Old Nice, the capital of ice cream
Most of the best ice-cream shops are in Old Nice, around Place Rossetti and Sainte-Réparate cathedral. In summer the queues grow in the evening: come in the late afternoon, on your way back from the beach.
Fenocchio
Nice's institution, on Place Rossetti since 1966, with a second shop on Rue de la Poissonnerie. More than 90 flavours, some of them surprising: lavender, thyme, tomato-basil, beer, cactus. A must at least once.
Néron
On Place Saint-François, run by a pastry chef trained in major Paris houses. Tahitian vanilla, Michel Cluizel chocolate, Piedmont hazelnut and home-made cones.
Azzurro
On Rue Sainte-Réparate, a family of ice-cream makers from Savoie, in Nice since 1996. Indulgent flavours such as crème brûlée or lemon tart, and home-made cones.
Meraviglia Siciliana
On Rue Pairolière, at the northern entrance to Old Nice. Sicilian-style ice cream and granita, brioche and cannoli, with several vegan options.
In the city centre
Arlequin & César
On Avenue Jean-Médecin and Avenue Malaussena. A master ice-cream maker with unexpected flavours (baobab, saffron-rose water) and stevia-sweetened sorbets.
Gelateria Garibaldi
On Avenue de la République, near Place Garibaldi. About twenty classic Italian flavours, with pistachio and hazelnut in the spotlight, plus granitas and milkshakes.
Peccati di Gola
On Boulevard Gambetta, in the Musiciens district. A Turin-born artisan known for his Cuban coffee flavour and chocolate. No seating.
Our tips
- Taste before you choose: most shops offer a small tasting spoon.
- The sorbets are often the best surprise, especially citrus.
- Opening hours: many shops close or cut their hours in winter. Check before you go.
Where to stay near the ice-cream shops
Hôtel Villa La Tour
A few steps from Place Rossetti and its ice-cream shops.
Hôtel La Pérouse
Between the sea and Old Nice: beach in the morning, ice cream in the afternoon.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best ice-cream shop in Nice?
Fenocchio is the best known and the oldest, in Old Nice since 1966, with more than 90 flavours. But the city has several excellent artisans, each with its own style: Italian, Sicilian or pastry-chef.
Which unusual flavours should you try in Nice?
Fenocchio is famous for unexpected flavours: lavender, thyme, tomato-basil, beer or cactus. Sorbets made with local citrus are also a safe bet.
Is there vegan ice cream in Nice?
Yes. Fruit sorbets are usually dairy-free, and some addresses, such as Meraviglia Siciliana, offer vegan options. Ask on site, as recipes change with the seasons.
