Socca – the soul of Nice

Golden and crisp, socca is the ultimate Riviera street food. Made from chickpea flour, water, and olive oil, then baked in a wood-fired oven until slightly blistered, this warm and savory flatbread is best eaten with your fingers, still warm from the pan. Find it at local markets or seaside stalls, especially in the Old Town of Nice.

Tip: Pair with a glass of chilled white or rosé, and enjoy it as the locals do—standing at a market stall, people-watching in the sun.

 

Salade Niçoise – simple perfection

Few dishes capture the Côte d’Azur’s sunny essence like a classic salade niçoise. A vibrant mix of tuna, anchovies, green beans, boiled eggs, tomatoes, olives, and sometimes potatoes—all drizzled with fruity olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Light, fresh, and unfussy—it’s the perfect lunch after a morning at the beach.

 

Bouillabaisse – a love letter to the sea

Though originally from Marseille, bouillabaisse is beloved all along the Riviera. A fragrant fish stew made with local rockfish, mussels, and other seafood, simmered in a saffron broth and served with garlicky rouille and crusty bread. Best enjoyed seaside, ideally with a sunset and a bottle of Bandol blanc.

 

Pissaladière – Provençal Comfort Food

Think of pissaladière as the Côte d’Azur’s answer to pizza—though richer, deeper, more rustic. A thick, bread-like crust topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and black olives. Salty, sweet, and utterly addictive. It’s often served at apéro hour, ideally with a pastis in hand and cicadas singing in the background.

 

Herbes de Provence – The Region in a Sprinkle

A signature of the region’s cuisine, Herbes de Provence—including thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil—find their way into almost every dish. Whether used to season grilled fish, roasted vegetables, or rustic stews, they bring the fragrance of the countryside right onto the plate.

 

Wines & Olive oil – liquid golds

The Côte d’Azur is as much a place for wine lovers as it is for beachgoers. From the iconic rosé wines of Côtes de Provence to characterful reds and elegant whites, the region’s vineyards offer something for every palate.

And then there’s the olive oil—green-gold, peppery, and essential. Often produced in small family-run domaines, it is a central part of every dish, every table, every kitchen.

 

Tarte Tropézienne – A Saint-Tropez Icon

Soft, buttery brioche filled with luscious vanilla pastry cream and topped with pearl sugar. The Tarte Tropézienne is the Riviera’s most indulgent dessert—made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the 1950s, and still a staple in patisseries across the coast. Best enjoyed slowly, with espresso and sunshine.

 

A region to taste, not just see

The Côte d’Azur is where flavors linger. Where lunch can last hours, and where a market visit feels like a cultural experience. Whether you're dining in Monaco, foraging at a Marché Provençal, or preparing a simple meal with local ingredients in your Nice2stay holiday home—you’re part of the rhythm of the Riviera.

Because here, food isn’t just food. It’s memory, culture, and connection.

 

Ready to taste the Côte d’Azur? Discover our handpicked collection of boutique hotels and holiday homes across the French Riviera—each with a kitchen to cook in, a terrace to toast on, and a view to remember.