7 Best Food Tours in Nice France to Try (2024)
Known for its abundance of idyllic beaches and enviable balmy temperatures, Nice is a beloved destination that attracts over 5 million visitors a year. And while a beach day is always a must, the best way to intimately discover Nice is by going on a food tour! From visiting the bustling markets and indulging in regional specialties to learning about the city’s history from locals, there’s so much to taste. So, if you’re ready to sample all the culinary delights that the French Riviera has to offer, here are the 7 best food tours in Nice France worth checking out!
🇫🇷 Short on Time? Here’s the Best Food Tour in Nice France
Half-Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour With Dinner — On this walking food tour, you’ll stop at local shops, markets, and cafés and partake in 9+ food tastings. Then to finish the night off, you’ll enjoy a gourmet multi-course Niçoise dinner!
What Food Is Nice France Known For?
Before I explain the most worthwhile food tours in Nice, I want to talk about what food Nice is famous for. This way, you have an idea of what to look forward to trying and can better decide if one tour suits your preferences over another!
First, I’ll talk about Socca since it was the very first food item I tried when I first visited Nice — yay for core memories! 😅 Socca is the go-to street food item that can be found everywhere around the city. It’s essentially a crispy, flat pancake made with four simple ingredients: chickpea flour, salt, water, and olive oil (sometimes black pepper is added to taste). You might be thinking, “Uh, this doesn’t sound appetizing at all.” I urge you to try it at least once. They are super cheap (usually €1 – 2), and you can add various toppings for extra flavor!
While socca is good, perhaps the signature dish that Nice is most well-known for is Salade Niçoise. This traditional dish consists of mesclun (salad greens from the Provence region), tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, onion, olives, anchovies, tuna, and a fresh dressing. That said, it has evolved over the years and there are now many different versions of it… Either way, it’s the quintessential summer salad as it’s both light and filling, so you’ll want to make an effort to order one during your stay.
Other Nice France Food Specialties
Along with Socca and Salade Niçoise, there are so many other Nice France food specialties to know about — many of which you’ll have the opportunity to sample in the tours below. For example, there’s Pissaladière, which is a savory onion tart topped with olives and anchovies. It kinda looks like a pizza but a very flat pizza lol.
There’s also Pan Bagnat, which is a sandwich made with tuna, salad greens, and hard-boiled eggs… I like to think of it as Salade Niçoise in sandwich form. And then something called Les Petits Farcis. These are seasonal vegetables (like bell peppers or zucchini) that have been stuffed with a sausage and herb mixture, and they taste soooo good! You’ll normally see them being eaten around fall or winter, aka during the colder months.
Lastly, I’ll mention something you’ve probably heard of from our favorite Disney movie based out of Paris… Ratatouille! That’s right, the famous dish is from Nice, which means Remy the lovable rat probably trained in Nice before making his way up to Paris. 😉
And for those who are completely lost: 1. Please watch Ratatouille because it’s a masterpiece and 2. Ratatouille is an iconic French vegetable stew that is usually made with tomato, garlic, onion, zucchini, eggplant, different colored bell peppers, and some fresh greens!
7 Best Food Tours in Nice France (2024)
Alright, now that all the deliciousness of what awaits you in Nice is on your mind — oops… Here are the 7 best food tours in Nice France to consider taking if you’re a foodie looking to familiarize yourself with the city in the best way possible! 😌
🥖 PRO TIP: I know there’s never enough time in the day no matter how hard we may try. So, if you’re on a time crunch, click here to jump to my little handy recap table of the tours.
Nice Walking Food Tours
1. Half Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour With Dinner
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 110+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 4 hours
The Half Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour With Dinner includes:
- Discovering Nice’s vibrant Old Town during the evening
- Stopping at several artisan shops, markets, & cafés
- Enjoying 9+ food tastings, all from local producers
- Gourmet multi-course traditional Niçoise dinner
- Sampling French regional wines & coffee
- Small-group experience
🥖 Looking for an evening food tour that explores the heart of Nice? This is one of the highest-rated as well as most immersive food tours available in Nice, France! Over 4 hours, you’ll get to embark on a journey through the gastronomic delights that make Nice a renowned foodie destination and sample everything from sample regional wines and traditional Niçoise dishes to delicacies and sweet treats from local vendors and restaurants.
