Maison Auer

Maison Auer is one of the oldest food businesses in Nice. Founded in 1820, it stands on Rue Saint-François de Paule, almost opposite the Opéra and a few steps from the Cours Saleya, and it is still run by the Dolfi family, who have passed it down through the generations and keep all production in-house.

The shop is reason enough to visit. Its rococo-style interior gives the feel of a confectioner's from another century, and the tourism office describes it as a sweet shop with the air of an institution. Browsing the displays is as much a part of the experience as the sweets themselves.

The house speciality is candied fruit, a long tradition on the Riviera, and a box of it makes an elegant gift. The shop also makes chocolate bonbons, including ganaches and pralines, princesse almonds, and seasonal specialities such as large chocolate animals at Easter and praline papillotes, sweets wrapped in paper, at Christmas.

Today the house also sells chocolate bars, spreads, fruit pastes and marshmallows, and products can be ordered online for collection in the shop within 24 hours, which is handy if you want to pick up gifts on your last day.

This is a shop rather than a café, so there is no seating; come to browse and buy rather than to sit down with a coffee. Prices reflect the craftsmanship, but small bags and boxes make affordable souvenirs. The tourism office lists opening hours of 09:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Saturday, with the shop closed on Sundays, though it flags that hours may change, so check before you go, especially around holidays. Cards, including American Express, are accepted, English is spoken and pets are welcome.

It suits anyone looking for a quality edible souvenir, food lovers interested in Niçois traditions and visitors who enjoy historic shopfronts. A visit takes ten to twenty minutes.

Combine it with an evening at the Opéra next door, a stroll through the Cours Saleya market or a walk along the seafront, which is just behind the shop. Other old-established confectioners are also found in Nice, including Confiserie Florian at the port, if you want to compare styles.