Nice

Why it matters: this English-language bookstore and coffeeshop is owned and run by a mother-and-daughter duo of avid readers, and it has quickly become the community living room of the Garibaldi quarter. The shelves are an inclusive, well-curated sweep of genres, the pastries are baked in-house, and a no-laptop policy keeps the room for books and conversation. Grab a coffee, ask either owner for a recommendation, and check the kids’ corner if you’re traveling with little readers. Closed Sunday and Monday; Saturdays wrap up at 4pm.

Why it matters: this volunteer-run boutique is the Nice outpost of Artisans du Monde, France’s pioneering fair-trade network, selling crafts and groceries from producer cooperatives paid a fair price. The shelves mix handmade jewelry, textiles and ceramics with single-origin coffee, chocolate and spices – all traceable to partner organizations, and the volunteers will happily tell you each product’s story. Stock up on edible souvenirs here instead of the tourist strips; it’s an easy walk from the Libération market. Note the hours: Monday afternoons only, Tuesday to Saturday all day.