Stroll through the narrow streets of Vieux Nice and be charmed by local artisans such as the brightly lit Épicerie fine Le Chef Citron. A detour to this pretty boutique in the old town was a real treat for our taste buds! The Provençal terroir in the spotlight, revisited by the chef in homemade jars made entirely from fresh produce. To sample the delicious flavors of the Mediterranean or do some shopping, head to Rue Pairolière in the Côte d’Azur capital.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Épicerine fine Le Chef Citron in Nice.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to Le Chef Citron worthwhile?
Yes, if you’re strolling through the historic district of Vieux Nice, this delicatessen is well worth a visit. You’ll see a variety of homemade jars that revisit Provençal flavors with brio and originality. The name of this small artisan grocery store comes from the region’s famous lemons, Nice and Menton being particularly renowned for their citrus fruit.
It’s a gourmet activity that we’ve listed in our ideas of things to do in Nice.
What you can see
A bright and colorful jar boutique
Treat your taste buds to products from Provence, that’s the promise of the charming Épicerie fine Le Chef Citron in Vieux Nice. After walking past its illuminated storefront on rue Pairolière several times, we finally stopped in and weren’t disappointed! For us, culinary discovery is an integral part of travel, and we attach great importance to eating well on a trip, and especially to tasting specialities. What could be better than fresh, homemade products from local producers, preserved in pretty glass jars?
Nice macaroons
Do you know Nice macaroons? This regional cookie from the PACA region will surprise you with its creamy texture and its assembly of 2 cookies separated by icing. Did you know that the macaroon originated in Italy in the Middle Ages? Another Italian heritage of the Côte d’Azur capital, the Nice macaroon is a tribute to the sweetness of the Botte. Taste this almond cookie combined with Provencal flavors such as violet, anise and citrus.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
The must-have Daube niçoise sauce
How can you pass through Nice without trying the famous daube niçoise? Our taste buds were tantalized by this local recipe for beef with onions, carrots and tomatoes. Enhanced with Provençal herbs such as rosemary and bay leaf, daube niçoise can also be cooked with a touch of red wine and brandy. And don’t forget the region’s top-quality olive oil.
Traditional soups and sauces revisited
We loved the variety of jars on offer in the store, different sizes and textures beyond choice ingredients and taste. You can also choose between soups and sauces.
Some sauces are truly the chef’s specialties! We were intrigued by the burrata basil sauce and the parmesan sauce with truffle. Yummy!
Local produce from Provence
In addition to homemade jars, the delicatessen offers local products from local producers, such as olive oil and a wide range of tapenades.
If, like us, you love good food, let yourself be tempted by our jars of Mediterranean cuisine. From lemon and olive chicken to lamb tagine, it’s a real taste journey for your taste buds!
Other delicacies… sweet or savoury!
Other sweets in jars await you on the central wooden display. Beef bourguignon, blanquette de veau and caramel pork all caught our eye! French cuisine classics revisited by the chef are sure to liven up your dishes.
WHERE TO STAY IN Nice
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
On the waterfront, with sea view:
Anantara Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
In the new town, close to the sea:
Hotel Apollinaire, elegant and bright – See prices, photos and availability
In the old town, with all the charm:
AparthotelAMMI Vieux Nice very practical and pleasant – see prices, photos and availability
Le Chef Citron delicatessen in Nice: how to find us
Where is the store?
- In Nice
- From Nice-City station = 10 minutes by car and 30 minutes on foot
- In the Old Nice district near the Tour Saint-François
Access by car and parking
Épicerie fine Le Chef Citron is located in the Old Nice district, where most streets are pedestrianized. Access by car is reserved for local residents.
If you’re driving, we recommend parking at the Parking des Arts near the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain de Nice (MAMAC). It’s a 10-minute walk from the store, with vehicle entrance at 18 Avenue Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
Public transport access
- Tramway: line 1 (Cathédrale Vieille-Ville stop)
- Bus: lines 8, 11, 14, 52, 59, 70 (stop Cathédrale Vieille-Ville or JC Bermond)
Visiting difficulties
No particular difficulties, the ground is flat. There’s just one step up to the store. On the other hand, some of Nice’s narrow streets are cobbled and steep. Take good shoes if you’re going to be walking around for a long time.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Great kayak trips in:
Saint-Tropez to the Ramatuelle reserve
Cassis to the calanques - Helicopter flight from Cannes
- Shuttle service along the coast between Nice and Saint-Tropez
- Bike tours: eBike in Nice – Mountain biking in the Esterel massif
Visit Le Chef Citron delicatessen: useful tips
Schedules and prices
The store is now open:
- Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Admission is free at these times
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
Allow 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of jars you choose.
Best moment
The store is open all year round. The best time to visit is when the store opens in the morning, when you’ll have more time to choose your jars. Whatever the season, we’re always delighted to be able to enjoy refined dishes that add color, originality and sunny vegetables to our meals, even in winter!
Direction of visit
There’s no particular way to visit, so you can easily walk around the store.
Eating out
You won’t be able to eat or taste on site. As you’re right in the center of Nice, discover our selection of the city’s best restaurants.
Hotels
You’re right in the center of Nice. See our article on the best hotels.
For a stay in a luxury setting, you can also consult our articles on:
- the best 5-star hotels in Nice
- the best hotels on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice
DISCOVER Nice
- Best things to do in Nice
- Where to stay in Nice: 15 best hotels
- Where to eat in Nice: 20 best restaurants
- The 12 best museums in Nice
- Best beaches
- Visit the Palais Lascaris
- Visit the MAMAC Museum
- Visit the Museum of Photography
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days – 5 days – 7 days
- Rent a car in Nice (airport or train station)
- Most beautiful villages around Nice
