As we began our morning stroll through Vieux Nice, we passed the Cafés “Indien” roaster, whose name intrigued us. Why not have a cup of coffee before we start our day of sightseeing? As we entered the store, we met passionate, eco-responsible roasters. For 3 generations and almost a century, they’ve been unearthing products from all over the world, ensuring quality artisanal roasting. Put it on your list if you’re passing through Nice!
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a great time!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit Cafés “Indien” in Nice?
Are Indian coffees worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, this roaster is definitely worth a visit. Right in the heart of Vieux Nice, in the narrow streets leading to the Tour Saint-François and the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, we’ve unearthed this address which is a little haven for lovers of hot drinks. Not particularly fond of coffee? We’re sure you’ll find what you’re looking for. This passionate specialist also offers exceptional teas, infusions and chocolates that you can taste on site.
This is one of the best activities in Nice!
What makes Cafés “Indien” famous?
The store owes much of its renown to its owner, Jean-François Torre. After exploring Africa and English-speaking countries, it was in the 2000s that he decided to immerse himself in learning the coffee trade with the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association), alongside the best French craftsmen. We’ve also learned that he took part in the French Roasting Championships, demonstrating his expertise. Since 2010, this family-run boutique, nestled in the heart of Vieux Nice, has gone from strength to strength, offering an ever-increasing variety of high-quality, ethical products.
Our favorite moments
During our visit, we particularly enjoyed tasting an Ethiopian coffee on the premises with a light froth, as well as an infusion of lime blossom, verbena and lychee, which we took to go. Our curiosity was rewarded with a small jar of tonka beans for infusion, courtesy of the team! You’ll also be able to smell the fragrances of different coffees right on the spot, a sensory experience that will delight coffee lovers and novices alike.
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
History in brief
The history of this emblematic site spans almost a century:
- 1925: creation of La Torréfaction de la Méditerranée et du Sud-Est, known as “Cafés L’Indien” in Nice.
- 1950s: change of ownership.
- 1975: Jean-François Torre’s grandfather acquires the establishment and renames it “Cafés Indien”.
- 1990: the parents of the current owner take over and introduce organic coffees.
- 2000s: Jean-François Torre trains with the best French craftsmen.
- Since 2010: constant development of the family-run boutique with a strong commitment to ethical products.
How to find us: “Indien” coffee roaster, Nice
Where is the Cafés “Indien” roaster?
- In Nice city center
- Rue Pairolière in Vieux Nice
- Near Saint-François Tower and Sainte-Réparate Cathedral
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.
How to get there?
There are several ways to reach this roaster, located in the heart of Vieux Nice. Tramway line 1 (Cathédrale Vieille-Ville stop) will drop you off just a few minutes’ walk away. You can also take bus routes 8, 11, 14, 52, 59, 70 (stop Cathédrale Vieille-Ville or JC Bermond). We found public transport access convenient, especially during the summer months when parking becomes a problem. From the stop, enjoy a short stroll through the picturesque streets of Vieux Nice.
Parking
The Cafés “Indien” roaster is located in the Old Nice district, where we found that most of the streets are pedestrianized. Please note that 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 5-minute walk from the store, with vehicle entrance at 18 Avenue Saint Jean-Baptiste.
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
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
For a pleasant visit, we advise you to avoid the summer period, as Nice is very busy. Spring and autumn offer slightly fewer visitors, making discovery more serene. In our opinion, winter remains the ideal season for your visit, especially if you don’t like crowds. You’ll enjoy a more pleasant stroll through Old Nice, with temperatures more bearable than in summer. During our winter stay, we particularly appreciated the ease of parking and getting around in pedestrian zones such as the Cours Saleya.
As a general rule, mornings and weekdays are best for your visit.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 20min to 30min if you want to take the time to choose your products on the spot and your hot drink. Curious about their products? Take the time to chat with their team at the counter, they’ll be delighted to answer your questions. During our visit, we were won over by their warm welcome and invaluable advice.
