Top 5 of France's most beautiful markets
At the hour when everyone is still asleep, at the moment the Sun rises, stalls are set up across France and prepare before welcoming the crowd that has come to the market. And what could be more pleasant for locals and visitors alike than to wander through the unique atmosphere that reigns there? Whether you live in the south of France or are passing through Brittany, France abounds with markets filled with intoxicating smells, offering the chance to discover local produce from the region. Here is an overview of some of the most beautiful markets in France.
At the hour when everyone is still asleep, at the moment the Sun rises, stalls are set up across France and prepare before welcoming the crowd that has come to the market. And what could be more pleasant for locals and visitors alike than to wander through the unique atmosphere that reigns there? Whether you live in the south of France or are passing through Brittany, France abounds with markets filled with intoxicating smells, offering the chance to discover local produce from the region. Here is an overview of some of the most beautiful markets in France.
The Touquet market (Nord-Pas-de-Calais)
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is a seaside resort known to most people from the north of France, due to the major events it hosts such as the Enduropale (the largest endurance motorcycle sand race in Europe), international horse jumping events, and its market, renowned for the quality and variety of its products, both food and clothing. Traders meet there two to three times a week in joy and good humour, offering a wide variety of regional products. The covered part of the market, easily recognisable by its atypical frame, was listed as a historic monument in 1966. It houses perishable goods as well as flowers. The Touquet is also highly appreciated in the region thanks to the many activities on offer: horse riding (from beginner to experienced rider), tennis courts, golf, cycling, walks in the dunes or forest, etc.
The Dinard market (Brittany)
Located on the Emerald Coast, at the mouth of the Rance Bay opposite Saint-Malo, the town of Dinard brings together nearly 300 traders three times a week on the esplanade of the Halle. You will find all the typical Breton products: wheat or buckwheat galettes, churned butter, excellent seafood, the famous bowls in the style of the Pornic pottery, etc. Sausage galettes are particularly popular along with the good humour of the traders; many do not hesitate to say that it is one of the most beautiful markets in the region. Very well located, the market is close to the beach at the end of which you can take the walk known as “au clair de moon”, which is even more beautiful at night. The water taxis (Captain Taxi) moored on the promenade make it very easy to get to Saint-Malo (you should allow for €10 per adult for the return journey). Finally, it is worth knowing that Dinard is the birthplace of the Divine perfume brand, which has developed in several French cities and abroad, with word-of-mouth as its only advertising, making it a rather unique product!
The Brive-La-Gaillarde market (Limousin)
Under the hall created in tribute to George Brassens, the Brive-La-Gaillarde market begins and extends outside; the best restaurants in Brive source their supplies there and all visitors agree on the quality of the products, the atmosphere and the authenticity of the market. The town is rich in its market with its bright colours but also in its historic centre, a few minutes’ walk away. You will find the Denoix distillery, which is worth a visit, as well as the Labenche Museum of Art and History. Also worth seeing in the area are the Saint Antoine caves, ideal for recharging and relaxing after a long day. Also worth seeing are the Aubazines Abbey and the Lac du Causse or du Chasteaux.
The Annecy market (Haute-Savoie)
Sometimes called the “Venice of the Alps”, because of its three canals and the Thiou river that cross the Vieille Ville, Annecy, the largest town in the region, does not lack character! The market that takes place in the Vieil Annecy is one of the activities not to be missed. You will find food products there four times a week, typically Savoyard, and on Fridays and Sundays, various products are available, including books. The medieval setting of the Vieil Annecy contributes as much as its central location to the popularity of the market; it is very pleasant to extend the walk to the lake via the Paquier, the gardens of Europe and the pont des Amours. The first Saturday in August, the Lake Festival takes place, one of the largest shows in Europe, combining music and pyrotechnics, which can be watched from the surrounding mountains, boats and vantage points.
The Saint-Rémy-de-Provence market (Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’azur)
The archetype of a Provençal market, the Saint-Rémy market is undoubtedly the most beautiful in the region; the local products are of good quality and inexpensive. Walking there is a delight for the eyes as much as for the taste buds; the market is designed so that the visit is efficient: the central square is devoted to clothing and local crafts, and the food stalls are grouped together in the small streets. Small groups perform regularly on the market and the visit can be ended at the Van Gogh Museum (the famous painter stayed there and produced many works that are now among his greatest masterpieces) or at the Glanum archaeological site which bears witness to life in Roman times.
There you have it, enough to enjoy the flavours of summer near your holiday destination! However, if you want to avoid the crowds it is better to arrive early in the morning! This is all the more true for those coming by car!
The exact market opening times:
