You may think the South of France is all glitzy boutiques and shiny designer goods.
And sure, if that’s what you’re looking for, you won’t leave unsatisfied – or without a high credit card bill either. Look beyond the big names and luxury flagships, however, and you’ll find a region rich in independent brands, antique dealers, local artisans, and food markets. The trick is knowing where to look.
So, we went to the person any and all Elite Travelers first call on for help: the concierges. We asked the experts from our favorite South of France hotels for their best addresses and the items they suggest you shouldn’t go home without.
Related article: The Best Hotels in the South of France
The best shopping in St Tropez
St Tropez has its own particular version of Riviera style – relaxed, summery and closely tied to its history as a playground for artists and the laid-back fashion set. It is the place to look for resortwear, fine jewelry, woven accessories and pieces for the home, alongside the international luxury names around the port and old town.
Hotel Byblos’ head concierge and Les Clefs d’Or member Giuseppe Pochintesta recommends heading to Agnona, the Italian maison known for its fine fabrics and understated luxury. “It is a beautiful address for those looking for exceptional craftsmanship and timeless pieces, with collections spanning fashion, accessories and homeware,” he says.
For something with a stronger connection to Saint-Tropez itself, Pochintesta suggests Galeries Tropéziennes on Rue Gambetta. “Founded in 1903, it is one of the historic institutions of St Tropez and offers a lovely selection of fashion, accessories, homeware and lifestyle pieces.”
For jewelry, Pochintesta recommends Francesca Donà, whose boutique is in the historic La Ponche district. “Her jewelry combines artistic vision with traditional craftsmanship, and each piece is handcrafted using exceptional diamonds, pearls and precious stones,” he explains.
And for the home, Pochintesta points to Marinette, another St Tropez institution. “It began on the St Tropez market in 1963 and has grown into a beautiful expression of the Mediterranean art of living, with home décor, textiles, tableware, and decorative accessories,” he adds.
The best shopping in Nice
Nice is more polished but also more tourist-facing than many of the smaller towns along the Côte d’Azur. Yet venture beyond the main shopping streets and the city’s independent side comes into view. The Old Town and Port are particularly good for French design, antiques, art, and objects with a stronger connection to the region.
“For a more authentic shopping experience in Nice, I would recommend discovering a few independent addresses where visitors can find unique pieces with a genuine connection to the region,” says Nicolas Amelot, chef concierge (and a member of Les Clefs d’Or) at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. Among Amelot’s recommendations is ICI Concept Store on Rue Tonduti de l’Escarène, which offers “a contemporary selection of local and French designers, fragrances, and homeware.”
Amelot also suggests browsing Village Ségurane, near the port, a lesser-known area bringing together 36 antique dealers, second-hand shops, and art galleries. “I would recommend simply wandering through the area and looking for a unique piece of art, ceramics, and vintage furniture.”
For a market worth seeking out, Cours Saleya is Nice’s essential stop, with flowers and food sold Tuesday through Sunday. On Mondays, the market becomes a brocante and antiques market, making it the better day to visit for collectors.
The best shopping in Antibes
Antibes has long attracted artists and collectors, and its shopping scene reflects that heritage. The historic center is particularly strong for art, antiques, and decorative pieces, with galleries and dealers tucked into its narrow streets.
The Marché Provençal is worth visiting for regional produce, cheeses, spices, and other local specialties, while the surrounding old town offers opportunities to browse galleries and antique shops. The afternoon artisan market, held seasonally at the same location, brings together painters, sculptors, ceramists, and other local artists.
The best shopping in Monaco
In Monaco, head straight to Carré d’Or, Place du Casino, and One Monte-Carlo for international fashion and jewelry houses, or to Boulevard des Moulins for a broader mix of boutiques.
But for something less expected, Amelot recommends Sapjo on Avenue Saint-Michel, as one of the Principality’s best addresses for picking up antique jewelry or small decorative pieces. There is also Le Dressing Monaco, with locations on Rue Princesse Florestine and Rue des Orangers, which Amelot recommends for those looking for a vintage handbag, scarf, or designer accessory.
In Monaco-Ville, Amelot suggests Les Boutiques du Rocher, where visitors can look for “handmade jewelry, textiles, or a small made-in-Monaco gift.”
The best shopping in Provence and Aix-en-Provence
Provence is the place to look for the region’s most enduring traditions, from ceramics and linens to lavender, soaps, olive oil, honey, and wine. In Aix-en-Provence, the streets around Cours Mirabeau and the old town combine independent boutiques with galleries and Provençal food shops, while the city’s markets offer a particularly good introduction to local produce and crafts. The textile and craft brocante (flea market) is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
But it’s within the tiny towns and small villages you’ll find a more concentrated expression of Provençal living. As the concierge of Château de Berne explains, it’s through exploring the independent addresses in towns like Lorgues that you’ll find “embody craftsmanship and the Provençal spirit.” These include Le Grillon, a convivial restaurant, bar, and café; La Fromagerie, an exceptional cheese boutique offering local, artisanal, and farm-fresh products; Le Petit Glacier, an authentic ice cream boutique; and Le Caviste & Co, which extends the estate’s wine universe into the village.
The (somewhat biased) concierge can’t help but recommend the “gorgeous store that [sits] right outside the Château gates,” which sells everything from wine to tableware, to wine accessories, to candles, home décor and produce from the chateau’s estate.
The best shopping in Cannes
If wicker baskets and farmer markets aren’t quite your vibe, then Cannes is where the South of France leans fully into true Riviera glamour. La Croisette and Rue d’Antibes are the places to go for international fashion houses, jewelry, and beauty, while the Carré d’Or concentrates some of the city’s most prestigious boutiques.
For a change of pace, head towards Le Suquet and the Old Port, where smaller independent stores offer an alternative to the major maisons. And even in this glamorous city, there’s still a chance to pick up Provençal produce, flowers, cheeses, and Mediterranean specialties at Marché Forville.
