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Popular Desserts and Sweets in Nice

1. Tarte Tropézienne

What it is: A brioche cake filled with a rich cream made of custard and buttercream, topped with pearl sugar.
Cultural Significance: Although it originated in nearby Saint-Tropez, this dessert is beloved across the Côte d’Azur, including Nice. It was made famous by Brigitte Bardot during the filming of And God Created Woman in the 1950s.
Price Range: €3–€6 per slice; €15–€30 for a whole tart.
Where to Find It:
- Pâtisserie Lac (18 Rue Barla or 12 Avenue Félix Faure) – Known for their high-quality pastries.
- Maison Auer (7 Rue Saint-François de Paule) – A historic sweet shop in Nice.
Tips: Best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon.

2. Tourte de Blettes (Sweet Version)

What it is: A unique dessert made with Swiss chard (blettes), raisins, pine nuts, and a hint of sugar, all encased in a thin pastry crust.
Cultural Significance: This dessert reflects the resourcefulness of Niçois cuisine, where local ingredients are used creatively. It’s a must-try for those seeking an authentic taste of Nice.
Price Range: €2–€4 per slice.
Where to Find It:
- Lou Pilha Leva (10 Rue du Collet) – A casual spot in Old Nice offering traditional Niçois dishes.
- Chez Pipo (13 Rue Bavastro) – Known for its authentic Niçois specialties.
Tips: Don’t be put off by the idea of chard in a dessert—it’s surprisingly sweet and delicious!

3. Calissons

What it is: Diamond-shaped confections made from a paste of ground almonds, candied melon, and orange peel, topped with a thin layer of royal icing.
Cultural Significance: While calissons are more commonly associated with Aix-en-Provence, they are widely enjoyed in Nice as part of the broader Provençal dessert tradition.
Price Range: €10–€20 for a small box.
Where to Find It:
- Maison Auer (7 Rue Saint-François de Paule) – A historic confectionery shop that has been serving sweets since 1820.
- Confiserie Florian (14 Quai Papacino or Pont du Loup) – Famous for its artisanal sweets and calissons.
Tips: Calissons make excellent gifts for friends and family back home.

4. Ganses

What it is: A type of fried doughnut or fritter, lightly flavored with orange blossom water and dusted with powdered sugar.
Cultural Significance: Ganses are a traditional treat often enjoyed during Carnival in Nice, but they can also be found year-round in some bakeries.
Price Range: €1–€3 each.
Where to Find It:
- Local bakeries in Old Nice – Look for small, family-run boulangeries.
Tips: Best eaten fresh and warm, so try to find them early in the day.

5. Gelato and Sorbet

What it is: Italian-style ice cream and sorbet, often made with local fruits like lemons from Menton, figs, or lavender.
Cultural Significance: Nice’s proximity to Italy means that gelato is a popular dessert option, especially during the hot summer months.
Price Range: €2.50–€5 per scoop.
Where to Find It:
- Fenocchio (2 Place Rossetti) – A legendary gelateria in Old Nice with over 90 flavors, including unique options like olive, lavender, and rose.
Tips: Try a scoop of a classic flavor like pistachio alongside a more adventurous local flavor like lemon-basil.

6. Candied Fruits

What it is: Whole fruits or fruit peels preserved in sugar syrup, often including oranges, lemons, and cherries.
Cultural Significance: Candied fruits are a hallmark of Provençal confectionery and are often enjoyed during the holiday season or as part of the traditional 13 Desserts of Provence at Christmas.
Price Range: €5–€15 for a small selection.
Where to Find It:
- Confiserie Florian (14 Quai Papacino or Pont du Loup) – Specializes in candied fruits and other regional sweets.
Tips: Pair candied fruits with a glass of dessert wine for a luxurious treat.

7. Macarons

What it is: Delicate almond meringue cookies filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam.
Cultural Significance: While macarons are a staple of French patisserie nationwide, Nice offers unique flavors inspired by the region, such as lavender, rose, and citrus.
Price Range: €1.50–€3 per macaron.
Where to Find It:
- Pâtisserie Lac (18 Rue Barla or 12 Avenue Félix Faure) – Renowned for their creative and high-quality macarons.
Tips: Buy a small assortment to sample different flavors.

Local Customs and Tips for Enjoying Desserts in Nice

Timing: Desserts are typically enjoyed as part of a leisurely meal or as an afternoon treat. Many locals will have a dessert with their coffee after lunch or dinner.
Seasonality: Some desserts, like ganses, are seasonal and tied to specific festivals or holidays. If you’re visiting during Carnival or Christmas, be sure to try the seasonal specialties.
Markets: Visit the Cours Saleya Market in Old Nice for artisanal sweets, candied fruits, and other local treats. It’s a great place to sample and purchase desserts directly from local producers.
Gift Ideas: Many of the desserts and sweets mentioned, such as calissons, candied fruits, and macarons, make excellent gifts. Shops like Maison Auer and Confiserie Florian offer beautifully packaged options.
Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: If you have dietary restrictions, be sure to ask about ingredients, especially for desserts like tourte de blettes or ganses, which may contain nuts, dairy, or eggs.
Language Tip: While many shopkeepers and servers in Nice speak English, learning a few French phrases can enhance your experience. For example:
- "Je voudrais une part de tarte tropézienne, s'il vous plaît." (I would like a slice of tarte tropézienne, please.)
- "Quels sont vos parfums de glace?" (What are your ice cream flavors?)

Conclusion

Nice offers a delightful array of desserts and sweets that reflect its unique blend of French and Mediterranean influences. From the creamy tarte tropézienne to the surprising sweetness of tourte de blettes, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Be sure to explore the city’s patisseries, markets, and historic sweet shops to fully immerse yourself in the local dessert culture. Bon appétit!