Plus, as you make your way through the city’s local hotspots, you’ll pass by some of Nice’s famous landmarks, such as Place Rossetti. So, if you want to discover Nice’s thriving food scene with a gourmet dinner to cap off the night, this is a dining experience well worth checking out!
“Ally our guide made this one of the best tours I have done. Very friendly and very knowledgable. Great wine and food tastings followed by a lovely meal.”
– Christopher H. (See More Reviews)
Nice Walking Food Tours
2. Nice Walking Food Tour With Local Specialties & Wine Tasting
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 440+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3 hours
The Nice Walking Food Tour With Local Specialties & Wine Tasting includes:
- Visiting a variety of local food shops, markets, & delicatessens in Old Nice
- Sampling 20+ items (regional specialties, olive oil, & Provençal wine)
- Gaining insight into the Italian influence on the area
- Exploring the famous Cours Saleya Flower Market
- Learning how to make authentic Niçoise salad
- Seeing the stunning views from Castle Hill
💐 Searching for the perfect morning food tour through Old Nice? This Nice food tour includes more than 20 food tastings from vendors at the bustling Cours Saleya flower market, specialty food shops, and the best delis in the city! During the 3-hour walking tour, some of the regional favorites you can look forward to trying include a pissaladière onion tart, a traditional Niçoise salad, locally produced cheeses, olive oil, beer, and a regional wine!
You’ll also learn how to prepare some of the items back home so your loved ones can experience the delicious flavors of the region! Thus, if you’re keen on starting your day in Nice in the most incredible way, this is a comprehensive food tour to consider!
“Marion opened our eyes to many great foods readily available in Nice and the market. She gave us so much historical information and context to enjoy local cheeses, meats, candies, chocolates, beer and wine. Highly recommend this tour in your first few days of your visit.”
– Lisa B. (See More Reviews)
Nice France Food Tours
3. No Diet Club – Unique Local Food in Nice
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 580+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3.5 hours
The No Diet Club – Unique Local Food in Nice includes:
- A multi-course lunch featuring all kinds of traditional Niçoise dishes
- Visiting the best local food spots rather than the tourist ones
- Understanding what makes Niçoise food so special
- Learning about the local culture and culinary scene
- Insider info on where else to eat during your stay
- NOTE: Vegetarians can take this tour! 😅
🍨 Ready to taste Nice’s most iconic flavors with passionate locals! This is the most popular food tour in Nice and the one I went with. During this 3.5-hour Nice food tour, you’ll visit several hand-picked eateries that are off the typical tourist path! Some of the beloved dishes you can look forward to indulging in include fresh socca, the crowd-favorite Pan Bagnat, petit farçis Niçois, and artisan macarons that feature natural flavors from surrounding regions.
And for any fellow ice cream connoisseurs, my favorite part is that you’ll also get to savor the best Italian ice cream! So if you’re keen on going on an affordable gastronomic adventure for lunch, this is the tour for you!
“Leo was a very good tour guide! Showed us all the good food spots, answered our questions and gave us a nice look around Nice. Highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to try authentic food from Nice!“
– Heather R. (See More Reviews)
Nice France Food Tours
4. Nice: Culture, Wine & Food – Old Town
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 – taken by 300+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 4 hours
The Nice: Culture, Wine & Food – Old Town includes:
- 10 stops at an assortment of vendors to discover the local specialties
- Trying olive oils, cheeses, wines, breads, pastries, & sweet treats
- Learning about the diverse culture and many traditions of Nice
- Strolling through the winding streets of Old Nice
- Ending with a traditional aperitif
This is another crowd-favorite out of all the Nice food tours. During the 4-hour tasting tour, you’ll wander through the colorful streets of Old Nice and the vibrant Cours Saleya market and sample all kinds of Niçoise specialties.
