Simply called “The Avenue” by locals, the Avenue Jean Medecin in Nice has a strong and popular reputation as the main shopping street of the city and a prominent attraction. The street itself is the main road artery through the centre of Nice, going from north to south and is lined with classic French boutiques, international chains and impressive department stores. It is a hub of French fashion culture and one of the core shopping districts of the country, in a beautifully located city and full of the best style and retail experience France has to offer.
Avenue Jean Medecin is the shopping paradise of Nice, a city renowned for its commercial opportunities, and visitors can find whatever they are looking to buy, ranging from clothes to food to artwork to antiques in the smaller, hidden shops. However, the main appeal of the street is its fashion retail possibilities and lovers of classic French style can find no better place to embrace the trends of France and try the best national brands. Shopping malls like the Centre Commercial Nice Etoile and department stores like the Galeries Lafayette offer more choice in terms of goods, selling fashion labels in addition to homeware, beauty products, electronic goods, and local culinary products. Along the avenue, shops can range from exclusive and expensive brands to well-known high street labels offering more affordable goods.
The nearest airport to the Avenue Jean Medecin is Nice Airport, which has links throughout France and Europe and connects directly to the city centre. Visitors can easily navigate Nice by public transport, using the bus or tram, or one way to reach the avenue is by bike, the perfect way to appreciate the beauty of the street. Taxis and VTCs are also available, but the Avenue itself it best travelled by foot.
The history of the Avenue Jean Medecin began in 1864, when the street was first laid out and constructed within the Saint-Michel Valley, starting at Place Massena, a historic square of Nice. Officials at the time were developing the city on the banks of the Paillon, the river of the city, and was originally named Avenue du Prince-Imperial in honour of Louis Napoleon. It had many other names over the years and slowly developed into the shopping centre of Nice, lined with wealthy hotels and boutiques.