italian border in the town of Ventimiglia, or in French — Vintimille –– which for some reason people pronounce with an Italian accent — Vinti-mille. Cup your right hand and wave it around as you say it and you got it!
However, this is not Florence, Venice or Rome my friends!
The ancient medieval city centre of Vintimille is picturesque perched on a hill but much of the architecture right outside the train station, looks a bit rough and tumble and definitely could use a new coat of paint.
Just south of the train station in Ventimiglia!
However, the reason I and so many people are here on a Friday morning is because of the popular weekly street market — a market which is expansive, and I mean huge!
Italy Street Market/View of the old town!
In fact, it is the largest market in Italy and is considered an institution among Italians.
I needed fortification before venturing into the crowded fray so I stopped for a cappuccino — and if you could have seen my face with that first sip.
Does anyone make coffee like the Italians?
Shopping at the Ventimiglia Market
Need a belt?
Italy Street Market/You have to wade through this mountain of belts to find what you want!
Italy Street Market/A little more upscale!
I must have seen at least five stalls in the first five minutes where you could buy a belt in every colour imaginable customized on the spot to your size.
Handbags. Ok, they are fake but good fakes and I found it hard to tell the difference with some of them.
Italian Street Market/The handbags were really beautiful!
Designer clothes. The real deal.
Cashmere sweaters, leather coats, hats and scarves.
Lamps, furniture, nick racks and on and on.
Italy Street Market/Lots of Artisan wares!
Italy Street Market/Designer Suits in every colour
Another good reason to go is the small restaurants, trattorias and bars which are located along the promenade along the waterfront.
I took a break to enjoy a delicious seafood salad. A lady at a neighbouring table ordered a charcuterie board and gasped when she saw the size of it, but somehow she managed. No judgement from me. I would have done the same.
Making my way back towards the train station, I enjoyed a moment of peace walking through Giardini Park, a tiny oasis of tranquillity among all the mass consumerism.
And I was super happy to get a seat on the train on my way home, weary despite not having opened my wallet to buy a single thing.
This trip was my reconnaissance mission to check things and go back another time with a shopping list.
If you go: Go earlier in the morning than I did. No later than about 9 am and you will likely get a seat! And then come back before rush hour! But it is an easy day trip from Nice.
Italy Street Market/Giardini Park
Do you have a street market near you or somewhere around the world that you love?
The Saleya Market in Nice, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and the Atwater Market in Montréal are three of my favourites!
Let us know by leaving your comments below where it says “Leave a Comment” or “Read the Comments.”
Italy Street Market/Belts — they are everywhere!
Nice is SO Nice!
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It is why I was so close to Italy to take this little trip to the market.
So much more to explore!
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Diana Bishop the founder of The Success Story Program and A Woman of a Certain Age in Paris as well as a well-known correspondent with over 25 years working for CTV, CBC News, and NBC News. She loves travel, writing, and all things Parisienne.
Thank you for taking us to the market.
I want a belt in every color and I normally don’t wear belts!
When I lived in Germany, we often used to go to the street market in Como, Italy. It was absolutely amazing, and I looked forward to it every time. It stretched for miles, and I don’t think there wasn’t anything you couldn’t get there. I used to love buying clothing, and any other knickknacks that were different and typically Italian.
Thanks for the reminder, Diana!
Hi Cheron, Thahk you so much for the comment! Lake Como eh? I would love even just to visit there.. on my list. Thanks for telling me about the market. I cannot wait to visit. Best to you! Diana
Thank you, Diana!
Lovely to hear back from you.
Happy travels.
That sounds like such a fun excursion (minus the packed train!). When I was in Nice many years ago, we took a day trip to Italy. It was one of the highlights of our trip. Just curious, I’m hearing a lot about bed bugs in Paris and France. Is that being overblown by the US media or is it a big problem?
Kelly! Great to hear from you. I would love to know where you went on your day trip to Italy from Nice?
Bed Bugs! Ugh. Well they are a problem in Paris, but they only breed in August and September generally. Paris has launched a concerted campaign to eradicate the problem in hotels, cinemas and the metro. But I would still check any clothes and mattresses when I stay there. And never ever put your suitcase, purse or clothing on the bed or floor.
PS I brought them home from Amsterdam in July and what a nuisance.
My 2 friends and I were students at Institut de Francais in Villefranche for a month. WE went to VM one Sunday morning. We had seats each way:) Beautiful views.
Loved the markets. We all came back laden as we had a shopping list:)
I love the market in Aix-en-Provence!
Yes, that is another place I want to explore more Mary Lois. I have been once and enjoyed the ambience of Aix. Not too far away from Nice to do a day or overnight trip. Great to hear from you!
Diana
All across Europe there are wonderful open air markets. The bartering is a way of life in Europe. I have been to several and enjoyed the sights sounds and selections at them all. Sarlat has a fun one and VM looks wonderful.
My brother just rented an apartment in the left bank over a book store. Looking forward to using it sometime next year and exploring more Paris markets. I asked at the time he took possession if there were bed bugs and he said he did the hair dryer test and it came up negative. Will ask what that test is. Apparently bed bugs are travelling to North America now too.
Diana – I love your snippets of French life. Keep on exploring.
I will be writing about your brother’s bookstore in an upcoming blog. And bed bugs — yes Ugh. So love hearing from you Pamela!
Diana
I ve been to a few notable street markets, and the most memorable was the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.! I so wanted to buy the one of the gorgeous glass tea sets! But contented myself with a few scarves, a little more packable! Aix was very interesting but couldn’t compare! All the small southern France town markets have their own uniqueness as well as repeated appearances of the same vendors who travel between them. I’d love to see your latest posted discovered one…… someday 🤞
I will do that Juliette! Diana