Sommaire / Summary
The Gare du Sud, located in Nice's Libération district, is a former railway station that has been transformed into a gourmet, fun-filled market hall. Its forecourt is home to one of Nice's largest fruit, vegetable, meat and fish market.
The Gare du Sud
The Gare du Sud is home to a gourmet hall, i.e. numerous bars and restaurants. A large screen projects major soccer matches.
The Raoul Mille municipal library (1500m²) welcomes readers (registered or not), for reading or multimedia activities, for children and adults. Free admission.
The former railway station has been transformed from a utilitarian building into a popular leisure facility.
An outdoor merry-go-round keeps the youngsters entertained.
History of the Gare du Sud
This old station (1892) had metric gauge rails, i.e. 1 m, as was the case in the past. It was used by the Chemin de fer de Provence (hence its name). Its pediment still bears the inscription: Chemin de fer du sud de la France.
It boasts beautiful architecture.
Around it, food and other shops have sprung up, as well as a large cinema.
Passenger reception and facade
The very high central body overlooks two lower pavilions, which rise on the sides. The ashlar facades, enhanced with small ceramics, are slightly elevated, due to the relief of the land.
Docks and tracks
The inner part, covering the platforms and tracks, is a metal construction, an immense glass roof 23m wide, 87m long, 18m high.
Originally, this hall was used for the Paris Universal Exhibition (1889). It was dismantled and rebuilt for this southern station in 1889.
End of Gare du Sud
The station was gradually abandoned by the mainline railroads, and eventually closed completely in 1991.
In 2000, the commune became the owner and opened a media library, still in operation. The remainder of the glass roof was converted into a gourmet market. And more recently (2024), into board game and multimedia rooms.
Practical information
Gare du Sud
35 Avenue Malaussena, 06000 Nice
Served by bus and tramway, line 1, Gare du Sud stop
Open daily, 8am to 11pm.
Informations Côte d'Azur
Jean-Marc Foulquier