Fanfan & Loulou a Natural Wine Refuge in Nice’s Quartier du Port

May 27

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Located in the Port neighbourhood, just around the corner from Nice’s oldest and arguably finest socca restaurant, Chez Pipo, Fanfan & Loulou is an independent natural wine bar and shop that quickly became our favourite in the city. Of the six wine bars we visited during our last stay, this was the one we returned to, including on our final day, when we stopped in to assemble a small care package to take home.

With a modest façade and three little tables outside on the pavement, it would be easy to dismiss it from a distance. Once you step inside, however, you are immediately swept into the groove: retro-funky 70s wallpaper, disco balls, Eero Sarinen tulip chairs, and more curved mid-century modern touches, all held together by good music, warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere.

Behind it all are the Parisian duo Fanny Vedreine and Louis Girodet. After relocating to Nice in 2019, they started a natural wine delivery service by bicycle, no less, bringing carefully chosen bottles straight to people’s doors. By October 2022, they opened Fanfan & Loulou, whose laid-back vibe attracts locals and visitors alike.

What sets Fanfan & Loulou apart is the expertly curated, uncompromising wine list, focusing on natural wines from small, passionate producers, each with its own story. If you are feeling peckish, you can indulge in delicious tapas. Bottles can be bought to take away or opened on site for a small corkage fee.

We only met Louis. He was warm and uncannily good at reading what we wanted to drink. They also have a very cute dog that usually hides on the mezzanine.

Tip: stop by Chez Pipo for socca beforehand, then come here and settle in properly with a glass of something surprising.