Additionally, as you stop by the various vendors and are introduced to the regional flavors and scents of local produce, you’ll not only learn about the history of Nice and how the area has been influenced by Italian culture but also be able to buy ingredients and goods to take back home. Then to ensure your Nice food tour ends on a high note, you’ll trek to the top of Castle Hill, where you’ll enjoy a quaint picnic with some of the best views of the seaside town!
“Carmela, our food guru guide, was amazing! Food tour is a must to do, when you want to understand the city. Especially city like Nice, where French and Italian cultures meet up at the beautiful coast. Cant recommend more! Definitely worth it”
– alla (See More Reviews)
nice france food tours
5. Old Nice Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 — 120+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3.5 hours
The Old Nice Food Tour includes:
- 5 food tasting stops in Nice’s historic Old Town that create one tasty lunch
- Learning about olive oil production & some olive oil tastings
- Tasting wine from Provence with cheeses & charcuterie
- Taste the local favorites: socca & pissaladière
- Ending with some sweets & gourmet ice cream
🚶♂️Looking for an intimate and easy-going foodie experience? Join this small-group walking food tour in Nice to experience its unique ambiance and culinary traditions. You’ll meet your friendly local guide in the heart of Nice and then travel on foot to 5 different local shops. At each stop, you’ll sample a traditional dish, such as socca, pissaladière, or locally produced olive oil.
And because the French love their wine, you’ll also get to sip some wine from Provence, accompanied by cheese and charcuterie! Finally, the tour will end with some locally produced sweets & gourmet ice cream!
“Super tour. Our guid Leo was very knowledgeable and easygoing. We sampled lots of local products incl. olives, truffles, cheese, vine, chocolate, ice cream and much more. We had a fabulous time. Very recommendable.”
– Marianne H. (See More Reviews)
Fancy a More Wine-Focused Tour?
It’s no secret that France is world-renowned for its prestigious wines. And when visiting Nice, Bordeaux, Champagne, Provence, or Lyon, the quintessential activity that any wine lover shouldn’t miss out on is immersing themselves in the incredible wine culture! So, for any wine aficionados, aspiring wine connoisseurs, or people simply looking to learn a bit more about French wine, here are 2 wine experiences from Nice worth checking out!
Nice Wine Tours
6. Wine Tasting: Tour de France
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 125+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 2 hours
The Wine Tasting: Tour de France includes:
- Sampling 7 – 8 fine wines, ranging from white and red to sparkling
- Discovering France’s many prolific wine regions & their history
- Learning about the wine-making process
- Small group wine-tasting experience
🍷 Looking to delve into France’s famed wine culture? This Nice wine tour is the perfect experience for anyone looking to learn about the nuances of French wine culture. Unlike most other wine tours in France, this one doesn’t focus on a single wine region but rather teaches you about the famous and lesser-known wine regions in France and what makes each one special.
As you taste each of these different wines, your local expert guide will walk you through the flavor notes, aromas, and background of each wine. So, if you’re looking for an affordable yet lovely wine experience in a cozy and intimate setting, this is a wonderful wine tour in Nice to consider!
“A really special and Unique experience! Julia was a wonderful Host and went above and beyond to make sure we had fun, we had delicious wine and a great atmosphere! Would highly recommend!”
– Emma R. (See More Reviews)
Nice Wine Tours
7. Provence Wine Small Group Day Tour from Nice
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 75+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
The Provence Wine Small Group Day Tour from Nice includes:
- Visiting up to 3 excellent wineries near the village of Les Arcs Sur Argens
- 10+ wine tastings, ranging from red, white, & rosés
- Enjoying a 2-course lunch in a beautiful garden
- Passionate & engaging guide
- Round-trip private transport
- Small group limited to 8
🍾 Want the ultimate wine-tasting experience during your stay in Nice? If yes, then consider doing a day trip to the famous Provence wine region. On this full-day, small-group tour, you’ll be transported to the picturesque Provence region of France, which is known for producing the best rosés and is about an hour away from Nice.
