With sales flourishing this month, rue Paradis is a haven for those in search of a cut-price Chanel or Armani. Nice Etoile shopping centre (Ave Jean Medecin) offers all the mainstream names or stay on the avenue for a myriad of shopping where you'll be hard put not to find a bargain.

At this time of year Place Massena hosts a charming Christmas fair. Chalets offer traditional handicrafts and gifts, including Provençal specialities such as honey, lavender and traditional Santons nativity figures. There's also a public skating rink and a big wheel, which gives a great panoramic view over the town and beyond. Equally in the port of Monaco the Christmas fair running from the 5th offers a countless choice of offerings.

Rue Ségurane (between Garibaldi and the port) is lined with extortionately priced antique shops, though the indoor antique and art market in the port is full of more affordable wares. Those with a sweet tooth won't be able to resist neighbouring Confiserie Florian, which sells delicious confit fruits and other local delicacies.

Stock up on gifts from the myriad boutique-crammed streets in the old town. Don't miss Le Frigo (3 Rue Benoît Bunico) offering vintage fashion and accessories, and Diagram (11 Cours Saleya) for ethnic jewellery and interior ideas from the Orient. For those in search of something a little more local, then the daily market in the Cours Saleya offers everything from honey, olive oil-based products and candied fruits.