We were only in Nice for a couple of nights yet I had several things on my 'to- do-eat' list. High on the list was the Cours Saleya Market in the heart of Old Town. Hence, this popular meeting place and open-air market sells fresh flowers, outstanding produce, artisan products and live poultry sourced directly from neighboring farms.

I'm sure there were lots of lovely fresh flowers at this world famous market, but I was there for different reasons. I was on a mission for the perfect croissant to go with my café au lait. You'll be pleased to know that not only did I find the perfect croissant, but I also managed to find an abundance of cheese, freshly baked bread, locally cured olives, forest mushrooms, fruit confits and marzipan and a whole host of other utterly divine edible treats.

And may I just take a moment to curse the unbelievably stringent customs laws here in Australia! If it weren't for their incredible rules and regulations I would have brought back a suitcase jammed packed with olive oils, exotic spices, Herbes de Provence, Moroccan Roses and a tonne of lavender sugar. Oh and a rather nice stainless steal olive oil decanter, which has nothing to do with strict custom laws, but more to do with a lack of space in my already bulging suitcase. Hence why is it still in France - sob!



After all the colourful purveyors have packed away their delightful stalls, the entire market is then hosed down. Then all the charming little cafes, restaurants and bistros that flank both sides of the market, hastily expand their seating into the abandoned market area.

In the evenings the bistros and restaurants in this area are often fully booked with both tourists and locals alike, so it can be quite difficult trying to secure a table. To avoid disappointment I would suggest that you make your dinner arrangements earlier on in the day.