Once there, you’ll tour up to 3 top wineries in the area, learn everything about the region and wine-making process, and, of course, taste a wide array of wines! Plus, since France’s gastronomic scene is equally important, you’ll indulge in a multi-course meal accompanied by exquisite wines! So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable, in-depth wine tour while in Nice, this is the one to do!
“Absolutely wonderful tour! We learned so much about Provence wine and had an amazing time. Cedric was an incredible tour guide and he was so incredibly knowledgeable. The lunch was one of the best news we had on our trip! While we initially thought this tour was a bit pricier than others, the experience was worth every cent and I would absolutely do it again.”
– Tour Guest (See More Reviews)
Nice Food Tours Comparison
Does your brain hurt? Mine does 🥲. In case you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the choices and can’t remember the differences, here’s my handy table that summarizes the highlights of the best Nice food tours!
📱 PRO TIP: Reading on your phone? Try turning your mobile device sideways so the information reads across the long way. This should help improve readability! 🙂
| Tour Name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Afternoon Walking Food Tour With Dinner | 4 hrs | > 9+ food tastings from local vendors > Indulge in gourmet, traditional Niçoise dinner > Evening walking tour through Old Town |
| Local Specialties & Wine Tasting | 3 hrs | > Sample 20 regional favorites > Learn how to incorporate the food and flavors into your cooking back home > Explore Cours Saleya market & Castle Hill |
| No Diet Club Food Tour | 3.5 hrs | > Travel off the touristy path with expert locals > Lunch featuring several traditional Niçoise dishes, such as Socca, Pan Bagnat, & Macarons! |
| Nice: Culture, Wine & Food – Old Town | 4 hrs | > 10+ stops to try local Niçoise specialties > Learn the history of the area & Italian influence > Ends with a picnic at the top of Castle Hill |
| Old Nice Food Tour | 3.5 hrs | > 5 food tastings (socca, pissaladière, chees) > Learning the production process for olive oil > Gourmet ice cream & treats at the end |
| Wine Tasting: Tour de France | 2 hrs | > Try 7 – 8 wines, including, red, white & sparkling > Discover France’s many diverse wine regions > Learn about the unique wine-making processes |
| Provence Wine Small Group Day Tour from Nice | 8 hrs | > Visit 3 top wineries & sample 10+ wines! > Feast on a delicious 2-course lunch > Personalized experience with up to 8 guests |
How Much Do Nice Food Tours Cost?
Food tours in Nice, France range from $71 to $135 or €65 – €123 depending on the tour you choose. That said, the final tour I listed above costs about $330 USD (~€300). I know this seems super expensive, and you’d be right — it is. But, unlike the other tours I’ve included, this tour doesn’t take place in Nice. Instead, you’ll take private transport to Provence, and embark on the ultimate wine-tasting experience! So, it makes sense that this costs more since gas has to be factored in and you’ll have a more immersive experience that’s wine-focused.
And as we all know — wine isn’t exactly cheap, but that’s France in a nutshell. C’est la vie and sometimes you gotta feed your soul even if your bank account cries a little. That’s what I tell myself and how I justify always going on tours if you couldn’t tell. 😂
Is a Food Tour in Nice Worth It?
Considering you’re reading this post about Nice food tours, my biased opinion is a resounding yes! In the beginning, I said that you can find socca everywhere. Let me follow up by saying not all socca is created equally. I visited 3 or 4 socca places before I found the BEST socca.
With a food tour, you are directly given insider knowledge about the best places to eat Niçoise specialties and drink regional wines! So, you’re technically saving money in the long run by not having to trial and error different places. Instead, you get to skip to the good part where you eat the best food the city has to offer and can use that knowledge for planning the rest of your stay!