This roaster is located in Old Nice, with its narrow, sometimes steep streets. We recommend that you wear good shoes for your comfort. Please note that the store does not take reservations and accepts credit cards and cash as means of payment.
Advice on how to visit
There’s no set way of visiting this place. You’ll be free to discover the different products on offer according to your desires and curiosity.
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Visiting with children
The store offers a variety of herbal teas, vervains and chocolates to please the youngest customers. They can also enjoy smelling the fragrances of the different products on offer.
Schedules and rates
The Cafés Indien roaster is open daily from 9.30am to 12pm, closed on Sundays and Mondays. Access to the boutique is free, with a charge for drinks only. More information on the official website here.
Guided tours
There are no formal guided tours, but the team are always ready to share their passion and knowledge of the products on offer.
Catering
If you’d like to extend your culinary experience after your visit to Cafés “Indien”, there are several options nearby. We tried out several restaurants in the area within walking distance, all among our favorite addresses in Nice:
- Restaurant La Storia on Cours Saleya (specialties from Nice)
- Restaurant Le Maquis (unusual setting and Corsican products)
- Le Panier restaurant (bistronomic)
A sensory stopover between world coffees and artisan know-how
As soon as we entered the boutique, we were immediately taken aback by the warm atmosphere. The decor, both authentic and welcoming, showcases the wide range of products on offer. The scent of freshly roasted coffee enveloped us instantly, creating an atmosphere conducive to discovery and tasting. You’ll notice the special attention paid to every detail, from the displays to the meticulous packaging to the attractive coffee machines and vintage coffee makers on show.
The team welcomes you with a rare kindness, taking the time to talk about their products and their passion. This personalized approach will transform your simple visit into a sensory experience. We liked the way the space, though compact, is optimized to offer a complete overview of the treasures it contains.
The products on offer bear witness to a rigorous and passionate selection process. You’ll discover an impressive range of original coffees from Ethiopia, Colombia and other prestigious terroirs. Each variety has its own specific characteristics. In addition to coffee, the boutique also offers a rich assortment of teas, infusions and artisan chocolates. Coffee and tea accessories round off the range, allowing you to extend the enjoyment of coffee and tea at home. The diversity and consistent quality of all the products on offer really surprised us!
The art of ethical and passionate coffee in Nice
The story of this roaster so intrigued us that we sat down for a tasting after a quick tour of his store. For 3 generations, its historic location in Vieux Nice has made it a privileged witness to the evolution of tastes and practices around coffee. You’re probably wondering, as we are, where this name comes from? “Cafés Indien” evokes the spirit of adventure and the discovery of flavors from elsewhere, a promise that the boutique fully honors. You’ll feel this international dimension as soon as you cross the threshold. Our commitment to craftsmanship is one of the pillars of our business. Slow, controlled roasting guarantees full-bodied aromas and consistent quality. We were able to observe the rigor with which the grains are selected, testifying to a know-how honed over decades.
We were also impressed by the company’s eco-responsible approach to sourcing, which respects both producers and the environment. By favouring fair trade and limiting the number of intermediaries, Cafés “Indien” seeks to be part of a sustainable and conscious approach, and to pass this on to its customers. You’ll appreciate this transparency, which adds an extra dimension to the pleasure of tasting. Transmission and passion are the real soul of this place. We were touched by their generosity in sharing the knowledge and gestures that make the difference between an ordinary coffee and a memorable experience. A great place to share the culture and passion of coffee!
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Frequently asked questions
Can we eat on site?
Yes, you’ll find a few indoor and outdoor tables where you can enjoy a drink and a sweet treat. We were delighted to be able to sit back and enjoy our freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO provence
Our articles are coming!
- Most beautiful cities in Provence (coming soon)
- Most beautiful beaches of Provence (coming soon)
- Most beautiful villages of Provence (to come)
- Most beautiful destinations in Provence (coming soon)