Furthermore, a tour allows you to genuinely see Nice. I mean, you’re exploring the city with someone who knows the area like the back of their hand. When I was an extra-broke college student, I didn’t take tours and mostly stuck to the uber-touristy places. As a result, I felt like I didn’t learn about the culture. But with a guide, you gain this personal insight and can form real connections with the locals!
Similarly, these tours allow you to form connections with other tourists who have similar interests. One of the reasons why travel is so amazing is that you can make connections with people all across the globe. So, for me, these tours are not just about learning the local culture but also opening yourself up to opportunities to meet people with similar interests as you!
Where to Stay in Nice
Looking for housing accommodations in Nice? Here are some places I recommend checking out.
Low-Cost Stays
- The Deck Hotel by Happy Culture — Fun 4-star hotel near the beach | ⭐️ 9 / 10
- Hotel de France — Highly rated, affordable bohemian-style 3-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
Mid-Range Stays
- La Pérouse — Stunning 4-star waterfront hotel with pool | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
- Hotel Nice Côte D’Azur — Centrally located 4-star hotel w/ terraces | ⭐️ 9 / 10
Luxury Stays
- Hotel Palais Saleya — Great 4-star hotel near Castle Hill | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
- Le Negresco — Famous 5-star hotel on Promenade des Anglais | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
If you prefer, you can search for other housing options using the buttons below 🙂
Or, feel free to use the interactive map below to search for housing across different platforms. You can drag around on the map and enter your specific travel details for even more accurate information!
Food Tours Nice: FAQ
The best food tours in Nice for groups would be the Afternoon Walking Food Tour With Dinner, the Local Specialties & Wine Tasting Tour, and the No Diet Club Food Tour! Each of these tours can accommodate 10+ people, so they’re great if you’re traveling with lots of friends or trying to meet others!
For those who want a more intimate experience, the Nice: Culture, Wine & Food – Old Town tour and Wine Tasting: Tour de France are good for avoiding crowds in Nice. Meanwhile, the Provence Wine Small Group Day Tour from Nice is the best option if you want to get outside of Nice!
Yes! The last two tours I mentioned are more wine-focused tours that are available in Nice France. That said, all the tours I’ve mentioned include at least one wine tasting.
I’m super biased because Nice is my favorite city in France, but I genuinely think 95% of people would love Nice. It has a prime location, is not too expensive, has year-round weather that’s almost as good as San Diego, and offers tons of different things to do!
Some of the best things to do in Nice include buying fresh goods from Liberation Market, visiting Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice, and of course, spending time at the beach! But if you want to get out of the city, I recommend visiting the other jewel of the French Riviera, Monaco! It’s a very feasible excursion to do in a single day. You can even sail to the tiny country from Nice if you want to. And for a longer glimpse into the lifestyle of the hyper-rich, consider staying there for a night or two! Monaco is more affordable than you would think.
Wrap-Up: 7 Best Food Tours in Nice France (2024)
Nice has a vibrant gastronomic culture well worth exploring during your vacation in the city! And, to maximize your limited time, I highly recommend going on one of the many Nice food tours with an expert local foodie to discover the city’s culinary heritage, explore its unique flavors, and learn all about local ingredients that go into making these beloved Niçoise dishes! So, if you’re craving (pun intended!) an authentic way to immerse yourself in the city’s flourishing food and wine culture, check out one of these amazing Nice food tours!
Foray Into France
- 🌸 Paris: Need a break from the craziness of Paris? Escape to the French countryside and see where Monet spent the last 40 years of his life & his beautiful estate!
- 🏰 Toulouse: Wondering whether or not to visit Toulouse? Here’s what to know about the capital of the French Occitanie region and some fun activities you can do during your visit.
- 🏄♀️ Biarritz: Ready to discover France’s West Coast? Don’t skip out on visiting Biarritz, a charming seaside town with a thriving surf culture and affordable activities to do!
